Squawk on the Street SOTS 10AM: Exclusive: Disney CEO Bob Iger and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on new deal 12/11/25
8 snips
Dec 11, 2025 
Mario Gabelli, a veteran media investor and CEO of Gamco Investors, dives into the dynamics of major players like Warner Bros. Discovery and Netflix. Meanwhile, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, unveils exciting details about their new partnership with Disney, including a content licensing deal that empowers Disney with 200 characters. He discusses the impact on revenue, compute needs, and upcoming AI models while emphasizing the importance of respecting intellectual property. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of media and technology.
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Disney Monetizes Characters For Short-Form AI
- Disney licensed ~200 characters to Sora to let users create short-form videos and get paid for that IP usage.
- The deal pairs licensing with a $1B Disney investment in OpenAI, signaling content owners can monetize AI-driven creation.
Investment Signals Strategic Bet On AI
- Bob Iger said Disney invested $1 billion in OpenAI to participate in AI's long-term impact and to ensure value protection for its IP.
- The investment comes with warrants enabling possible future equity increases tied to the partnership.
Partnership Built Around IP Respect
- Sam Altman and Disney negotiated licensing and guardrails collaboratively to respect IP while enabling user creativity on Sora.
- OpenAI prioritized a partnership with Disney to responsibly unlock high-demand character-driven experiences.