• Loading stock data...
Thursday, October 9, 2025
One week until Asset Class at the NYSE Request to Attend

Disney’s Iger Says He’s Open To Selling Major Assets, Stake in ESPN

  • Finding a strategic partner for ESPN among long list of potential shifts for Disney
  • Iger looking at virtually every corner of the business amid historic media disruption
Bob Iger of Disney
Shutterstock

Disney CEO Bob Iger made the company’s strategy for his new contract term abundantly clear: Virtually everything within the company is now up for serious reevaluation.

Armed with a fresh extension through 2026, Iger told CNBC on Thursday he is open to a wide range of large-scale shifts at Disney — including selling part of ESPN to a strategic partner, shedding or spinning off other linear TV networks such as ABC and FX, purchasing the remaining Hulu equity it doesn’t already own, and even pulling back on its movie-production efforts.

The company is in the midst of shedding 7,000 jobs — about 3% of its global workforce — in a bid to reduce $5.5 billion in costs, a move highlighted by another round of cuts at ESPN. 

Historic levels of cord-cutting by consumers have greatly amplified Iger’s urgency, as nearly 28 million ESPN linear subscribers have left since 2011. Such issues have also compelled Disney to consider changes to its media business in India.

“The company is facing a lot of challenges, some of them self-inflicted,” Iger said. “We’ve gotten a lot done very quickly, significant cost reductions and significant realignment of the company. But we’re dealing head-on with some of our biggest challenges.”

Iger said he is still “bullish about sports” — unsurprisingly, given how live games dominate U.S. television ratings across all genres. But even there, he stressed discipline.

“It’s a business that we want to stay in, but we’re realistic,” he said.

ESPN declined to comment on Iger’s remarks to CNBC. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL Viewership Reaches Highest Level Since 2010, Up 8% from 2024

Through Week 5, the league’s audience levels are at a 15-year high.

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.

Featured Today

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.’”
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.
October 4, 2025

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.
Oregon Ducks inside linebacker Will Straton celebrates a stop as the Oregon Ducks host the Oregon State Beavers Sept. 20, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.

CBS Eyes Breakthrough As Big Ten Ratings Still Lag Behind SEC

The network will air No. 7 Indiana at No. 3 Oregon on Saturday.
Dana Evans
October 8, 2025

WNBA Starts Finals With Best Viewership Since Inaugural Season

Game 1 averaged 1.9 million viewers on ESPN.
Netflix
October 9, 2025

Netflix Claims Bigger NFL Package ‘Doesn’t Really Fit’ Sports Strategy

Roger Goodell has signaled media-rights conversations could restart next year.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
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.
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.
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.