Disney is still in preliminary talks to sell its India streaming and television business. Potential buyers now include billionaires Gautam Adani and Kalanithi Maran — owners of New Delhi Television and Sun TV Network, respectively — according to Bloomberg.
Sources familiar with the matters reportedly told Bloomberg that acquiring Disney’s India assets would serve to enhance offerings from both the Maran’s Sun TV Network and Indian conglomerate Adani Group. Other potential buyers include Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd.. So far, discussions are ongoing and might not lead to a deal.
Depending on the buyer, the deal could include the entire Disney Star business or a piecemeal transaction with a combination of assets like Disney+ Hotstar and sports rights. Bloomberg News previously reported that Disney was considering a joint venture or an outright sale of its India streaming and television business after the unit lost its streaming rights to the Indian Premier League cricket tournament to Viacom18 Media Pvt., a subsidiary of Paramount Global and Reliance. Disney Star still has IPL streaming rights through 2027, but reportedly has seen a decline in subscribers.
Disney was not immediately available for comment.
This news comes as Disney is reportedly looking at selling other assets or has received offers for other assets, including ABC, FX, National Geographic, and part of ESPN. Disney has denied that a decision to sell ABC has been made, but reports have come out that early talks with potential buyers have happened.
Over the summer, Disney CEO Bob Iger was considering selling assets that weren’t profitable to the company and doubling down on the ones that are. If Disney’s since-resolved dispute with Spectrum revealed anything, it’s that live sports are a hot commodity.
For now, we will have to wait and see what happens next for now, it seems that Disney is busy looking at options for how it can sell some assets.