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DOJ to investigate Fubo and Hulu + Live TV merger

DOJ to investigate Fubo and Hulu + Live TV merger

The announcement comes months after Fubo’s lawsuit against Venu Sports scuttled that joint venture service.

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It appears Disney is not out of the woods when it comes to scrutiny for its moves in the live TV streaming world. The company has announced plans to merge its live TV service Hulu + Live TV with the sports-centric platform Fubo, but it appears that those plans will have to wait until the federal government signs off. However, according to Puck's Eriq Gardner, the Department of Justice is set to officially open an investigation into the combination of the two streaming services.

Key Details:

  • Everyone has questions: Scrutiny of the Hulu + Live TV and Fubo merger is coming from both sides of the aisle.
  • A new Venu?: The government was also not keen on Disney’s joint venture streamer Venu Sports.
  • Other options: Disney is still launching an ESPN streaming service of its own, should all other efforts fail.

The merger between Hulu + Live TV and Fubo was announced in January, but it has already faced doubts from high-ranking government officials. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) asked the Department of Justice to look into the merger in February, and it appears that request has now been granted.

“Disney’s proposed acquisition of Fubo threatens to significantly decrease competition in the [live television streaming] market in presumptive violation of antitrust law,” Warren said of the proposed merger.

The current administration has been eager to use the power of government to investigate media companies it feels have been unfair to it, but this resistance to the combination of Fubo and Hulu + Live TV is more bipartisan in nature. Warren and other Democrats led the charge against Venu Sports, the joint venture sports streamer that Disney planned to launch in conjunction with Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery.

At the time, Fubo filed an antitrust lawsuit against Venu’s owners just days after the streamer was announced, and won an injunction that blocked it from launching. As Disney faced the possibility that it would lose that court battle, it pivoted to a deal with Fubo that would see Disney take 70% ownership of Fubo. The plan was to keep Hulu + Live TV and Fubo operating as separate services, and for Fubo to create a new streaming platform to add to the marketplace.

There were already lots of unanswered questions about the proposed merger of Hulu + Live TV and Fubo, and now another big one has been added to the pile. Disney and Fubo would no doubt like to move forward with the transaction, but now must wait to see if the DOJ’s investigation will scuttle the deal altogether.

  • 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).

    …

    For many other sports enthusiasts, particularly those who prioritize access to local sports broadcasts, Fubo is a compelling choice in our view. Featuring FanDuel Sports RSNs in its channel lineup, Fubo stands out as the most budget-friendly option for RSN access across numerous markets, including Altitude, AT&T Sports, Fox Sports, Marquee, MSG, NBC Sports, and NESN. (Explore the comprehensive list of Fubo’s sports channels.) Fubo recently launched an add-on to their sports package, allowing subscribers access to local RSNs as well.

    In September 2025, Fubo also launched its Sports package for $45.99 per month, featuring a variety of sports-oriented channels including ABC, CBS and FOX affiliates (in select markets) as well as ACC Network, Big 10 Network, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU, Fox News, FS1, FS2, Fubo Sports Network, ION, NFL Network, SEC Network and Tennis Channel.

    Fubo further enriches its sports offerings by including MLB Network, NBA TV, NFL Network, NFL RedZone , NHL Network and beIN Sports (a channel not commonly found on competing services). For expanded soccer coverage, you can opt for Fox Soccer Plus via the International Sports Plus add-on for an additional $7/month.

    Additionally, you have the option to enhance your channel variety with the Fubo Extra ($8), which incorporates approximately ~38 channels more channels, featuring popular selections like GSN.

  • 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.

    …

    Where it really separates itself is value. Your subscription doesn’t just cover live TV — it also includes full access to Hulu’s on-demand library, plus bundled subscriptions to Disney+ and ESPN Select content at no extra cost. That means you’re getting everything from next-day network TV episodes and Hulu Originals, to Marvel, Star Wars, and live sports content all in one place without juggling multiple bills.

    For sports fans, Hulu + Live TV also includes regional sports networks (RSNs) in select areas, a feature many competing services have dropped. That can be a big deal if you’re trying to follow local MLB, NBA, or NHL teams.

    The DVR experience is another strong point. Subscribers get unlimited cloud DVR storage and the ability to fast-forward through commercials on recorded content — a feature that used to cost extra but is now standard. It’s designed to feel closer to a traditional cable DVR, just without the box.

    If you want to customize further, several add-ons are available. You can upgrade to premium channels like HBO, Showtime, or Starz, add an unlimited streams option for households with lots of viewers, or go ad-free on Hulu’s on-demand content (live TV will still include ads).

    Overall, Hulu + Live TV is less about being the cheapest option and more about being the most comprehensive. It’s built for people who want live TV, on-demand shows, and bundled streaming services all under one roof — without having to piece everything together themselves.


David Satin has been a dedicated News Writer at The Streamable since 2022, covering a wide range of stories in the entertainment and streaming industries. With years of experience writing online, David previously worked as a list writer for Screen Rant, where he gained recognition for his extensive coverage of sci-fi and fantasy genres. His ability to break and analyze major stories has made him a trusted voice in the streaming world. Over the course of his career, Satin has become an integral part of The Streamable team, contributing to some of the most impactful stories in the industry.

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