Senator Elizabeth Warren urges DoJ to investigate Fubo and Disney merger
Senator Elizabeth Warren urges DoJ to investigate Fubo and Disney merger
The merger could create unfair advantages for Disney and massively change pricing in the streaming space.
To kick off 2025, it was announced that Disney and Fubo would be combining their live TV streaming services into a new joint venture. The new project would see Disney retaining 70% ownership, with Fubo controlling the remaining portion. As part of the new partnership, Fubo would create a new sports streamer in the vein of the failed [Venu] sports that would cover ABC, ESPN, and other networks, as well as programming from ESPN+. Sen. Elizabeth Warren has asked the Department of Justice to look into the merger, as it would increase Disney’s market power and potentially raise streaming prices for customers across the board.
Key Details
- Sen. Elizabeth Warren has spoken out against the Disney and Fubo merger
- The partnership could create unfair practices and give too much power
- As a result, streaming prices could be greatly impacted
Senator Elizabeth Warren has urged the Department of Justice to investigate Disney’s proposed acquisition of a majority stake in FuboTV, expressing concerns over potential antitrust violations and reduced competition in the sports streaming market. This acquisition follows the merger of Disney’s Hulu + Live TV with Fubo, positioning Disney to own 70% of the combined entity. The deal also resolves a previous lawsuit Fubo filed against Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery over their planned Venu Sports streaming service, which faced legal challenges and was ultimately discontinued. Warren contends that this move allows Disney to circumvent antitrust laws by acquiring a competitor, potentially leading to higher consumer prices and decreased market competition as Disney would own multiple streaming services and exclusive rights.
Disney’s proposed acquisition of Fubo appears to allow Disney to simultaneously circumvent the lawsuit while gobbling up a competitor. This proposed acquisition raises significant concerns under antitrust law, would give Disney increased market power and incentives to increase costs for viewers, and should be regarded as another data point in Disney’s history of anti-competitive behavior. I urge DoJ not to be fooled by Disney’s attempt to purchase its way around antitrust law and to closely scrutinize this proposed acquisition.
Warren was among the lawmakers who previously raised concerns about the proposed joint venture between Fox, Disney, and Warner Bros. Discovery to launch the sports streaming service Venu. Fubo challenged the venture in court, arguing it violated antitrust laws, and a judge ruled in their favor. Warren outlined several more antitrust concerns in her letter, particularly regarding Disney gaining control over Fubo and Hulu + Live TV.
Fubo
Fubo is a live TV streaming service offering a robust lineup of approximately 150 premier channels, with plans starting at $63.99 per month. This entry-level package provides access to local broadcast affiliates 18 of the leading 35 cable channels channels, and valuable regional sports networks (RSNs).
Hulu Live TV
Hulu Live TV is a live TV streaming service with more than 70 channels for $89.99 per month. Hulu + Live TV base plan includes local channels 32 of the top 35 cable channels, and regional sports networks (RSNs). Subscribers get free access to Disney+ and ESPN Select at no extra charge.
