Disney Acquires 70% Stake in Fubo Merger

Disney has announced a merger of its Hulu + Live TV service with FuboTV, acquiring a 70% majority stake in the new joint venture while settling Fubo's lawsuit against Venu Sports, a sports streaming service backed by Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery. This merger will create the second-largest internet-based pay-TV provider in North America with 6.2 million subscribers, trailing only YouTube TV. Both Hulu + Live TV and Fubo will continue as separate offerings, with Fubo focusing on sports content and Disney providing additional resources and carriage agreements to enhance the service. The merger resolves antitrust litigation that Fubo filed, claiming that Venu's launch would reduce competition and inflate prices. As part of the settlement, Disney and its partners will pay Fubo $220 million, and Disney will provide a $145 million term loan to Fubo. The merger is expected to close within the next 12 to 18 months, pending regulatory approval, with potential impacts on the streaming industry and consumer options.