After Sony-Zee Merger Deal Termination, Disney Star Faces A Potential $2 Billion Downgrade By Reliance: Report

Recently, Sony Group had called off its $10 billion merger plans with Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited.

This comes amid the reports when Reliance Industries and Walt Disney had taken a significant step forward in their planned media and entertainment merger by appointing law firms for antitrust due diligence.

However, Zee Entertainment dispute over a $1.5-billion sub-licensing deal for the International Cricket Council (ICC) is casting a shadow over Disney Star, raising concerns of a possible $2 billion downgrade by Reliance.

The dispute hinges on Zee's claim that the ICC TV contract with Disney Star was contingent on the successful completion of Zee's merger with Sony.

The potential downgrade is linked to the anticipated losses from the ICC media rights agreement.

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Last week, the ICC confirmed Disney Star's coverage of the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2024, despite recent losses in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) media rights.

Reliance and Walt Disney have signed a non-binding term sheet to merge Viacom18 and Disney Star, with ongoing due diligence and valuation exercises.

If the deal materializes, it will create a media powerhouse with roughly Rs 25,000 crore in combined revenues.

Disney Star, having bid $3 billion for ICC media rights based on its understanding with Zee, faces potential losses exceeding $1.5 billion, according to industry insiders.

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