BURBANK, Calif. – In a decisive move to consolidate its streaming assets, Disney has reached an agreement to pay Comcast $439 million, finalizing the acquisition of Comcast’s 33 percent stake in Hulu.
Breaking: Disney Secures Full Control of Hulu
The resolution comes after a protracted valuation dispute that began in 2023. Disney had initially agreed to a minimum valuation of $8.61 billion for Comcast’s stake, but negotiations stalled as both companies disputed the final price.
The deal, concluded on Monday, aligns closer to Disney’s valuation, enabling the entertainment giant to fully integrate Hulu into its streaming ecosystem.
Immediate Impact
With operational control already in hand, Disney can now seamlessly incorporate Hulu’s diverse content into its other platforms, notably Disney+ and ESPN’s direct-to-consumer offerings.
“We are pleased this is finally resolved,” Disney CEO Bob Iger stated. “Completing the Hulu acquisition paves the way for a deeper and more seamless integration of Hulu’s general entertainment content with Disney+ and, soon, with ESPN’s direct-to-consumer product, providing an unrivaled value proposition for consumers.”
Key Details Emerge
The protracted negotiations centered around differing valuations. While Disney maintained that the floor price should suffice, Comcast argued for a higher valuation, suggesting an additional $5 billion was warranted.
Disney’s acquisition of Hulu began with its purchase of 21st Century Fox, leaving Comcast’s stake as the final hurdle to complete ownership.
Industry Response
Comcast expressed satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting the financial benefits accrued from its initial investment in Hulu.
“Hulu was a great start for us in streaming that generated nearly $10 billion in proceeds for Comcast and created an important audience for NBCUniversal’s world-class content,” a Comcast spokesperson noted.
By the Numbers
- $439 million – Final purchase price for Comcast’s stake
- $8.61 billion – Initial floor valuation agreed upon in 2023
- 33 percent – Comcast’s stake in Hulu prior to the sale
- July 24, 2025 – Expected completion date for full acquisition
What Comes Next
Disney plans to complete the acquisition by July 24, 2025. This strategic move is anticipated to bolster Disney’s competitive position in the streaming market, enhancing its content offerings and subscriber base.
Background Context
The acquisition saga began with Disney’s purchase of 21st Century Fox, which included a controlling stake in Hulu. Comcast’s remaining stake became a focal point of negotiations, with both companies seeking an advantageous resolution.
Expert Analysis
Industry analysts suggest that Disney’s full control over Hulu could lead to innovative content strategies and bundled offerings, potentially reshaping the streaming landscape.
As Disney continues to integrate Hulu, the company is expected to leverage its extensive content library to attract a wider audience, positioning itself as a dominant player in the streaming arena.
The resolution of this deal marks a significant milestone in Disney’s streaming strategy, setting the stage for future developments in the rapidly evolving digital entertainment industry.
