Fubo, the leading sports-first live TV streaming platform, has reported a total of 6.2 million North American subscribers for the first quarter of 2026. This milestone follows the completion of its transformative merger with Disney’s Hulu + Live TV, a move that has reshaped the OTT (over-the-top) landscape.
A Year of Transformation
Despite a slight year-over-year dip from 6.3 million subscribers, Fubo CEO David Gandler described 2025 as a “year of transformation.” The merger integrates Fubo’s sports-centric interface with the massive content library and live reach of Hulu + Live TV.
Prior to the Disney acquisition, Fubo faced financial headwinds, closing its third quarter with a loss of $18.8 million. However, the new alliance with Disney is already yielding strategic advantages, including a new reseller and marketing agreement with ESPN to expand the platform’s reach.
Strategic Shifts and Content Battles
The merger comes amidst a period of executive turnover and carriage disputes:
- Executive Changes: Gandler welcomed Disney’s new leadership, following the appointment of Josh D’Amaro as CEO (succeeding Bob Iger) and Dana Walden as Chairman and Chief Creative Officer.
- Carriage Disputes: The platform is currently navigating a blackout of NBCUniversal channels following a dispute that began in November 2025, though NBC remains available via the Hulu + Live TV segment.
- Sports Focus: Fubo continues to strengthen its ties with major leagues, specifically working with MLB as teams transition to direct-to-platform streaming models.
With consolidated backing from Disney, Fox, and CBS, Fubo aims to stabilize its financial position while maintaining its status as the go-to destination for live sports fans.