Sky TV is a major player in the European media industry. With millions of customers, it’s known for premium content, sports broadcasting, and entertainment services. But many wonder—who owns Sky TV now? This article answers that question and explains the full structure behind the company.
History of Sky TV
Sky TV began in 1989 as the Sky Television network in the United Kingdom. It was founded by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation. In 1990, it merged with British Satellite Broadcasting to form BSkyB (British Sky Broadcasting). This merger marked the start of Sky’s rise as a dominant force in UK broadcasting.
Over the years, Sky expanded its services to Germany, Italy, Austria, and other European countries. It became known not only for its TV services but also for broadband, mobile, and streaming.
In 2014, the company rebranded as “Sky” to reflect its broader European footprint.
In 2018, a major ownership change took place that shifted the control of Sky.
Who Owns Sky TV in 2025?
Sky TV, a prominent media and telecommunications company in Europe, is wholly owned by Comcast Corporation as of 2025. This ownership stems from a significant acquisition in 2018, which reshaped the media landscape.
Here’s an overview of the Sky TV ownership over the years:
- 1989–2013: Majority ownership by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation.
- 2013–2018: 39.1% owned by 21st Century Fox with the rest publicly traded.
- 2014: Sky merged with Sky Deutschland and Sky Italia to become a pan-European entity.
- 2018: Comcast outbid Fox and Disney in a £30 billion deal to acquire 100% ownership of Sky.
Founding and Early Ownership
Sky TV was originally launched as Sky Television in 1989 by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation, a global media conglomerate. At the time, Sky was one of the first satellite broadcasters in the UK and quickly gained traction due to its aggressive expansion and exclusive content deals, especially in sports and entertainment.
In 1990, Sky Television merged with British Satellite Broadcasting (BSB), creating British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB). This merger helped solidify Sky’s dominance in the UK pay-TV market. News Corporation (later known as 21st Century Fox) became the largest shareholder, holding a controlling interest for decades.
21st Century Fox’s Role
By the early 2000s, 21st Century Fox, the successor to News Corporation after its 2013 corporate split, owned 39.1% of BSkyB. Fox played a significant role in shaping Sky’s strategy, focusing on exclusive sports rights, premium content, and technological innovations like Sky+ and Sky Q.
In 2014, BSkyB acquired full control of Sky Deutschland (Germany and Austria) and Sky Italia (Italy), consolidating them under one umbrella to form a pan-European entity. After the merger, the company dropped “BSkyB” and began operating simply as Sky.
Following this consolidation, 21st Century Fox continued to hold a 39.1% stake in the newly unified Sky group and attempted to acquire full control by offering to buy the remaining 60.9% it didn’t already own.
The Comcast Takeover Battle
In 2016, 21st Century Fox made a formal bid to take full ownership of Sky, offering £10.75 per share. However, the bid was delayed due to regulatory scrutiny in the UK. Concerns about media concentration and Rupert Murdoch’s influence on news outlets led to an extensive investigation by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
Meanwhile, in late 2017, The Walt Disney Company announced plans to acquire most of 21st Century Fox, including its 39.1% stake in Sky. This further complicated the Sky acquisition because Disney would indirectly own part of Sky if the Fox deal went through.
Sensing an opportunity, Comcast entered the picture in 2018. It launched a surprise bid for Sky, offering £12.50 per share, which was higher than Fox’s bid. The bidding war escalated, and Comcast eventually raised its offer to £17.28 per share in a rare UK government-run auction process.
In September 2018, Comcast officially outbid Fox/Disney, winning control of Sky in a deal valued at £30 billion ($39 billion). Fox accepted the outcome and agreed to sell its 39.1% stake to Comcast, giving Comcast 100% control of Sky.
Comcast’s Acquisition of Sky TV
In 2018, Comcast outbid 21st Century Fox in a competitive auction to acquire Sky TV. Comcast’s winning offer was £17.28 per share, valuing Sky at approximately £30 billion ($39 billion). This acquisition expanded Comcast’s reach into Europe, adding Sky’s 23 million subscribers across the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy to its portfolio.
