Walmart Could Partner with Paramount, Disney and Comcast in Streaming Deal

Walmart could be going Hollywood. The company is reportedly exploring deals with Paramount, Disney and Comcast to add streaming services to their membership bundle, Walmart+. The New York Times reports that executives from the entertainment companies have met with Walmart about including movies and TV shows in its membership bundle.

The Times reported that it’s “unclear” if any of the three companies “are inclined to reach a deal with Walmart” at this moment. But if any of them do, it could mean a major addition to Walmart’s offerings. Paramount is the parent company of Paramount+ and Showtime; while Disney owns Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN+; and Comcast owns Peacock.

Walmart+ does not currently offer TV or film services, although it does include a deal with Spotify for six free months of the music streamer’s Premium tier. According to the company’s website, their membership bundle gives customers “free delivery from your store, member prices on fuel at select stations, and use of mobile scan & go,” but also notes that they’re “working on adding even more great perks.”

The company currently charges $12.95 per month or $98 per year for a Walmart+ subscription.

Sources told the Times that Walmart is eyeing deals with companies like Paramount, Disney and Comcast to compete with Amazon Prime. The company is “looking to build its relationship with its customers beyond the footprint of its big-box stores,” the Times reports.

Before exploring the addition of entertainment deals to Walmart+, the company previously dipped its toes into the world of streaming with Vudu, a streamer that does not require a subscription, but instead charges to rent or buy individual titles. Walmart first acquired Vudu for $100 million in 2010, not long before the streaming industry exploded.

Walmart sold the streamer 10 years later in April 2020, when Fandango purchased Vudu from Walmart for an undisclosed amount.