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Disney and Sky have announced a major multi year agreement that will deepen their long standing relationship and significantly expand the reach of Disney Plus across the United Kingdom. The partnership will integrate Disney Plus into Sky TV packages and introduce a brand new Disney Cinema linear channel for Sky Cinema subscribers, marking one of the most notable distribution deals in the UK television market in recent years.
Beginning in March 2026, Disney Plus Standard with Ads, currently priced at £5.99 per month, will be included in eligible Sky TV packages. For the first time, Sky customers will be able to access Disney Plus alongside HBO Max, Netflix and Hayu within a single subscription. The move positions Sky as a central hub for major streaming services, offering customers a consolidated entertainment experience rather than requiring multiple standalone subscriptions.
The deal also includes the launch of a Disney Cinema linear channel for Sky Cinema subscribers. At launch, the channel will feature around 50 films, including high profile titles such as Deadpool and Wolverine, Alien Romulus and Iron Man. According to Disney Plus EMEA General Manager Karl Holmes, the films available on the channel will consist of Pay 2 movies that are typically released around 12 months after their debut on Disney Plus, as well as older library content. The lineup will remain dynamic, with at least two movies refreshed each week to keep the offering current and appealing.
Beyond the new channel, Disney Plus shows will be integrated into Sky’s user interface. Content will appear on the Continue Watching rail and within personalized recommendations, ensuring that Disney programming sits seamlessly alongside Sky’s
existing offerings. Sky already carries Disney owned linear channels such as National Geographic and Disney Jr, and this latest agreement further strengthens that relationship.
Holmes emphasized the strategic importance of the UK market for Disney. He noted that Disney entered the UK market six years ago and that it has since become one of the company’s largest territories with strong momentum. By partnering with Sky, Disney expects to increase its potential reach by approximately 40 percent of UK households. Holmes described the move as complementary and additive to Disney’s existing direct to consumer business, explaining that while Disney Plus has achieved significant scale independently, many consumers still prefer to purchase television as part of a broader subscription package.
For Sky, the agreement reinforces its ambition to remain a leading aggregator of premium content. Sophia Ahmad, Sky’s Chief Consumer Officer, described the deal as strengthening Sky’s position as a partner of choice for major entertainment brands. She highlighted the Sky Ultimate TV package, priced at £24 per month, which will combine HBO Max, Disney Plus, Hayu and Netflix in one place. Ahmad said customers increasingly want not just bundled services but a streamlined viewing experience that cuts through content overload.
The partnership comes as Sky moves beyond its previous output deal with HBO, which has expired, and as media companies seek flexible distribution strategies. While Disney has recently entered content sharing arrangements with other broadcasters in Europe, this agreement with Sky does not involve Sky originals moving to Disney Plus. Instead, it focuses on distribution, integration and expanding audience access.
Overall, the Disney and Sky agreement reflects a broader shift in the industry toward collaboration between traditional pay television platforms and global streaming services. By combining scale, technology and premium content, both companies are aiming to meet evolving viewer expectations in a competitive and rapidly changing market.