The acquisition was strategic for Comcast, allowing it to diversify its revenue streams and gain a significant foothold in the European market. Sky’s offerings in satellite television, broadband, and original content complemented Comcast’s existing services, enhancing its global competitiveness.
Ownership Structure
Post-acquisition, Sky TV became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. As a result, Sky is no longer publicly traded and does not have individual shareholders. Comcast, a publicly listed company on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol CMCSA, holds 100% ownership of Sky.
Comcast’s ownership structure includes various institutional investors and stakeholders. The Roberts family, through special Class B shares, maintains significant voting control over Comcast. Other major shareholders include investment firms such as Vanguard Group and BlackRock, each holding substantial positions in Comcast’s Class A shares.
Who is the CEO of Sky TV?
As of 2025, Dana Strong serves as the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sky Group, a leading European media and telecommunications company wholly owned by Comcast Corporation. Appointed in January 2021, Strong has been instrumental in steering Sky through a transformative period, focusing on digital innovation, content diversification, and strategic partnerships.
Background and Career
Dana Strong was born in July 1970 in Ohio, USA. She holds a dual degree from the University of Pennsylvania: a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Wharton School and a Bachelor of Arts in History from the College of Arts and Sciences. Her career spans over two decades in the telecommunications and media industry across multiple continents.
Prior to joining Sky, Strong held several key positions:
- President of Consumer Services at Comcast Cable: Oversaw residential services, including broadband, video, voice, and mobile, achieving record subscriber growth and customer satisfaction.
- President and COO of Virgin Media: Led operations in the UK, focusing on customer experience and service expansion.
- Chief Transformation Officer at Liberty Global: Directed company-wide transformation initiatives across Europe.
- CEO of UPC Ireland and COO of Austar in Australia: Managed operations and strategic growth in the respective regions.
Leadership at Sky
Since taking the helm at Sky, Strong has prioritized the company’s transition from traditional satellite broadcasting to internet-based streaming services. Under her leadership, Sky launched:
- Sky Glass: An integrated smart TV offering Sky’s content without the need for a satellite dish.
- Sky Stream: A streaming device providing access to Sky’s content over the internet.
These innovations reflect Strong’s commitment to adapting to changing consumer behaviors and technological advancements.
Additionally, Strong has secured long-term broadcasting rights for major sports events, including:
- Premier League: A new four-year deal starting from the 2025/26 season.
- EFL (English Football League): Rights extended through the 2028/29 season.
- Formula 1: Rights secured until 2029.
- US Open Tennis: Broadcast rights extended to 2027.
These deals reinforce Sky’s position as a premier destination for sports broadcasting in Europe.
Strategic Initiatives and Challenges
Strong has also focused on diversifying Sky’s offerings:
- Sky Mobile: Under her guidance, it has become the fastest-growing mobile operator in the UK.
- Sky Protect: Launched as a smart home protection and insurance service, marking Sky’s entry into new market segments.
However, her tenure has not been without challenges. Sky faced an $8.6 billion writedown by Comcast, reflecting the competitive pressures from streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon.
Additionally, the impending end of Sky’s exclusive HBO content deal in 2026 poses content acquisition challenges. Despite these hurdles, Strong remains optimistic, focusing on original content production and strategic partnerships to maintain Sky’s market position.
Strong is known for her collaborative leadership approach, contrasting with the more hierarchical culture during the Murdoch era. She emphasizes teamwork and innovation, fostering an environment that encourages adaptability and responsiveness to market changes.
Annual Revenue and Net Worth of Sky TV
As of 2025, Sky Group, a leading European media and telecommunications company, is wholly owned by Comcast Corporation. Sky’s financial performance reflects the challenges and transformations in the media industry.
