Disney and Reliance Secure Approval for $8.5 Billion Indian Media Merger
Regulatory concerns over cricket broadcasting rights addressed to create India's largest entertainment entity
- The merger will combine 120 TV channels and two streaming services, competing with Sony, Netflix, and Amazon.
- Concessions include commitments to avoid unreasonable advertising rate hikes for cricket matches.
- Disney and Reliance have invested $9.5 billion in cricket broadcasting rights, including the Indian Premier League and ICC events.
- The merged entity will also hold broadcasting rights for Wimbledon, MotoGP, and the English Premier League.
- The new company will be majority owned by Mukesh Ambani's Reliance.