Discussion Disney and Star's Sports Channel Ownership

[Raju lal]

I don't think Disney (or who ever in their place) will touch Star or Star Sports in India. Star is such a powerful brand in India. Disney owns the complete Star brand. So their is no legal issues too. And check Disney's aquisition history.
ABC network in America- it not get rebranded.
Even UTV a minor brand in India still remain same. Only brands that are bad performing, replicated with Disney's brands and those have any legal issues were axed. May be ESPN get relaunched in India under Star as a sister channel.

 

[marvel44]

For people wondering, Disney is in the process of launching a Star branded OTT service early next year. So it doesn't make sense to to rip a brand which they are really betting big on. On the other hand there is no real need to bring ESPN brand in India as it was also associated with Disney's competitor. Even if they bring it they might rebrand Select2/2HD to ESPN and curate the same with premium and niche content.

 

[Raju lal]

For people wondering, Disney is in the process of launching a Star branded OTT service early next year. So it doesn't make sense to to rip a brand which they are really betting big on. On the other hand there is no real need to bring ESPN brand in India as it was also associated with Disney's competitor. Even if they bring it they might rebrand Select2/2HD to ESPN and curate the same with premium and niche content.

Yes. But ESPN have a brand value in India. It has a place in sports lovers hearts. Inorder to market that in their bouquets they can just bring it.
Another OTT in the name of Star...? Is it true?

 

[marvel44]

Yes. But ESPN have a brand value in India. It has a place in sports lovers hearts. Inorder to market that in their bouquets they can just bring it.

Yep, ESPN has pretty good brand recognition in India that I agree. The thing is Disney only controls ESPN, doesn't fully own it, it's 80:20 JV with Hearst, there will be some legal work to do if they intend on bringing ESPN. Thats the same reason ESPN India still not controlled by Disney-Star India.

Another OTT in the name of Star...? Is it true?

Yes. More details regarding the same will be announced on December 10. Meanwhile, FYR
Star branded service will be tailored to each market and won’t look the same everywhere says Disney’s CFO | OnlyTech

Star branded general entertainment streamer in the works at Disney | OnlyTech

 

[zafar iqbal]

also come to know, disney will less focuss on sports, like that they will not be successful in india

 

[CloudCraze]

It's bound to happen! Disney won't retain Fox Branding especially when there is a rival company with the same name! In India may be they will rebrand Star Sports Select to ESPN. They won't ditch Star Sports brand as long as Uday Shankar is in charge. He built this dominating STAR Sports network in India after letting Disney(ESPN ) out of the network.

Now Uday Shankar is Not in Charge of Star Sports.So ESPN will replace or Coexist with Star Sports

 

[hitesh97]

Its high time for Star Sports to die as a sports network. We have tolerated them for a long time for their shenanigans.

On a side note, Star sports select has been unduly diluted with " Cricket".

True we have literally got vexed with star sports, worst thing to happen with Indian cricket fans. They hv ruined the Cricketing experience since 2013.