• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Disney Reportedly Exploring ESPN Spinoff

  • Disney is reportedly looking into spinning off ESPN, as the sports network’s goals may be at odds with the rest of the company.
  • ESPN is more tied to linear broadcasting than other Disney properties through long term rights deals.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

As Disney expands its streaming business, it’s reportedly considering cutting loose its property most tied to linear television: ESPN.

The news outlet Puck said that Disney CEO Bob Chapek asked top aides to look into a possible ESPN spinoff. Multiple private equity firms have reportedly approached Disney about the possibility.

In a separate report, a person close to Disney who wished to remain anonymous called the reports inaccurate.

The Mouse has found that its flagship sports network’s goals are sometimes at odds with other parts of the company.

  • Because ESPN commands $10 per cable subscriber per month from cable networks, Disney loses money anytime someone drops their cable subscription for ESPN+ ($6.99 per month of $69.99 per year).
  • ESPN is contractually tied to long-term rights deals with linear providers. Disney CEO Bob Chapek mentioned “constraints” around current rights contracts in August when discussing the possibility of combining Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu.
  • Disney+ had 116 million subscribers as of July 3. ESPN+ had 14.9 million.

A split from the family-oriented Disney could allow ESPN to make a more fulsome embrace of sports betting.

The company is reportedly looking to license its name to a sportsbook in a deal worth at least $3 billion but has not yet launched its own betting platform.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL and College Football TV Ratings Continue to Surge, Especially for CBS

The network’s singleheader coverage Sunday drew huge viewership.

ESPN Ends Its Wild-Card Coverage With Historic TV Ratings

Wild-card viewership surges 64% to a record in the current format.
Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”

Featured Today

Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
FARMINGDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 23: Rory McIlroy of Team Europe hits out of the rough on the first hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage State Park on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York.
September 25, 2025

Ryder Cup in New York: Record-Setting Hopes and Fan Concerns

Organizers anticipate record attendance and revenue, but worry remains about fan behavior.
October 6, 2025

Mark Sanchez Charged With New Felony in Indianapolis Case

The broadcaster and ex-NFL quarterback faces up to six years in prison.
Mar 19, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; USA shortstop Trea Turner (8) throws to first base for an out during the first inning at LoanDepot Park.
October 7, 2025

Fox Picks Up Media Rights to 2026 World Baseball Classic

The network will repeat its role in the international baseball tournament.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Sep 27, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Josh McCray (2) runs against Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green (41) and defensive back Keon Sabb (3) in the second half at Sanford Stadium.
exclusive
October 2, 2025

College Football Viewership Is Up Double Digits. Here’s Why

Average game viewership is up by more than 10% so far.
The NBC Sports broadcast team works Michigan State's football game against Boston College on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
October 2, 2025

NBC Sports, Peacock Stay on YouTube TV With Long-Term Deal

The broad-based agreement keeps NBC channels with the key distributor.
Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) throws the ball during the first half of a NCAA college football game against Alabama in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
October 1, 2025

Alabama-Georgia Draws 10.4M Viewers, Drives Record CFB Season Pace

ABC drew 10.4 million viewers for Alabama-Georgia.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) pulls down a touchdown reception against Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) in the fourth quarter during their football game Sunday, November 13, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
September 24, 2025

Packers-Cowboys Game Is Getting Super Bowl–Like NBC Treatment

The network will bring its pregame show to Dallas.