Strategic Alliances in Spanish Content Production: A New Era for Global Streaming Growth

The global streaming wars have entered a new phase, driven by the strategic alliances between international platforms and local content producers. The recent partnership between Disney+ and Atresmedia—a Spanish media giant known for hits like Casa de papel (Money Heist)—exemplifies this shift. By securing co-exclusive rights to Atresmedia’s Spanish-made content, Disney+ is not only bolstering its local library but also aligning with broader European trends in content collaboration. For investors, this deal signals a pivotal moment in the evolution of the streaming industry, where localized content and cross-border partnerships are redefining market dynamics.

The Disney-Atresmedia Partnership: A Strategic Move

Disney+’s collaboration with Atresmedia grants the platform access to over 300 hours of Spanish-produced content annually, including iconic series like La Voz and Aquí no hay quien viva [2]. This partnership, described as a “landmark” deal, marks the first major alliance between a global streaming giant and a leading Spanish broadcaster [2]. By integrating Atresmedia’s content into its platform, Disney+ is addressing a critical gap in its European strategy: the need for culturally resonant programming to compete with regional players like Netflix and Amazon Prime.

This move mirrors Disney’s earlier partnership with ITV in the UK, underscoring a consistent strategy to localize content in key international markets [1]. The financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, but the strategic value is clear: Atresmedia’s catalog enhances Disney+’s appeal to Spanish audiences, while Disney’s global distribution infrastructure offers Atresmedia a pathway to international growth.

Broader European Trends: Coproductions and Localized Content

The Disney-Atresmedia deal is emblematic of a larger trend in European content collaboration. According to a report by the European Audiovisual Observatory, coproductions are becoming increasingly vital for managing rising production costs and accessing broader audiences [5]. For instance, the Council of Europe’s Pilot Programme for Series Co-productions has already funded ambitious projects like the Estonian-Latvian-Italian drama Von Fock, which leverages cross-border financing and creative expertise [2]. Such collaborations are not limited to Europe; Atresmedia’s partnership with TelevisaUnivision to launch ViX in Spain further illustrates the power of international alliances in expanding content libraries and subscriber bases [3].

The Spanish OTT market, in particular, is a bellwether for these trends. Projected to grow from $2.68 billion in 2024 to $7.22 billion by 2035, this expansion is fueled by increasing internet penetration, mobile device usage, and a shift toward on-demand consumption [2]. Localized content is a key driver: platforms that prioritize regional programming—such as Mediapro’s Gol Mundial, which offers niche sports content—gain a competitive edge in markets where global giants like Netflix and Disney+ must prove their relevance [3].

Investment Implications: Why Now?

For investors, the convergence of localized content and strategic alliances presents compelling opportunities. First, the European streaming market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 25.65% through 2035, reaching $277.21 billion, driven by live streaming, hybrid monetization models, and AI-enhanced content delivery [1]. Platforms that secure partnerships with local producers—like Disney+ in Spain or Netflix’s collaborations with African studios—are better positioned to capture this growth.

Second, the rise of co-productions reduces financial risk while amplifying reach. For example, ZDF Studios’ international distribution of Von Fock demonstrates how European co-productions can leverage global platforms for profitability [2]. Investors should prioritize companies that demonstrate agility in forming such partnerships, as well as those investing in AI-driven tools for content creation and distribution [6].

Third, the Spanish market’s rapid expansion offers a microcosm of broader European trends. With Disney+ and Atresmedia’s collaboration, coupled with ViX’s entry via TelevisaUnivision, the competition for Spanish-speaking audiences is intensifying. This fragmentation creates opportunities for platforms that can bundle services or adopt ad-supported models to attract cost-conscious consumers [4].

Conclusion

The Disney-Atresmedia partnership is more than a content deal—it is a harbinger of a new era in global streaming. As European markets prioritize localized storytelling and cross-border collaborations, investors must act swiftly to capitalize on these shifts. Platforms that secure strategic alliances, invest in co-productions, and adapt hybrid monetization models will dominate the next phase of the streaming wars. For those who recognize the value of local content in a globalized world, the time to invest is now.

Source:
[1] Europe Live Streaming Market Size, Industry Trends - 2035 [https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/europe-live-streaming-market-44251]
[2] Disney+, Atresmedia Strike Spain Content Deal [https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/disney-plus-atresmedia-spain-content-deal-1236364863]
[3] Atresmedia and TelevisaUnivision Join Forces to Launch ViX in Spain [https://todotvnews.com/en/atresmedia-and-televisaunivision-join-forces-to-launch-vix-in-spain/]
[4] Trends and predictions for 2025 in the video and streaming industry [https://www.bsgroup.eu/blog/trends-and-predictions-for-2025-in-the-video-and-streaming-industry/]
[5] This year's key trends in European TV and streaming [https://www.c21media.net/department/content-trends/european-tv-and-streaming-key-trends-for-this-year/]
[6] Solving OTT Streaming Monetization Challenges in 2025 [https://www.vucos.io/post/solving-ott-streaming-monetization-challenges-in-2025-european-operators-lead-the-way]