Disney is reportedly set to sell its India operations to local rival Reliance Industries, which is controlled by billionaire businessman Mukesh Ambani.
Bloomberg News reported that Reliance, whose broadcast division Viacom18 runs streaming service JioCinema, values Disney’s India assets at between $7 billion and $8 billion.
JioCinema has grown quickly and put pressure on Disney in India. JioCinema last year bought streaming rights to the highly popular Indian Premier League cricket for $2.7 billion and has started broadcasting the tournament for free. It has also agreed a deal for HBO’s premium content.
Disney has reportedly been exploring options to sell or find a partner for its India assets for several months. Interested parties are said to include billionaires Gautam Adani and Sun TV Network-owner Kalanithi Maran as well as private equity firm Blackstone, according to media reports.
However, Bloomberg News reported this week that that the deal to sell a majority stake to Reliance Industries was nearing completion. The deal could be announced as early as next month, although no final decision has been made and Disney could still decide to hold onto the assets, Bloomberg reported.
The enterprise value of the India business, Disney’s biggest last year globally by users, was seen at around $15 billion to $16 billion when Disney took over Fox’s business.
Netflix’s first NFL coverage attracts over 60m viewers
Netflix’s foray into live NFL coverage generated more than 60 million viewers around the world on Christmas Day.
Neil Hatton, Steve Morrison and Amanda Berry win New Year Honours
UK Screen Alliance CEO Neil Hatton, All3Media Founder Steve Morrison and former Bafta CEO Amanda Berry were among the industry recipients in the 2025 New Year Honours List.
Europol takes down network of illegal streaming platforms
An operation led by Europol during last summer’s Euro 2024 and Paris Olympics dismantled a record number of illegal streaming platforms and illegal IPTVs, according to Spain’s football league La Liga.
European Commission to investigate Liberty Media’s acquisition of Dorna Sports
The European Commission has opened an investigation to assess Liberty Media’s proposed acquisition of Dorna Sports.
Netflix secures US rights to FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 and 2031
Netflix has secured the exclusive US rights to the FIFA Women’s World Cup for 2027 and 2031, marking the first time the tournament will appear on a streaming service.
.jpg)
.jpg)
