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Disney has completed a deal with MLB to acquire a one-third stake in BAM Tech for $1B, with the deal designed to both jumpstart the MLBAM spinoff serving third-party entities and pave the way for a variety of new Disney digital offerings. Disney and BAM Tech will collaborate on an ESPN-branded, OTT multisport network due to debut by the end of this year. It will be sold directly to consumers. “Our goal is to ensure that our brands, notably ESPN, remain strong, vital, and relevant in a totally changed media landscape,” Disney Chair & CEO Bob Iger said. “We obviously need this capability (of BAM Tech) to take ESPN, Disney and other Disney IP onto similar platforms.” The $1B will be paid in two installments, now and in January ’17, and Disney also holds an option to acquire majority control ofBAM Tech. The deal values BAM Tech at $3B, and the $1B paid by Disney is more than 10 times the original startup funds invested into MLBAM at its ’00 formation. MLB owners last year formally approved the spinoff of BAM Tech, which works with a wide variety of clients including the NHL, HBO, PGA Tour and WWE.