How a soccer streaming startup became a major player in the streaming wars
In short: What began in 2015 as a $7-a-month service for soccer fans has transformed into a massive sports-first streaming powerhouse. Now facing major antitrust battles and a massive Disney merger, Fubo’s journey from niche app to industry disruptor is a masterclass in strategic pivoting.
Launched on January 1, 2015, by founders David Gandler, Alberto Horihuela, and Sung Ho Choi, Fubo originally focused exclusively on soccer. However, the company underwent a significant evolution, transitioning to a broader sports-centric model in 2017. This shift allowed them to incorporate major leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, eventually positioning themselves as a direct competitor to traditional cable and established bundles like YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream.
The company's growth has been marked by aggressive expansion and high-stakes legal battles. While Fubo successfully expanded into Spain and acquired the French service Molotov, it has also faced significant friction with major broadcasters. In 2024, the company filed an antitrust lawsuit against The Walt Disney Company, Fox Corporation, Hearst Communications, and Warner Bros. Discovery to block their joint venture, Venu Sports. This legal tension was compounded by the loss of Discovery networks in April 2024 following failed negotiations.
The future of the platform appears set for a massive consolidation. In early 2025, The Walt Disney Company announced its intention to acquire a 70% stake in Fubo, with plans to merge it with Hulu's live TV service. This follows a period of rapid scale; by March 2026, Fubo's streaming services reached a combined 6.2 million subscribers. Despite various pivots—including a brief, abandoned attempt at a dedicated sportsbook—the service remains a central figure in the evolving landscape of live digital television.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: FuboTV
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/culture-fubotv.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Peoples & civilisations · More in Cultures · Latest · A–Z · All topics
