Disney finalizes merger of Fubo with Hulu Live TV to create new streaming giant

Disney's finalized merger of Fubo with Hulu Live TV sparked mixed market reactions, with Fubo's stock (NYSE: FUBO) showing a modest 3.2% gain in early trading following the confirmation of shareholder approval on September 30, 2025. Investors appear cautiously optimistic as Disney will hold a 70% stake in the combined entity, positioning it as the second-largest virtual pay-TV provider with nearly six million subscribers, trailing only YouTube TV[1][2]. David Gandler, Fubo's CEO, thanked shareholders for their support, emphasizing a step closer to enhancing consumer choice despite pending regulatory hurdles[1].

Disney has finalized its merger of Hulu + Live TV with FuboTV, creating a combined streaming entity with **6.2 million subscribers and an estimated $6 billion in revenue**, positioning it as the second-largest virtual multichannel video programming distributor (vMVPD) in North America behind YouTube TV, which has 8 million subscribers[2][5][6]. Disney holds a **70% controlling stake** and appoints the majority of the board, while Fubo CEO David Gandler will lead operations and maintain separate offerings for Fubo and Hulu Live TV, focusing respectively on sports/news and entertainment cable replacement[2][4][5]. Technically, the merger resolves ongoing litigation around Disney’s planned sports service Venu by a

In a significant development, the merger of Disney's Hulu Live TV with FuboTV has been approved by shareholders, paving the way for a new streaming giant. This move is expected to have a profound global impact, as the combined entity will boast a substantial subscriber base of 6.2 million, positioning it as a formidable competitor in the streaming market, particularly against YouTube TV's 8 million subscribers. As industry strategist Brandon Katz notes, "Sub-scale offerings will need the safety nets of larger corporations," highlighting the trend of consolidation in the streaming sector[1][2][5].

**Breaking News Update**: FuboTV shareholders have approved the merger with Disney's Hulu + Live TV, marking a significant step towards creating a new streaming giant. The deal, announced in January 2025 and approved on September 30, 2025, will see Disney hold approximately 70% ownership of the combined entity, with Fubo's management continuing to lead both platforms. As part of the agreement, Fubo will receive a $220 million cash payment and a $145 million term loan from Disney, enhancing its financial position and sports content offerings[1][2][3].

Disney has finalized its merger of FuboTV with Hulu + Live TV, creating a combined streaming entity with 6.2 million subscribers that positions itself as the second-largest virtual multichannel video programming distributor (vMVPD) behind YouTube TV, which holds 8 million subscribers[2][3][4]. Disney will control approximately 70% ownership of the new company, with Fubo’s management, led by CEO David Gandler, continuing to operate both platforms distinctly, aiming to offer consumers a broader range of programming and enhanced flexibility[1][2]. This consolidation notably strengthens Disney's competitive stance in live TV streaming, intensifying pressure on market leader YouTube TV and reflecting broader industry trends toward mergers to combat subscription fatigue and market saturatio

Disney’s merger of Fubo with Hulu + Live TV, finalized after Fubo shareholders approved the deal on September 30, 2025, is set to create North America’s second-largest digital pay-TV provider—surpassing 6.2 million subscribers and $6 billion in annual revenue—while both services will remain distinct for consumers[3][2]. Early consumer reaction is mixed, with some praising expanded choice and lower prices, but others expressing concern over Disney’s 70% control and potential reduced competition in the streaming market[1][2]. “This combination enables us to deliver on our promise to provide consumers with greater choice and flexibility,” said Fubo CEO David Gandler, though the merger still awaits final

Disney's merger of Fubo with Hulu + Live TV creates a new streaming powerhouse with 6.2 million combined North American subscribers, positioning the entity as the second largest virtual multichannel video programming distributor (vMVPD) behind YouTube TV, which has 8 million subs[1][2]. Industry experts highlight that the deal, in which Disney holds a 70% stake and Fubo 30%, provides significant operational synergies and enhances consumer choice through broader, flexible programming packages, while maintaining separate brand offerings[4][6][8]. David Gandler, Fubo's CEO, emphasized the merger's role in delivering "greater choice and flexibility" to consumers, and analysts note that Disney’s strategic investment, including a $22

**Breaking News Update (October 29, 2025):** Disney has finalized its merger of Hulu + Live TV with Fubo, creating a new streaming giant in the virtual multichannel video provider (vMVPD) space. This move positions the combined entity as the second-largest digital pay-TV provider, boasting 6.2 million subscribers, significantly challenging YouTube TV's market lead of 8 million subscribers[2][4][5]. With Disney holding a 70% stake, the merged company is poised to leverage synergies and competitive pricing to further disrupt the streaming landscape[3][5].

