Fox Acquires Roku
Fox has revealed its plans to acquire Roku for a staggering $22 billion, marking a significant move in the streaming landscape. Once finalized, this acquisition will lead to a stronger promotion of Fox content across Roku devices and smart TVs.
The merger will unite Fox’s TV networks and Tubi streaming service with Roku’s extensive range of streaming devices, smart TV software, and The Roku Channel. According to a press release, this collaboration aims to position them as the third-largest entity in the US TV industry based on viewing share.
“This is a defining moment for Fox, and a natural extension of the deliberate and focused strategy we have been executing for nearly a decade,” stated Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch. “Today, we take the next step: bringing together the most valuable live content portfolio in video consumption with the preeminent streaming platform through which America watches it.”
While the intention isn’t to create a closed ecosystem, the Roku home screen will prominently feature Fox content. Roku founder and CEO Anthony Wood, who will remain with the company and join Fox’s board, emphasized during an investor call that Roku will continue to be an open platform that supports the entire streaming ecosystem.
Wood noted that the sections of the Roku home screen dedicated to promoting its own content “will obviously now include Fox properties,” highlighting plans for a deeper integration of Fox Sports into the Sports Zone. He reassured that this isn’t a new challenge for Roku, as it already balances its own content with that of partners. “We know how to promote our own services as well as promote our partner services, and so we intend to continue doing that,” Wood added.
Regarding Fox, the press release indicates that both companies are “committed” to ensuring the “continued ubiquitous distribution” of Fox’s content.
“Over the past two decades, we’ve built Roku into the leading TV streaming platform, reaching more than 100 million households globally and reshaping how people discover and enjoy entertainment,” said Roku CEO Wood. “I’m incredibly proud of what our team has built, and the combination with Fox is an extraordinary opportunity to accelerate our vision, scale faster, and innovate more aggressively for viewers, partners, and advertisers.”
The deal is anticipated to close in the first half of 2027, pending US regulatory approval, which is expected to be straightforward, along with what the company expects to be “very limited” international approvals.