In the fiscal year 2025, Sky TV reported revenues of approximately £8.5 billion (around $11 billion), marking a modest increase of 1.6% compared to the previous year. This growth is attributed to the expansion of its direct-to-consumer services, including pay-TV, mobile broadband, and streaming operations. The company has seen positive signs in revenue growth engines such as streaming, advertising, and broadband services.
Determining the exact net worth of Sky is complex, especially since it operates as a subsidiary of Comcast and is not publicly traded. However, it’s noteworthy that in 2022, Comcast wrote down the value of Sky by $8.6 billion, reflecting the challenges faced by the company in the evolving media landscape.
Below is an overview of the revenue and net worth of Sky TV for the last 10 years:
| Year | Revenue (USD Billion) | Estimated Net Worth (USD Billion) | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $17.3 | $25.0 | Expansion in UK and European markets; strong pay-TV growth. |
| 2016 | $16.8 | $26.5 | Broadband services strengthen; Sky Q rollout. |
| 2017 | $17.0 | $28.0 | Streaming begins to impact linear TV; subscriber growth. |
| 2018 | $17.5 | $39.0 | Comcast acquires Sky for $39B in a competitive takeover. |
| 2019 | $17.0 | $37.5 | Integration with Comcast; maintaining market share. |
| 2020 | $16.0 | $35.0 | COVID-19 disruptions in sports broadcasting. |
| 2021 | $15.5 | $34.0 | Viewer habits shift toward streaming; increased competition. |
| 2022 | $14.7 | $33.0 | Original content and Sky Glass introduced. |
| 2023 | $10.6 | $25.0 | Major writedown by Comcast; operating losses widen. |
| 2024 | $11.0 | $24.5 | Modest recovery; digital products gain traction. |
| 2025 | $11.0 (est.) | $24.0 (est.) | Strategic pivot toward streaming and in-house content. |
Brands Owned by Sky TV
As of 2025, Sky Group, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation, operates a diverse portfolio of companies and brands across Europe. These entities span television channels, production studios, broadband services, and digital platforms, reflecting Sky’s comprehensive approach to media and telecommunications.
Here’s a list of the major brands and companies owned by Sky TV:
| Brand/Company | Focus Area | Launch/Acquisition Year | Region of Operation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sky Studios | TV production (original content) | 2019 | UK, Europe, US |
| Sky Max | Drama, comedy-drama, unscripted TV | 2021 | UK, Ireland |
| Sky Showcase | Flagship curated content channel | 2021 | UK, Ireland |
| Sky Kids | Children’s programming | 2023 | UK, Ireland |
| Sky News | 24-hour news | 1989 | UK, Global (TV, web, app) |
| Sky Sports | Sports broadcasting | 1990s | UK, Ireland |
| Sky Cinema | Movies and Sky Original films | 1998 | UK, Ireland |
| Sky Broadband | Internet and broadband services | 2006 | UK, Ireland |
| NOW | Contract-free streaming service | 2012 | UK, Ireland |
| The Cloud | Public Wi-Fi provider | 2011 (acquired) | UK |
| Sky Deutschland | Pay TV and broadband | 2009 (as Sky DE) | Germany, Austria, Switzerland |
| Sky Italia | Pay TV, broadband, telephony | 2003 (as Sky Italia) | Italy |
| Sky Ireland | Pay TV, broadband, telephony | 1998 | Republic of Ireland |
| Sky Subscriber Services Ltd. | Customer billing & support | Internal subsidiary | UK |
| Sky In-Home Services Ltd. | Equipment installation & maintenance | Internal subsidiary | UK |
| Sky Home Communications Ltd. | Landline and mobile services | Internal subsidiary | UK |
| Sky Vision | International content distribution | Merged into NBCU (2020s) | Global |
| Sky Q | Set-top box platform | 2016 | UK, Ireland |
| Sky Glass | Smart streaming TV (no satellite) | 2021 | UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria |
| Sky Stream | Streaming device over broadband | 2022 | UK, Ireland |
| Sky Go | Mobile streaming app | 2006 | UK, Ireland |
| Freesat from Sky | Free-to-air satellite TV | 2001 | UK |
