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Disney is making sure you need its platforms to watch top sports for the next decade-plus.
The media giant most recently announced that it has extended ESPN’s broadcast rights deal with Wimbledon for another 12 years, adding to the network’s robust list of high-profile sports packages.
- Eleven-year deal with the NFL begins in 2023 at $2.7 billion per season
- Seven-year, $4 billion MLB extension goes into effect in 2022
- Ten-year, $3 billion deal with SEC football and basketball begins in 2024
- Seven-year, $2.8 billion deal with the NHL starts in 2021
- Eight-year, $1.4 billion deal with LaLiga kicks off in 2021
Disney-owned ABC will air matches as part of the Wimbledon deal, with ESPN+ streaming coverage from all courts starting in 2024.
In May, Disney reported that ESPN+ subscriptions were up 75% year-over-year for a total of 13.8 million users. On Monday, the company announced a $1 price increase for the service, to $6.99 per month.
Streaming services Hulu and Disney+ also fall under The Mouse’s umbrella. CEO Bob Chapek said in June that 40% of upfront ad commitments for fall TV went to streaming.
Linear is far from dead, though. ABC alone locked in about $2 billion during upfronts.
