Disney is in the beginning stages of trying to sell its India streaming and television business, according to a report from Bloomberg. 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 said potential buyers include Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd., but discussions are still ongoing and might not lead to a deal.
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 and Reliance weren’t 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.
“While we are open to considering a variety of strategic options for our linear businesses, at this time, The Walt Disney Company has made no decision with respect to the divestiture of ABC or any other property, and any report to that effect is unfounded,” the company said in a statement on its site.
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.