• Loading stock data...
Monday, February 17, 2025

Disney Opens Door to Sports Betting

  • Disney CEO Bob Chapek said that the company’s research indicated that it would not damage its reputation with sports betting.
  • ESPN could move into sports betting through a sportsbook partnership or acquisition.
bob_chapek
Disney/Design: Alex Brooks

Disney CEO Bob Chapek sounds more open than ever to ESPN embracing sports betting, despite Disney’s family-friendly image.

During Wednesday’s earnings call, Chapek said that Disney has found both a broader acceptance of sports betting among the general public and that people see ESPN and Disney as separate brands.

“We have done substantial research in terms of the impact not only to the ESPN brand, but the Disney brand, in terms of consumers’ changing perceptions of the acceptability of gambling,” said Chapek. “And what we’re finding is that there’s a very significant isolation.”

  • ESPN looked into licensing its name to another sportsbook for at least $3 billion. The company has held talks with both Caesars and DraftKings.
  • The sports network was also rumored to be interested in partnering with or acquiring casino and sportsbook operator Rush Street Interactive.

It’s unclear if Chapek’s statements affect Disney’s reported exploration of spinning off ESPN into a company with more freedom to pursue sports betting ventures and a more singular focus on linear broadcasting than Disney’s other media businesses.

ESPN+ grew its subscriber base by 66% to 17.1 million in Disney’s fiscal fourth quarter, which ended Oct. 3.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team United States forward Dylan Larkin (21) plays the puck and Team Canada forward Nathan MacKinnon (29) defends in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre

NHL Has Huge Ratings Hit With U.S.-Canada 4 Nations Face-Off

The ratings mark a massive hit for the league’s new event.
Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team United States forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) and Team Canada forward brandon Hagel (38) fight in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre.

Inside the Push for the NHL’s Next Era of International Competition

Players have been clamoring, and the league is all in.
Feb 18, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Eastern Conference guard Damian Lillard (0) of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after a play during the second half of the 73rd NBA All Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The NBA’s Latest Attempt To Solve the All-Star Game Conundrum

A new mini-tournament on a lame-duck network may not solve the problem.

Featured Today

Jan 9, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) checks Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) during the third period at PPG Paints Arena

‘Important’ 4 Nations Face-Off Can Be NHL’s All-Star Antidote

“The stars have been lobbying the league for an event like this.”
Brady and Mahomes
February 8, 2025

Chiefs Fatigue Is Real. It’s Nowhere Near Patriots Hate Yet

People who have covered both teams say the difference is stark.
Nov 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley (26) after the Eagles defeat the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium.
February 7, 2025

How the Eagles Reinvented Championship Roster Construction

Philadelphia is one of the most innovative franchises in the NFL.
February 3, 2025

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.
Jon Batiste

Sportsbooks Split on Hotly Disputed Super Bowl National Anthem Prop Bet

FanDuel and DraftKings split on the national anthem duration.
Josh Allen
February 6, 2025

Polymarket Whale Made Huge Late Bets On Josh Allen Winning NFL MVP

Allen’s odds skyrocketed from the 50s to over 90% on Thursday afternoon.
Andy Reid
February 9, 2025

Sportsbooks Call for Tighter Regulations on Prediction Markets

Sports betting and sports event contracts are treated differently—for now.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles helmets at the Caesars Superdome prior to Super Bowl LIX.
February 6, 2025

Amid ‘Record’ Super Bowl Betting, Market’s Two Largest Forces Still Reign

FanDuel and DraftKings still dominate the ever-expanding space.
Aug 22, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora (13) talks with home plate umpire Pat Hoberg as Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) adjusts his PitchCom device during the second inning at Minute Maid Park.
February 3, 2025

MLB Fires Umpire Pat Hoberg: Third Gambling Scandal in Under a Year

The league terminates the umpire for failing to uphold the game’s integrity.
Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) walks off the field after winning the NFC Championship game against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field.
February 3, 2025

Robinhood Suspends Rollout of Super Bowl Betting After CFTC Request

Robinhood has suspended trading of event contracts on the Super Bowl.
Terry Rozier
January 30, 2025

Feds Investigating Terry Rozier for NBA Point Shaving

Rozier is eyed in the same investigation that snagged Jontay Porter.