Sky strikes deal with Disney+ to offer streaming service to 13m UK homes

Disney struck a deal with Sky and will now make its streaming service Disney+ available to over 13m UK households as part of Sky’s Q set top box.

Disney+ is due to launch in the UK, among other European countries, on 24 March and will be integrated to Sky’s Q box as well as being offered as a standalone app such as Netflix or HBO streaming services.

The deal is similar to Sky’s deal with Netflix, that offers customers Netflix programming in the Sky TV and on-demand service.

“We’ve built a strong partnership with Disney over three decades and we’re pleased that our customers in the UK and Ireland can continue to enjoy their world-class content – all in one place on Sky Q,” said Jeremy Darroch, group chief executive of Sky.

Sky’s deal with Disney is non-exclusive, meaning Sky’s rivals Virgin Media and BT will be able to strike distribution deals.

Kevin Mayer, chairman of Walt Disney Company’s direct-to-consumer and international business said: “We are delighted that Sky is selling the Disney+ service on their platform and, along with our other distribution partners, will deliver exceptional reach at launch.”