Hotstar Transition: How to Access Indian Content and Live Sports via the Disney Bundle

For millions of viewers seeking live cricket, Indian cinema, and popular streaming shows, the way to access hotstar content has evolved. Depending on your region, the standalone service has transitioned into a broader ecosystem to streamline how users consume international and domestic entertainment.

The Shift to The Disney Bundle

In a significant structural change, Hotstar content has been integrated into The Disney Bundle. This consolidated offering combines three major streaming platforms—Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+—into a single subscription package. This move is designed to provide a one-stop destination for a wide variety of content, ranging from Hollywood blockbusters to niche Indian programming.

For those specifically looking for Hotstar favorites, the bundle now serves as the primary gateway to:

• Live Sports: Including high-stakes cricket matches and other international sporting events.
• Indian Cinema: A vast library of regional and Bollywood films.
• Original Series: Popular Indian shows and dramas previously hosted on the standalone app.

Regional Availability: US vs. India

It is critical for users to distinguish between regional service availability to avoid subscription confusion. As of September 2026, the standalone Hotstar service is no longer operational in the US market. US-based users must now utilize The Disney Bundle to access the content they previously viewed on Hotstar. The official platform explicitly states, "Hotstar isn't up in the US anymore, but the fun quotient is up and running!"

While the US transition is clear, users within India should continue to refer to their local app store or official service notifications for the most current domestic subscription models, as the "Disney Bundle" (Hulu/ESPN+) is a specific configuration primarily targeting the North American market.

How to Manage Your Transition

If you were a previous Hotstar subscriber in a transitioning region, the company has moved communication to direct channels. Users are advised to check their registered email addresses for specific account details, transition guides, and updated billing information regarding their move to the bundle.

Feature	Standalone Hotstar (US)	The Disney Bundle (US)
Status	Inactive	Active
Content Access	Direct App	Via Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+
Live Cricket	Available (formerly)	Available
Indian Films	Available (formerly)	Available