• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Disney Lifts Curtain on ESPN Financials Amid Sports TV’s Uncertainties

  • ESPN’s Profits Drop 20% Over First Nine Months Of 2023.
  • Disney broke out ESPN’s results for the first time on Wednesday.
ESPN microphone on press table
Troy Taormina-Imgan Images

For decades, ESPN has been the cash cow for the Walt Disney Co. 

But the one-two punch of falling cable subscribers and rising sports rights fees has taken a toll on ESPN’s revenue and profits. 

Investors are getting a clear-eyed look at ESPN’s critical contribution to the Mouse House for the first time. Revenues for Disney’s sports division were $13.2 billion over the first nine months of fiscal 2023, a 1.3% drop compared to the same period in FY 2022 ($13.37 billion). 

The numbers — which hadn’t been broken out independently in the past — may help explain why Disney chairman Bob Iger is seeking a strategic partner/investor for ESPN.

Disney’s sports media business had an operating income of $1.48 billion for the nine months ending July 1, according to the filing. That’s a 20% profit drop over the same period a year ago ($1.85 billion). 

ESPN vs. Fox Sports battle

Sharpe’s Impact Propels ‘First Take’ to Soaring Viewership in Just Six Weeks

Monday’s “First Take” edition had 852,000 viewers compared with Fox’s “Undisputed,” which…
October 12, 2023

During the summer, ESPN laid off prominent on-air talents such as Keyshawn Johnson, Max Kellerman, Steve Young, Suzy Kolber, and Jalen Rose to cut costs. 

It also declined to renew the contracts of talents like Vince Carter, Rob Ninkovich, Chris Chelios, and Neil Everett.

Meanwhile, ESPN is facing negotiations to retain expensive media rights to the NBA and College Football Playoff. The network is also paying the NFL $2.7 billion annually through 2033 for the rights to “Monday Night Football,” the Pro Bowl, playoffs games, and its first two Super Bowls.

Disney owns 80% of ESPN, which offers eight branded TV channels and the direct-to-consumer ESPN+ platform. Hearst owns the other 20%.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 14, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; Portland Thorns FC midfielder Olivia Moultrie (13) kicks the ball past Chicago Stars FC defender Sam Staab (3) during the second half of a match at SeatGeek Stadium.

NWSL Beefs Up Media Deal With More CBS, ESPN, Adds Victory+

The NWSL has been locked into its existing deal since last year.
Greg Olsen

Greg Olsen on Tom Brady’s Raiders Role: ‘More Power to Him’

This season, the NFL has relaxed the special Brady broadcasting rules.
Apr 9, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Patrons move about the course during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

Amazon Will Air Early Masters Coverage

Prime will complement the coverage provided by CBS Sports and ESPN
Kawhi Leonard

A Timeline of the Kawhi Leonard-Clippers-Aspiration Saga

Investigations into the Clippers’ business dealings with Leonard date back years.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Injured Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on from the bench during the first half of a basketball game against the Chicago Sky at United Center.

WNBA Ratings Rise 3% in 2025 Despite Clark’s Absence

Caitlin Clark played in just 13 of 44 regular-season games.
Las Vegas Aces
September 15, 2025

WNBA Playoffs Face ESPN Fall Crunch For Final Time

The games will be spread across three networks next year.
Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) breaks up a pass intended for Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (85) on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 27-18.
September 15, 2025

Amazon Shatters Previous Ratings High for 1st NFL Game

“TNF” viewership surges 35% compared to the 2024 season average.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
September 15, 2025

Chiefs’ Fall to 0–2 Dims the Spotlight on NFL’s Top TV Draw

The NFL’s most-watched team sinks to a new low since Patrick Mahomes arrived.
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) pursues Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025.
September 12, 2025

College Football Enters Week 3 Up 21% in TV Ratings

Total college football viewership across all networks is up big.
Sep 6, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; General view of a Fox Sports camera station before the game between the Delaware Fightin Blue Hens against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field.
September 11, 2025

Lachlan Murdoch on Fox’s Sports Strategy, FanDuel Plans

The executive calls a forthcoming streaming bundle with ESPN “essential” for fans.
Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills fans react during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium.
September 9, 2025

As Bills Ascend, Their Next Frontier Lies in Canada

Buffalo and the powerful Canadian entity MLSE come together in a new pact.