| Sky Store | Buy or rent films and shows | 2012 | UK, Ireland |
| Sky Box Office | Pay-per-view events | 1996 | UK, Ireland |
| Sky Betting & Gaming | Online gambling (Sky Bet, Vegas, etc.) | 2001 (sold in 2018) | UK |
| Sky News Arabia | Arabic-language news channel | 2012 (joint venture) | MENA Region |
| SkyShowtime | Streaming joint venture with Paramount | 2022 | Europe |
| Vision Distribution | Film distribution (Sky Italia JV) | 2016 | Italy |
| Love Productions | TV production (e.g., Bake Off) | 2014 (majority stake) | UK |
| Jupiter Entertainment | Factual/non-fiction TV | 2015 (acquired) | USA |
| True North Productions | UK factual content producer | 2017 (acquired) | UK |
| Amstrad | Set-top box and electronics | 2007 (acquired) | UK |
| Skybound Stories | Interactive content (JV with Skybound) | 2020s | UK, US |
| Ginx TV | Gaming and esports channel | Stake acquired (2016) | UK |
| Sky History | Historical content (JV with A+E) | 2020 (rebrand) | UK |
| Sky Arts | Arts and culture channel | 2000 | UK |
| Sky Crime | True crime programming | 2019 | UK |
| Sky Documentaries | Factual and biographical content | 2020 | UK |
Sky Studios
Established in 2019, Sky Studios serves as Sky’s in-house production arm, focusing on developing, producing, and funding original drama, comedy, and documentary content. The studio has expanded its reach by investing in several production companies in the UK and the US, including Love Productions, Blast! Films, True North Productions, and Jupiter Entertainment. Sky Studios has also launched Sky Studios Elstree, a state-of-the-art facility in the UK, expected to generate over £3 billion in production investment over five years.
Sky Max
Launched on 1 September 2021, Sky Max is a British pay television channel that replaced the long-standing Sky One. It offers a mix of drama, comedy-drama, and unscripted series, including popular shows like “Brassic” and “A League of Their Own.” Sky Max is available in the UK and Ireland through various platforms, including Sky Go and NOW.
Sky Showcase
Sky Showcase, also launched on 1 September 2021, serves as a flagship channel that curates content from across Sky’s portfolio, including Sky Atlantic, Sky Cinema, and Sky Sports. It provides viewers with a selection of the best programming, acting as a gateway to Sky’s diverse offerings.
Sky Kids
Introduced on 13 February 2023, Sky Kids is Sky’s dedicated children’s channel, offering a range of programming tailored for younger audiences. The channel is available in the UK and Ireland and complements the existing Sky Kids app, providing both linear and on-demand content.
Sky News
Sky News is a 24-hour international multimedia news operation based in the UK. It provides comprehensive news coverage and is recognized for its impartial journalism. Sky News is available across various platforms, including television, online, and radio.
Sky Sports
Sky Sports is a group of sports television channels operated by Sky, offering extensive coverage of sports events, including the Premier League, Formula 1, and cricket. The brand has become synonymous with sports broadcasting in the UK and Ireland.
Sky Cinema
Sky Cinema offers a wide selection of movies, including the latest blockbusters and classic films. It also features Sky Original films, with new titles released regularly. Sky Cinema is available as part of Sky’s subscription packages and through the NOW streaming service.
Sky Broadband
Sky Broadband provides internet services across the UK and Ireland, offering various packages to meet different customer needs. The service includes features like Sky WiFi Max and parental controls, ensuring a secure and reliable internet experience.
NOW
NOW (formerly NOW TV) is Sky’s standalone streaming service, offering flexible access to Sky’s content without a long-term contract. Subscribers can choose from various passes, including Entertainment, Cinema, and Sports, to stream content on demand.
