• Loading stock data...
Friday, August 29, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Get your ticket now!

ESPN Sale Could Be Worth $24B To Disney

  • Newly estimated valuation shows further growth for sports media giant
  • ESPN Bet sets definitive debut date of Nov. 14
ESPN microphone on press table
Troy Taormina-Imgan Images

Even in an age of historic media disruption, cord-cutting, and declining profit, the estimated value of ESPN continues to rise.

Two weeks after a newly released set of financials for the sports media giant prompted a $22 billion valuation for Disney’s sports business, an even higher figure has been tagged to ESPN.

A new research note from Bank of America Global Research said ESPN carries a value of $24 billion and will continue to attract potential investor interest from sports leagues, major technology companies including Apple, and telecommunications powers such as Verizon.

Many of those prospective suitors for an ESPN equity partnership have already been disclosed. But the latest research provides further support for ESPN’s ability to weather crises such as layoffs, industry-wide cord-cutting, carriage battles, and a potential sale of all of Disney’s linear properties.

Still, Bank of America conveyed some concern regarding ESPN.

“ESPN is still a strong business and a premier brand, but it sits at the nexus of possible major business transformation,” the company said. “Transitions have historically proven difficult and typically not conducive to significant growth.”

ESPN Bet Debut

ESPN has also set a definitive debut date of Nov. 14 for ESPN Bet, the new sportsbook it’s developing with PENN Entertainment. The November timing has long been expected, and PENN Entertainment previously said the debut in the middle of the NFL season “is actually great … We’re going to be able to make a lot of noise, get a lot of attention.”

ESPN Bet will be active in time for Thanksgiving weekend, which in most years produces some of the NFL’s most-watched games of the regular season. The sportsbook will initially go live in 17 states, including key markets such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania. 

“SportsCenter” anchor Scott Van Pelt will be a featured figure in a new promotional campaign for ESPN Bet.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jason Kelce
exclusive

YouTube Approached Jason Kelce for Chiefs Game, ESPN Said No

ESPN continues to enforce its policy of not lending talents to streamers.

Cody Campbell Asks Congress to Allow National College Sports TV Package

The billionaire’s ad will air on ESPN and Fox this weekend.
Ohio State mascot Brutus interacts with Lee Corso on the set of ESPN College GameDay prior to the College Football Playoff first round game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Tennessee Volunteers in Columbus on Dec. 21, 2024.

End of an Era: Lee Corso Making Final ‘College GameDay’ Appearance

After 430 iconic headgear picks, the iconic coach bids farewell.

Fox, YouTube TV Reach Deal, Avoiding CFB Blackout

Saturday’s Texas-Ohio State college football game will be fully distributed

Featured Today

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
August 23, 2025

Schools Are Hesitant to Allow PE Into Their Athletic Departments

Regardless of budget, schools don’t believe the risk is worth the reward.
Oct 2, 2024; Rosemont, IL, USA; Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti speaks with the media during the 2024 Big Ten Women’s Basketball media day at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
August 22, 2025

‘Not Ready to Jump In’: Power 4 Commissioners Aren’t Sold on PE

Top leaders in college sports have yet to see a satisfactory proposal.

NFL Preseason Sees 17% Jump in TV Ratings, Best Since 2018

Average audiences for the exhibition games increase sharply from last year.
ESPN
August 27, 2025

Disney Sues Sling TV Over $5 Day Passes Granting ESPN Access

Newly introduced short-term subscriptions spark a legal challenge.
Tom Brady
August 27, 2025

NFL Continues to Loosen Tom Brady Restrictions

Brady will be able to attend production meetings–remotely–this season.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
August 27, 2025

FCC Chair Joins Fox–YouTube TV Fight With Big Game on the Line

The Trump appointee is now involved in another media carriage fight.
Aug 24, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tommy Fleetwood holds the FedExCup Trophy on the 18th green after winning the TOUR Championship golf tournament.
August 26, 2025

PGA Tour TV Ratings: Fleetwood’s Breakthrough Caps Playoff Surge

Sunday’s final round drew nearly 4.5 million viewers on NBC.
August 26, 2025

NFL Sunday Ticket Debuts Monthly Plan—but at a Steep Cost

Previously, fans had to purchase the service for the entire season.
August 21, 2025

Fox Enters Streaming Wars With Leaner, Sports-Heavy Approach

A different strategy marks the arrival of the network’s streaming service.