On January 22, 2020, The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”) and Scopely, a company in the mobile games space, announced that Scopely has agreed to acquire FoxNext Games Los Angeles, the game studio behind MARVEL Strike Force and the planned Avatar: Pandora Rising, and Cold Iron Studios. The acquisition does not include the separate portfolio of Fox IP licensed games titles, which will continue to be a part of Disney’s licensed games business. Disney acquired the FoxNext Games vertical game studios and licensed games titles in its 2019 acquisition of 21st Century Fox. Cravath is representing Disney in connection with the transaction.
The Cravath team is led by partner George F. Schoen and includes associates Matthew M. Kelly and Samuel A. Lifton on M&A matters; partner Lauren Angelilli, senior attorney Andrew Carlon and associate Rebecca L. Fine on tax matters; partner David J. Kappos and associates Kathryn‑Ann Stamm and Ryan J. Wichtowski on intellectual property matters; partner Jonathan J. Katz and associates Daniel P. Herrman and Jana I. Hymowitz on executive compensation and benefits matters; senior attorney Joyce Law and practice area attorneys Brian M. Budnick and Laurel R. Berkowitz on real estate matters; and senior attorney Jesse M. Weiss on antitrust matters.
Deals & Cases
January 06, 2025
On January 6, 2025, The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”) and FuboTV Inc. (“Fubo) announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for Disney to combine its Hulu + Live TV business with Fubo, forming a combined virtual MVPD company of which Disney will become the majority owner.
Deals & Cases
April 04, 2024
On April 3, 2024, The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”) announced that, based on the tabulation of its proxy solicitor, it appears that Disney’s full slate of 12 directors has been elected by a substantial margin over the nominees of Trian and Blackwells at Disney’s 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Cravath is representing Disney in connection with this matter.
Deals & Cases
August 08, 2023
On August 8, 2023, ESPN announced an agreement with PENN Entertainment (“PENN”) to launch ESPN BET, a branded sportsbook for fans in the United States. PENN Entertainment will rebrand its current sportsbook and relaunch as ESPN BET, effective this Fall in the 16 legalized betting states where PENN Entertainment is licensed. The rebrand includes the mobile app, website, and mobile website. In connection with the transaction, PENN Entertainment has agreed to grant ESPN warrants to purchase approximately 31.8 million PENN common shares that will vest ratably over 10 years, with the potential for ESPN to receive additional bonus warrants to purchase up to an additional approximately 6.4 million PENN common shares. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. Cravath is representing The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”) in connection with the transaction.
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