Disney closed its merger of Hulu + Live TV with Fubo on October 29, 2025. The deal creates a streaming powerhouse with nearly 6 million subscribers. This second-largest live TV provider trails only YouTube TV. The new company will cost subscribers up to $89.99/month.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- 6 million subscribers combined, making it sixth largest US Pay TV company
- 70% Disney ownership, 30% existing Fubo shareholders own stake
- Over 55,000 live sporting events available on merged platform
- Both Fubo and Hulu + Live TV remain separate apps and tiers
- Pricing starts at $89.99/month for Hulu + Live TV ad-supported base plan
What Happened: The Historic Streaming Merger Closes
Disney and Fubo officially completed their groundbreaking merger on October 29, 2025. The companies announced the transaction closure through official press releases. This marks the largest consolidation in live TV streaming yet.
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The combined entity becomes the sixth largest pay TV provider in America. It controls nearly 6 million subscribers across both platforms. Disney holds 70 percent ownership of the merged company. Existing Fubo shareholders retain approximately 30 percent of the new business.
“Since Fubo’s founding a decade ago, our vision has always been to build a consumer-first streaming platform defined by innovation and value. Together with Disney, we’re creating a more flexible streaming ecosystem that gives consumers greater choice, while driving profitability and sustainable growth.”
David Gandler, Fubo’s co-founder and CEO, will lead operations. Andy Bird, a veteran media executive, chairs the board. The transaction received approval from the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division last month.
Why This Matters: The Live TV Streaming Wars Heat Up
This merger reshapes the live TV streaming landscape dramatically. Fubo and Hulu + Live TV were fierce competitors just months ago. Now they unite under Disney’s massive media umbrella. The deal signals consolidation is the industry’s future.
For consumers, this means choice at different price points. Hulu + Live TV emphasizes entertainment and bundles. Fubo focuses on sports with 55,000+ live annual events. Both apps remain separate, giving viewers flexibility. Pricing ranges from “skinny” to premium packages at various costs.
The merger also delivers strategic advantages to Disney. It ends Fubo’s antitrust lawsuit against the proposed Venu Sports joint venture. That deal collapsed earlier in 2025 anyway. The combined entity gains negotiating power with content providers.
Only YouTube TV now rivals this new giant in live streaming. YouTube TV has over 10 million subscribers. The battle for live TV dominance intensifies as cord-cutting accelerates.
The Details: Structure, Pricing, and Programming
Both streaming services maintain separate identities post-merger. Hulu + Live TV continues in the Hulu app with entertainment focus. Fubo keeps its dedicated app for sports enthusiasts. Consumers choose which platform suits them best.
| Service Feature | Details |
| Combined Subscribers | Nearly 6 million in North America |
| Rank in US Pay TV | Sixth largest provider overall |
| Live Sports Events | Over 55,000 annually available |
| Hulu + Live TV Base Price | $89.99/month (ad-supported) |
| Disney Ownership Stake | 70 percent of merged entity |
| Capital Commitment | $145 million term loan from Disney in 2026 |
The companies expect significant synergies from this combination. Cost savings emerge through flexible programming packaging. Advertising optimization and sales opportunities multiply. The merger leverages both platforms’ strengths.
Hulu + Live TV bundles with Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN Unlimited. This entertainment package appeals to general audiences. Fubo targets sports-obsessed viewers with unmatched live event coverage. Both strategies coexist peacefully now.
What To Watch For: Key Developments Ahead
- Will YouTube TV lose its pricing power advantage against this combined competitor?
- How quickly will the two platforms achieve promised cost and revenue synergies?
- Can Fubo and Hulu + Live TV genuinely remain separate, or does full integration eventually happen?
- What content deals will the mega-entity negotiate at better terms?
- How do pricing and bundle strategies evolve in 2026 and beyond?
Industry watchers predict consolidation will continue across streaming. The merger sets a precedent for combining competitors. Virtual pay-TV providers face pressure to scale up rapidly. Smaller players may struggle to compete alone.
Will Disney’s Streaming Giant Dominate Live TV Entertainment?
The Fubo-Hulu + Live TV combination represents streaming’s maturation toward consolidation. Gone are days of unlimited competitors. Scale and content power now determine winners. Disney has reinforced its position as entertainment’s dominant force.
For cord-cutters evaluating live TV options, the landscape just simplified. Choose between this massive merged entity or YouTube TV. Other services like Sling TV and Philo cater to niche audiences. The duopoly solidifies.
The real question: can two services truly operate independently under one parent company? History suggests gradual integration typically follows such deals. Consumer choice might expand initially, then narrow over time. What developments in the streaming wars will surprise you next?
Sources
- FuboTV Official Investor Relations – Official merger closing announcement and financial details
- Variety – Entertainment industry coverage and leadership quotes from executives
- The Hollywood Reporter – Business analysis of combined company structure and subscriber numbers
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Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.