The Cloud
The Cloud is a public Wi-Fi service operated by Sky, providing internet access in various public locations across the UK. It supports Sky’s commitment to connectivity and complements its broadband offerings.
Sky Deutschland
Sky Deutschland is Sky’s German division, offering pay television services in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It provides a range of content, including sports, movies, and entertainment, tailored to the German-speaking market.
Sky Italia
Sky Italia operates in Italy, offering pay television, broadband, and telephony services. It delivers a variety of content, including original Italian programming, international series, and sports coverage.
Sky Ireland
Sky Ireland provides television, broadband, and telephony services in the Republic of Ireland. It offers a range of content similar to its UK counterpart, catering to the Irish market.
Sky Subscriber Services Limited
This subsidiary handles customer service and billing operations for Sky’s television services, ensuring efficient management of subscriber accounts.
Sky In-Home Services Limited
Sky In-Home Services is responsible for the installation and maintenance of Sky’s television and broadband equipment in customers’ homes, ensuring quality service delivery.
Sky Home Communications Limited
This entity manages Sky’s telephony services, including landline and mobile offerings, expanding Sky’s telecommunications portfolio.
Sky Vision
Sky Vision was Sky’s international distribution arm, responsible for selling Sky’s content globally. It has since been integrated into NBCUniversal’s distribution operations.
Sky Q
Sky Q is Sky’s next-generation television platform, offering features like voice control, multi-room viewing, and integration with streaming services. It represents Sky’s commitment to innovation in home entertainment.
Sky Glass
Sky Glass is a streaming television set that integrates Sky’s services without the need for a satellite dish. It offers a seamless viewing experience with built-in voice control and access to various streaming apps.
Sky Stream
Sky Stream is a plug-and-play device that allows users to access Sky’s content over the internet, providing an alternative to traditional satellite services. It caters to customers seeking flexibility and convenience.
Sky Go
Sky Go is a mobile application that enables Sky subscribers to watch live and on-demand content on their devices, offering flexibility and mobility.
Freesat from Sky
Freesat from Sky is a free satellite television service offering a selection of channels without a subscription, providing an entry point for customers into Sky’s ecosystem.
Sky Store
Sky Store allows customers to rent or buy movies and TV shows, including the latest releases, providing an additional avenue for content consumption.
Sky Box Office
Sky Box Office offers pay-per-view events, including major sports and entertainment spectacles, allowing customers to access premium content on demand.
Sky Betting & Gaming
Sky Betting & Gaming encompasses various online gambling services, including Sky Bet, Sky Vegas, Sky Bingo, and Sky Poker, catering to different segments of the gaming market.
Sky News Arabia
Sky News Arabia is a 24-hour Arabic-language news channel, a joint venture between Sky Group and Abu Dhabi Media Investment Corporation, providing news coverage across the Middle East and North Africa.
SkyShowtime
SkyShowtime is a joint venture between Sky and Showtime Networks, offering a streaming service that combines content from both entities, expanding Sky’s reach in the European market.
Vision Distribution
Vision Distribution is a joint venture involving Sky Italia and several Italian production companies, focusing on the distribution of Italian films and television content.
Love Productions
Love Productions is a television production company known for creating popular formats like “The Great British Bake Off.” Sky acquired a majority stake in the company, enhancing its content creation capabilities.
Jupiter Entertainment
Jupiter Entertainment is a US-based production company specializing in non-fiction programming. Sky’s investment in Jupiter expands its footprint in the American content market.
True North Productions
True North is one of the UK’s leading independent production companies, producing factual content. Sky’s acquisition of a majority stake strengthens its position in factual programming.
The Cloud
The Cloud is a public Wi-Fi service provider acquired by Sky, offering internet access in various public locations, supporting Sky’s broadband services.
Amstrad
Amstrad is a British electronics company acquired by Sky, historically involved in manufacturing set-top boxes and other hardware for Sky’s services.
Skybound Stories
Skybound Stories is a joint venture between Sky and Skybound Entertainment, focusing on developing interactive storytelling experiences, blending traditional media with gaming elements.
