Fubo merges with Disneyโ€™s Hulu + Live TV; Venu Sports lawsuit resolved

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    Disney is set to merge its streaming service Hulu + Live TV with sports-focused platform Fubo in a deal that will also resolve ongoing legal disputes regarding Venu Sports.
    Both Fubo and Hulu + Live TV provide viewers with the ability to stream live broadcast and cable channels across a variety of internet-enabled devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, and tablets.

    The newly formed entity will be primarily governed by Fuboโ€™s leadership team and will retain Fuboโ€™s publicly traded name, while Disney will hold a controlling interest with a 70% stake.
    The combined subscriber base of Fubo and Hulu + Live TV will total approximately 6.2 million users in North America.

    Upon the conclusion of the merger, customers will still be able to access Fubo and Hulu + Live TV as distinct services.
    Fuboโ€™s CEO, David Gandler, highlighted that this merger aligns with their mission to enhance customer offerings and operational scalability.
    He noted that it would also bolster Fuboโ€™s financial standing and facilitate a path to positive cash flow.

    As part of the agreement, Disney has pledged a $145 million term loan that extends to 2026 for Fubo.
    In certain cases, a termination fee for Fubo amounting to $130 million may also be applicable.
    Additionally, Disney will partner with Fubo to enable the creation of a new sports and broadcasting service that will showcase Disneyโ€™s extensive sports networks, including ABC, ESPN channels, and ESPN+.

    Furthermore, both companies announced that Fubo has resolved all existing lawsuits with Disney and ESPN over the Venu Sports project, which was initially conceived by a coalition including ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery.
    Fubo has also reached an agreement that resolves disputes with Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery.

    Back in August, a federal judge approved Fuboโ€™s request for a preliminary injunction against Venu Sports, and just last month, this same judge rejected Venuโ€™s motion to dismiss the case.
    As a result of the settlement, Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery are expected to make a collective payment of $220 million to Fubo.

    Following the news, shares of Fubotv Inc. surged by over threefold during afternoon trading on Monday, while Disneyโ€™s stock experienced a slight increase.