Disney sees a future without Netflix

Disney, the world’s largest entertainment company, has outlined plans to sell some of its premiere content directly to consumers online.

Starting next year, it will offer live sports and animated films including Toy Story 4, sidestepping partners from Netflix to pay-TV providers like Comcast and DirecTV, chief executive officer Bob Iger said.

“If you look at Disney’s businesses, except for the theme parks, virtually all of the businesses touch consumers through third parties, everything from big box retailers to the owners of motion-picture theaters. This is an opportunity to reach the consumer directly,” the 66-year-old said.