Disney to Pay Comcast’s NBCUniversal at Least $8.61 Billion for Its Stake in Hulu

Disney said Wednesday it expects to pay Comcast’s NBCUniversal at least $8.61 billion for its stake in Hulu, as the companies continue complex negotiations over the future of the streaming video service.

Disney’s announcement came after Comcast exercised its option, as part of a long-held agreement between the companies, to sell its minority stake in Hulu. Disney controls two-thirds of the service, while Comcast owns one-third.