# Disney to Sell 50% Stake in A+E Networks to Hearst for Over $1 Billion

The Walt Disney Company plans to sell its 50% stake in A+E Networks to co-owner Hearst for more than $1 billion. The deal would give Hearst full control of the cable network group, which includes A&E, History, and Lifetime. This transaction reflects Disney's strategy to streamline its portfolio and focus on core streaming and studio businesses.

**Importance:** 3/5

## Sources

### Entertainment
- [Variety](https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/disney-sell-stake-ae-hearst-1236824672/) — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 21:47:12 +0000
- [Variety](https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/hearst-ae-global-media-disney-purchase-complete-1236827794/) — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 20:18:25 +0000