In a bold move that echoes the sentiment, “If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em,” Disney has announced plans to merge Hulu + Live TV with Fubo. While this is being billed as a merger, Disney will hold a commanding 70% stake in the new venture, solidifying its dominance in the live TV streaming space.
Key Highlights of the Hulu + Live TV and Fubo Merger:
- Hulu + Live TV and Fubo unite under one company
- Both platforms to maintain separate live TV packages
- Hulu’s streaming service not included in the deal
- Merger expected to finalize within 12-18 months
- Fubo drops its lawsuit against Venu
While this deal shakes up the landscape of streaming services, it’s important to note that Hulu + Live TV and Fubo will continue to operate as standalone services for now. Hulu + Live TV subscribers will still enjoy the Disney Bundle (Hulu streaming, Disney+, and ESPN+), whereas Fubo users may see new, cost-effective bundles featuring ESPN and ABC emerge in the future.
Interestingly, the core Hulu streaming service remains separate from this merger, with only the live TV operations folding into Fubo’s ecosystem. This means, for most users, their day-to-day experience with either service will stay largely the same.
Enter Venu: A Sports Streaming Game-Changer
One major ripple effect of this merger is the revival of Venu, a live sports streaming platform designed to unite content from ABC, ESPN, TNT, TBS, Fox, FS1, and more. Previously stalled due to a lawsuit from Fubo, Venu is now back on track as part of the merger agreement. This move signals Disney’s broader ambitions to dominate the live sports streaming space, alongside plans for a standalone ESPN offering.
Why This Matters
Disney and Fubo are clearly positioning themselves to take on YouTube TV, which remains the reigning champ in the live TV streaming market. With YouTube TV’s recent price hike, the timing couldn’t be better for Hulu + Live TV and Fubo to present themselves as viable, potentially more affordable, alternatives.
What does this mean for cord-cutters? Only time will tell. But one thing is clear: the battle for streaming supremacy just got a whole lot more interesting.