Ginx TV
Ginx TV is a UK-based television channel dedicated to video game-related content. Sky holds a stake in the channel, aligning with its interest in gaming and e-sports.
Sky History
Sky History is a joint venture between Sky and A&E Networks UK, offering historical documentaries and series, catering to audiences interested in history and factual content.
Sky Arts
Sky Arts is a channel dedicated to arts and culture programming, including music, theater, and visual arts, supporting Sky’s commitment to the arts.
Sky Crime
Sky Crime focuses on true crime programming, featuring documentaries and series that delve into criminal cases and investigations.
Sky Documentaries
Sky Documentaries offers a range of documentary content covering various topics, including biographies, history, and current affairs.
Final Words
Sky TV has gone through many changes, from a UK satellite provider to a European media giant. Today, it is fully owned by Comcast Corporation, one of the world’s largest media companies. Comcast’s complete control means Sky no longer has separate shareholders.
From its CEO to its multiple subsidiaries, Sky remains a powerful force in content, news, and broadband. Its legacy and influence continue to shape media across Europe.
FAQs
Does Rupert Murdoch still own Sky?
No, Rupert Murdoch no longer owns Sky. Murdoch’s 21st Century Fox previously owned a 39.1% stake in Sky Group. However, in 2018, after a competitive bidding process between Fox and Comcast, Comcast acquired full ownership of Sky. Murdoch’s involvement ended when Fox sold its stake to Comcast during the acquisition.
Is Sky owned by Netflix?
No, Sky is not owned by Netflix. Sky is a wholly owned subsidiary of Comcast Corporation, an American multinational telecommunications conglomerate. Netflix is an independent public company. While Sky and Netflix have distribution partnerships — such as Netflix content being accessible via Sky Q and Sky Glass — the two companies are not owned by each other.
Is Sky British or American?
Sky is British in origin but American-owned. It was founded in the United Kingdom and is still headquartered in London. However, since 2018, it has been owned by Comcast, which is based in the United States. This makes Sky a British company under American ownership.
Does Sky own Now TV?
Yes, Sky owns NOW (formerly known as Now TV). It is a contract-free streaming service launched by Sky in 2012. NOW offers flexible access to Sky’s content without a long-term subscription, including entertainment, sports, and movies.
Does Disney own Sky?
No, Disney does not own Sky. While Disney acquired many of 21st Century Fox’s assets in 2019, including film and TV studios, it did not acquire Fox’s former 39.1% stake in Sky. Comcast acquired full control of Sky before the Disney-Fox deal closed. Therefore, Sky is fully owned by Comcast, not Disney.
How much does the CEO of Sky make?
As of 2025, Dana Strong, CEO of Sky Group, reportedly earns an estimated annual compensation of around £2.5 million. This includes base salary, bonuses, and stock awards. However, exact figures are not publicly disclosed in full detail since Sky is a subsidiary of Comcast and not separately listed.
Who owns Sky Sports?
Sky Sports is owned by Sky Group, which in turn is owned by Comcast. Sky Sports is a major part of Sky’s broadcasting portfolio, offering extensive coverage of football, cricket, Formula 1, golf, and other sports across the UK and Ireland.
Who owns Sky News Australia?
Sky News Australia is not owned by Sky Group or Comcast. It is a separate entity owned by Australian News Channel Pty Ltd, which is a subsidiary of News Corp Australia, controlled by Rupert Murdoch. While it shares the “Sky News” brand, it operates independently from the UK-based Sky News.
Who currently owns Sky TV?
Sky TV is fully owned by Comcast Corporation, a U.S.-based telecom and media giant.
Is Sky TV still a UK company?
Sky was founded in the UK, and its headquarters remain in London. However, it is now part of the U.S.-based Comcast group.
Is Sky listed on the stock exchange?
No. Sky was delisted from the London Stock Exchange after Comcast’s acquisition. It is now a private company under Comcast.