Walt Disney and Fubo have made headlines with their recent agreement to merge their live online TV services. This deal brings exciting changes for both platforms and offers you access to an even wider range of live events and programming. Whether you are a sports fan, a news junkie, or just looking for flexible streaming options, this partnership could be a game-changer.
What does the Disney and Fubo agreement mean for subscribers?
The new partnership combines Hulu + Live TV, owned by Disney, with Fubo’s popular streaming platform. Together, they now serve 6.2 million subscribers, creating one of the largest live-streaming services in the U.S.
The merged business will operate under the publicly traded Fubo name. Disney will own a 70% stake, while Fubo shareholders hold the remaining 30%. It is important to note that Hulu’s subscription video-on-demand services are not included in this deal. The live TV businesses will continue to run under both brands—Hulu + Live TV and Fubo.
What types of events will be available to stream?
With this merger, you gain access to an impressive range of live events, including sports, news, and entertainment programming. Here is a breakdown of the key offerings:
- Sports:
- Disney’s ESPN channels will now be accessible through Fubo, giving you coverage of NFL, NBA, MLB, and more.
- Fubo’s existing sports library includes over 55,000 events annually, such as soccer matches, tennis tournaments, and regional sports.
- The deal strengthens Fubo’s ability to offer premium sports coverage, including Disney-owned ABC Sports content.
- News:
- Live broadcasts from major networks, including ABC News, are part of the package.
- Local and national news channels remain available for subscribers.
- Entertainment:
- Access to cable networks under Disney’s umbrella, such as FX and National Geographic, will continue.
- Popular entertainment channels from Fubo’s lineup also remain part of the service.
This merger ensures you have more choice and flexibility in what you want to watch, no matter your interests.
How does the deal impact Fubo’s sports content?
This arrangement is one exciting deal—it strengthens Fubo’s commitment to sports. While it has always been a pacesetter in the streaming of live sporting events, the association with ESPN’s and ABC’s sports programming makes it a stronger competitor.
Fubo CEO David Gandler could not hide his excitement: “This combination enables us to deliver on our promise to provide consumers with greater choice and flexibility.” Additionally, he added that it bolsters the balance sheet at Fubo and positions the company for positive cash flow.
For sports lovers, this partnership means you will not need multiple subscriptions to watch the games they love.
How will this affect Hulu + Live TV subscribers?
On the flip side, users of Hulu + Live TV have reasons to rejoice as the service continues to remain the same. You will enjoy additional sports and live events from a wide variety of Fubo’s library and still have access to all of your favorite channels and features.
This integration process is so smooth that both Hulu + Live TV customers and Fubo customers will benefit from this extension.
What is the market reaction to the Disney and Fubo partnership?
Wall Street has responded positively to this deal. Fubo shares surged by over 155%, reaching $4.15, while Walt Disney shares saw a modest gain of 1.1%, closing at $112.30. This shows strong investor confidence in the potential of the combined venture.
With this merger, Disney and Fubo are poised to redefine the live streaming market, giving you better options and more value for your subscription.
