Saturday, May 2, 2026

Disney Streaming Growth Slows, ESPN+ Subs Increase 66%

  • Disney saw revenue climb 26% year-over-year in its final fiscal quarter of 2021, but faced some headwinds on its streaming growth.
  • ESPN+ grew 66% to reach 17.1 million subscribers.
espn_building
Design: Alex Brooks

Disney’s revenues climbed 26% in its last quarter of the fiscal year, though analysts expected more growth in its streaming networks.

The company brought in $18.5 billion in the three months ending Oct. 3, buoyed by a 99% increase in its Parks, Experiences and Products segment to $5.5 billion. 

Disney’s media and entertainment division drew $13.1 billion, representing 9% year-over-year growth.

  • Disney+ subscribers grew 60% year-over-year to reach 118.1 million.
  • ESPN+ subscribers were up 66% year-over-year to 17.1 million.
  • Hulu subscribers climbed 20% year-over-year to 43.8 million.

Still, Disney’s streaming networks lost $600 million in total, an increase from $400 million in the same period last year, largely due to high production costs.

Disney has looked into combining ESPN+, Hulu, and Disney+ into a single offering, but is partly limited by ESPN’s rights deals. 

It also explored spinning off ESPN, in part so the sports media company could make a more fulsome embrace of sports betting without conflicting with the rest of the brand’s family-friendly stance.

ESPN was reportedly seeking to license its name to a sports book in a deal worth at least $3 billion, as of September.

Disney’s stock dipped as much as 5% in after hours trading, before partially recovering.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Kaitlin Oaks (left) from Tampa looks at photos with Layla Abutha from Tampa while attending Thurby at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Kentucky Derby Is Courting Gen Z

Churchill Downs is mixing traditional splendor with a youthful atmosphere.
The sun rises on the backside as horses work with their riders at Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby week. April 30, 2026

Prediction Markets Finally Found a Sport They Can’t Offer

Here’s why you won’t see the Kentucky Derby on Kalshi or Polymarket.
Mar 4, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; The NFL Network logo on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Network Dark on Comcast in First Carriage Dispute Under ESPN

The dispute does not involve Disney or ESPN’s other channels.

NFL Draft Viewership Falls 12%, Averages 6.6M Over Three Days

Coverage across all networks averaged 6.6 million viewers.

Featured Today

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.
Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby
April 21, 2026

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
April 17, 2026

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
blake griffin
April 14, 2026

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
John Fanta

NBC Bets on a Bigger Kentucky Derby Weekend

The Oaks moved to primetime, and Fanta will report from the infield.
Brandon Marshall Portfolio Players
April 30, 2026

Brandon Marshall: Why I Walked Away From Sports Talk TV

The ex-NFL wideout previously starred on FS1.
Jan 11, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel looks on before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers in an AFC Wild Card Round game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
May 1, 2026

Schedule Release Could Make Mike Vrabel NFL’s Punching Bag

Unfortunately for Vrabel, the Patriots face the Chargers in 2026.
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
Nov 10, 2019; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; ESPN radio sideline reporter Dianna Russini during the NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Rams at Heinz Field. The Steelers defeated the Rams 17-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
exclusive
April 29, 2026

Top Athletic Editor Addresses Russini Saga in All-Hands Meeting

Steven Ginsberg acknowledged the outlet’s communications could have been clearer.
Feb 5, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel talks to media members at the Santa Clara Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
April 29, 2026

From Sideline to Spotlight: Mike Vrabel Faces Celebrity Frenzy

Vrabel has been a tabloid fixture in recent weeks.
Feb 4, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Ian Rapoport on the NFL Network set at the Super Bowl LX media center at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
exclusive
April 29, 2026

Ian Rapoport, ESPN Finalizing Multiyear Deal

The NFL insider’s contract was set to expire in May.
April 28, 2026

Braves Say New TV Network Is on Pace to Beat Old RSN Revenue

Early returns from the new regional sports network provide confidence.