---
title: Disney+ has a looming subscriber problem
description: Cricket has been Disney’s secret weapon in the streaming wars, but that’s about to end.
---

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# [Disney+ has a looming subscriber problem](https://hs-sbup.thehustle.co/news/06142022-disney-cricket)

 Written by [Rob Litterst](https://hs-sbup.thehustle.co/news/author/rob-litterst) | Jun 14, 2022 7:06:20 AM

Disney+ has enjoyed positive optics over the last year as it’s continued to narrow its subscriber gap with Netflix.

However, not all Disney+ subscribers signed up to get Disney content. Roughly [36% of Disney+ subscribers](https://variety.com/vip/the-ticking-time-bomb-that-could-undercut-disney-stock-1235284680/) are actually subscribed to Disney+ Hotstar, the company’s Indian streaming service, per *Variety*.

#### **Disney+ Hotstar…**

… is anchored *not* by Disney classics, but cricket. Specifically, the company holds the streaming rights for the Indian Premier League — the most popular cricket league in India.

But that’s about to change:

- **Disney** bought the rights to IPL Cricket in 2018 in a five-year agreement worth $2.1B, and the rights expire in 2023
- **Viacom18** — a joint venture between Paramount Global, Reliance Industries, and Bodhi Tree Systems — [purchased](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/indian-premier-league-cricket-rights-auction-viacom18-1235161841/) the 2023-27 streaming rights to IPL Cricket for $2.6B

#### **On the bright side…**

… Disney+ should see a pop in its average revenue per user (ARPU):

- **Disney+** subscribers outside of India pay $6.32-$6.35 per month
- **Disney+ Hotstar** subscribers in India only pay 76 cents per month

Some analysts predict losing IPL rights could result in 20m-30m churned subscribers for Disney+. With a goal of 230m-260m subscribers by 2024, hopefully that silver lining is enough to keep investors happy.

[View full post](https://hs-sbup.thehustle.co/news/06142022-disney-cricket)

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