Disney’s Hulu + Live TV service and Fubo will merge, creating one of the country’s largest pay TV providers, the companies announced Monday in a surprise deal that will potentially allow the Venu Sports streaming service to move forward.

Fubo and the Disney-owned Hulu Plus Live TV services will be merging their live TV streaming operations, both companies announced on Monday. The Walt Disney Co. will become the majority stakeholder of the combined business, with the joint service working under Fubo's brand name.

In a surprising deal announced on Monday, Disney is set to combine its Hulu Live TV business with Fubo, the live TV streaming service known for its extensive sports coverage. Under the terms of the deal, Disney will own about 70% of Fubo, which will continue to be available to viewers as a separate offering.