Disney+ Hotstar Breaks Streaming Record with 53 Million Viewers During ICC World Cup 2023 Semi-Final

Disney+ Hotstar achieved a groundbreaking milestone during the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 semi-final match between India and New Zealand. The streaming platform soared to an unprecedented 53 million concurrent viewers, shattering its own previous record of 44 million set just days earlier.

Disney+ Hotstar's surge in concurrent viewership solidifies its position as the market leader in India's thriving streaming landscape. This remarkable success is attributed to the platform's strategic move to offer free ad-supported streaming of high-profile cricket tournaments, including the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup and the Asia Cup, to mobile users in India.

The recent achievement follows a pattern of back-to-back record-breaking streaks over the past month. The streaming giant's focus on making premium sports content accessible to a wider audience has played a pivotal role in its continued success.

Expanding Horizons: Pro Kabaddi League and Beyond

In a strategic move to further expand its user base, Disney+ Hotstar has announced that the upcoming tenth season of the Pro Kabaddi League will be streamed for free to all mobile users across India starting December 2, 2023. Recognizing kabaddi as the second most-watched sport in the country after cricket, this initiative aims to foster a stronger sense of engagement among fans.

"The landscape of sports viewing is evolving, and the popularity of Pro Kabaddi League spans across age groups. By making it available to all our audience on Disney+ Hotstar, our aim is to make kabaddi accessible to all of India," said Sajith Sivanandan, Head of Disney+ Hotstar.

Evaluating Options for India Business

Amidst these streaming triumphs, Disney finds itself at a crossroads in its India business. Inherited as part of the $71.3 billion acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019, Disney is reportedly exploring various options, including a potential sale or joint venture for its Star India (now Disney Star) business.

Disney CEO Bob Iger, during the company's earnings call, expressed the challenges faced by certain segments of their business in India. While the linear television business is thriving and profitable, Disney+ Hotstar has encountered difficulties.

Financial Realities and Subscriber Woes

Novi Digital Entertainment, the subsidiary that owns Disney+ Hotstar, reported a 118% increase in net loss to Rs 748 crore in the financial year ended March 31, 2023. The revenue, however, witnessed a 35% jump to Rs 4,341 crore for the same period.

Subscriber losses have been a significant concern for Disney+ Hotstar, losing 23.7 million paid subscribers in the past year. The decline is attributed to the loss of key content offerings, notably the IPL streaming rights and premium HBO content, now held by Viacom18's JioCinema.

Kevin Lansberry, Disney's interim CFO, acknowledged the subscriber decline during the earnings conference call in August 2023. He attributed it to a strategic shift from a product-centered around the IPL to a more balanced offering with a mix of sports and entertainment content.

Via