Disney to Offload Half of A+E Stake to Hearst for Over $1B

WHO:

Bloomberg - Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro is leading a technological overhaul of Disney+.

Variety - Disney and Hearst are the organizations involved in the transaction.

WHAT:

Bloomberg - The overhaul includes new features like vertical videos and aims to close the gap with Netflix and YouTube.

Bloomberg - Streaming has been a drag on Disney's share price as subscriber growth has stalled.

Variety - Disney is selling its 50% stake in A+E Global Media to Hearst.

Deadline - The deal is valued at over $1 billion and is an all-cash transaction.

WHEN:

Deadline - The announcement of the deal is expected to be revealed at Disney's earnings call next week.

WHY:

Bloomberg - The technological overhaul is motivated by the need to improve Disney+'s competitive position in the streaming market.

Variety - Disney is shedding its ownership stake in A+E Global Media, which it has owned jointly with Hearst for more than a decade.

HOW:

Deadline - The deal is being finalized and is believed to be in the process of completion.

(UPDATED July 31, 2026 00:22 UTC)

Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro is spearheading a significant technological overhaul of Disney+, which includes exciting new features like vertical videos. This move comes as streaming has been a drag on Disney's share price, with subscriber growth stalling and the company looking to enhance its competitive position against rivals like Netflix and YouTube. The overhaul aims to revitalize the platform and attract more viewers in the crowded streaming market.

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(UPDATED July 30, 2026 23:23 UTC)

Disney is set to sell its 50% stake in A+E Global Media to Hearst in an all-cash deal valued at over $1 billion. The announcement regarding this significant transaction is expected to be revealed during Disney's earnings call next week. This move marks the end of Disney's joint ownership of A+E Global Media with Hearst, a partnership that has lasted for more than a decade.