
The Walt Disney Co. (NYSE:DIS) has secured the Indian subcontinent television rights to Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket, despite earlier reservations from CEO Bob Chapek regarding the company’s enthusiasm in pursuing this sporting event.
What Happened: According to The Times of India, Disney acquired the television rights to broadcast the matches in the Indian subcontinent for $3 billion. This was one of four different media rights packages that the IPL was negotiating for 2023 through 2027. Disney came into the IPL orbit through its 2019 acquisition of the 21st Century Fox assets that included Star India, which acquired the rights for the 2018 through 2022 seasons; Star India is now Disney+ Hotstar.