**Breaking News Update**: The Disney-Fubo merger, combining Hulu + Live TV with Fubo, has been finalized following approval from the Department of Justice. Despite initial concerns and a DOJ investigation launched in April, the regulatory green light was granted amid a government shutdown, which had furloughed many Antitrust Division staff members. The approval was announced as the pause triggered by the investigation was set to expire, allowing the merger to proceed and create the second-largest digital pay-TV provider in North America[1][5].

As Disney finalizes its merger with Fubo and Hulu Live TV, consumer reaction has been mixed, with some users expressing excitement about enhanced content offerings and others voicing concerns over potential price hikes. David Gandler, Fubo's CEO, stated, "This combination will allow both Hulu + Live TV and Fubo to enhance and expand their virtual MVPD offerings," offering consumers more choice and flexibility[4]. With a combined 6.2 million subscribers, the new entity is now the second-largest virtual pay-TV provider in the U.S., trailing only YouTube TV[6].

Disney has finalized its merger of Hulu + Live TV with Fubo, creating the second-largest digital pay-TV streaming service in North America with 6.2 million subscribers, trailing only YouTube TV’s 8 million users[2][4]. Disney holds a 70% majority stake in the combined entity, which will be led by Fubo CEO David Gandler and is expected to generate around $6 billion in annual revenue[6][7]. This merger resolves prior litigation related to the Venu Sports streaming service and strategically positions Disney to better compete against YouTube TV by offering a broader, more integrated live TV and sports streaming platform[4][6].

Disney’s finalization of the merger between FuboTV and Hulu + Live TV triggered a modest positive market reaction, with Fubo’s shares rising slightly to $3.95 in mid-day trading on Wednesday, October 29, 2025[1]. The combined entity, now the sixth-largest pay-TV provider with nearly 6 million subscribers, positions itself as a stronger competitor to leaders like YouTube TV[2]. Disney’s 70% stake and a committed $145 million term loan signal confidence in the new streaming giant’s growth prospects, boosting investor sentiment[1][3].

Disney has finalized its merger of Hulu + Live TV with Fubo, creating a new streaming giant with a combined subscriber base of 6.2 million, positioning it as the second-largest digital pay-TV provider behind YouTube TV's 8 million subscribers. Disney holds a 70% majority stake in the new entity, which will be led by Fubo CEO David Gandler, allowing the combined service to compete more aggressively in the crowded virtual multichannel video provider (vMVPD) market. This consolidation aims to offer consumers greater choice and flexibility while reshaping the competitive landscape amid increasing subscription fatigue and rising churn in the streaming industry[1][2][4][6].

Disney’s merger of Hulu Live TV with Fubo has cleared regulatory scrutiny, with the U.S. Justice Department’s Antitrust Division approving the deal despite concerns over market consolidation[1][9]. The merger, which creates the sixth-largest pay-TV provider in America with nearly 6 million subscribers, underwent months of regulatory review before receiving the green light, signifying government confidence that the combined entity would not unduly reduce competition in the streaming market[1]. The deal also involved settlement of an antitrust lawsuit by Fubo against Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery, with $220 million paid to Fubo as part of the agreement[4].

Disney’s blockbuster merger with Fubo, officially combining Hulu Live TV and Fubo’s sports platform, has now closed after passing months of regulatory scrutiny—including a key Justice Department Antitrust Division review that cleared the deal despite concerns over market consolidation in the already concentrated streaming sector[1]. The newly formed entity becomes the sixth-largest pay TV provider in the U.S., with nearly 6 million subscribers and a combined offering of over 55,000 live sporting events annually, intensifying pressure on YouTube TV’s market lead[1]. Fubo CEO David Gandler underscored the regulatory milestone, stating, “This combination enables us to deliver on our promise to provide consumers with greater choice and flexibility,” while also noting the agreement