• Loading stock data...
Friday, February 7, 2025

ESPN Investors Not A Sure Thing, Disney CEO Says

  • Disney CEO Bob Iger is walking back some comments about selling a stake in ESPN.
  • The company has had discussions with sports leagues and tech companies about investing.
Disney
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The idea of Disney selling a stake in ESPN — or even the majority of the network — has been one of the hottest topics in sports media this year. 

However, the move may not be as certain as previously thought.

ESPN has an estimated sale value of $24 billion, and Disney has confirmed discussions with several entities about an equity partnership in the sports channel. Sources previously told Front Office Sports that talks with the NFL and NBA as potential ESPN buyers had been heating up.

During a companywide town hall on Tuesday, Disney CEO Bob Iger said that financial partners for ESPN’s future plans are not mandatory. “We could go it alone,” Iger said. “We are fully prepared to do that. It would be a little more challenging if we did.” Iger did reiterate that Disney has been speaking to sports leagues and tech companies.

Iger also took exception to the reaction and fallout from his comments in July that he was open to selling major assets like ESPN, as well as other crucial parts of Disney’s business: “I did not think everyone would run with a story that everything is being sold, which is not the case.”

ESPN’s Streaming Future

Still in the works are plans to make the flagship ESPN channel available via a new direct-to-consumer streaming option no later than 2025.

“We don’t just want to flip the switch,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said. “We don’t want to just move our networks over and make them available over the top without significant product enhancements.” Pitaro was referring to special features like advanced stats and fantasy sports and sports betting integrations. 

A price point is still being determined, Iger said.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL Set to Announce Dublin 2025 Game Featuring Steelers

The NFL will likely play seven international games in 2025
Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; From left Case Keenum, Austin Ekeler, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Lloyd Howell and Jason McCourty during the NFLPA press conference in advance of Super Bowl LIX at the New Orleans Convention Center.

NFLPA Takes Aggressive Stance in Prelude to CBA Talks

NFLPA strongly opposes an 18-game season, setting up early CBA drama.
Jan 31, 2013, New Orleans, LA, USA; General view of the downtown New Orleans skyline and Benson Tower and Mercedes-Benz Superdome in advance of Super Bowl XLVII between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers.

The Battle for the Super Bowl: Can New Orleans Still Host the..

New Orleans’s Super Bowl future is up against tough competition from newer stadiums.

Trump Meets With PGA Tour to Help End LIV Golf Divide

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan met with the president.

Featured Today

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

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Kristin Juszczyk, wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44), before a 2024 NFC divisional round game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium.
February 1, 2025

The New WAGs: Sports Wives Building Business Empires

Athletes’ wives and girlfriends are bucking stereotypes and cashing in.
Feb 3, 2019; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears mascot dances on the court during a stoppage in play in the second half against the Stanford Cardinal at Haas Pavilion.
January 31, 2025

The Toll of Bicoastal Travel on New ACC Members Cal and Stanford

Cal and Stanford face missed flights, chaotic sleep schedules, and academic demands.
January 28, 2025

It’s Starting to Pay to Be Good at Cornhole

American Cornhole League players made $7.7 million in 2024.
Stephen A. Smith
exclusive
February 5, 2025

Stephen A. Smith Says Deal to Return to ESPN Coming ‘Very, Very..

Smith’s old contract was set to expire this summer.
February 6, 2025

NFL Exec: We’re Reaching More Fans Without Spreading Too Thin

NFL media executive Brian Rolapp is bullish on the evolution of streaming.
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.
Dec 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; FOX broadcaster and former NFL quarterback Tom Brady looks on before the game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium.
February 5, 2025

Tom Brady Cagey About Scope of Role With Raiders

Brady was approved as a minority owner in the Raiders in October.
February 5, 2025

Disney Earnings Highlight ESPN Comeback; Iger High on NBA’s Future

Revenues and operating income grow at the ESPN parent company.
February 5, 2025

FS1 Will Air the Most LIV Golf TV Hours in New Fox..

The 2025 LIV Golf season tees off Friday in Saudi Arabia.
Jun 12, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; NBA TV analyst Charles Barkley talks on set before game three of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.
February 4, 2025

Charles Barkley Will Deny NBC, Amazon Offers to Stick With TNT

Barkley has repeatedly flip-flopped in his career plans in recent years.