Disney Makes Final $439 Million Payment for Full Control of Hulu

Disney is set to pay nearly $439 million to Comcast’s NBC Universal for its stake in Hulu, allowing Disney to take full ownership of the popular streaming service. This move will enable greater integration between Hulu and Disney+, offering viewers more content options.

This payment comes after an initial transaction of $8.61 billion in December 2023, as part of the agreed-upon $27.5 billion floor value established in 2019. With this final decision, Disney will pay the remaining $438.7 million to acquire Comcast’s stake in Hulu, and the acquisition is slated to be finalized by July 24.

Disney CEO Bob Iger expressed excitement about the acquisition, stating, “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.”

Back in 2019, Comcast transitioned to being a silent partner in Hulu, paving the way for Disney to eventually take full control. Hulu, established in 2007, quickly gained popularity as a streaming service. Disney entered the scene in 2009, with plans to offer content from ABC, ESPN, and the Disney Channel. Fast forward a decade later, and Disney solidified its majority control over Hulu after acquiring 21st Century Fox.

In other news, an airline flying to Florida and the Caribbean has suddenly closed its operations. Additionally, there will be a Juneteenth tribute to Afro-Caribbean traditions in art and dance in Holyoke, along with other events happening in the community.

It’s an exciting time in the world of streaming entertainment, with these developments paving the way for new and enhanced viewing experiences.