In a spectacular display of digital dominance, Disney+Hotstar shattered records by garnering a staggering 5.1 crore concurrent views during the World Cup 2023 semi-final clash between India and New Zealand at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on November 15. This triumph comes on the heels of the platform’s earlier feat, achieving 44 million views during a group stage match between India and South Africa on November 5.
India’s Stellar Performance Fuels Digital Surge
The surge in viewership can be attributed to India’s exceptional performance in the semi-final. Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer’s extraordinary centuries propelled the Men in Blue to an imposing total of 397 runs in 50 overs against the Kiwis. As the nation rallied behind its cricket heroes, Disney+Hotstar witnessed an unprecedented surge in digital engagement.
Disney’s Strategic Moves Amidst Success
While Disney+Hotstar basks in the glory of its record-breaking viewership, the parent company, Disney, is reportedly exploring strategic options for its India operations. Talks with Reliance about selling stakes, including the OTT platform Hotstar, have been in the works. The potential deal could see Reliance acquiring a stake in Disney’s India business through a cash and stock arrangement. Rumors also circulate about the merger of some of Reliance’s media units into Disney Star.
Battle for Survival and Stake Sale Talks
Disney’s battle for survival in the competitive streaming landscape has led to talks not only with Reliance but also with key players like the Adani Group, Sun Group, and Blackstone for potential stake sales. The declining subscriber base, losing 21 million subscribers over the past three quarters, has prompted strategic evaluations. Factors contributing to the subscriber decline include the loss of streaming rights for major sports events such as the IPL and FIFA World Cup 2022.
The Future Landscape
Despite challenges, Disney+Hotstar retains streaming rights for all ICC events. However, significant changes are on the horizon as broadcasting rights for men’s and U-19 global events from 2024 to 2027 have been sold to ZEE Entertainment Enterprises.
As the digital streaming arena evolves, Disney+Hotstar’s record-setting performance serves as both a testament to its current success and a potential bargaining chip in ongoing stake sale discussions.
