hmmm.
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NFL in talks to get equity stake in ESPN
- Thread starter Disney Analyst
- Start date
Variety reporting now.
Paging @MisterPenguin @Sirwalterraleigh @Stripes or anyone who likely would have thoughts or perspectives on this potential move.
Paging @MisterPenguin @Sirwalterraleigh @Stripes or anyone who likely would have thoughts or perspectives on this potential move.
Sirwalterraleigh
Premium Member
The nfl can do whatever it wants…Disney has wanted rid of espn for years
I think it’s a smart move
Iger has been saying for a while now that they're looking for 'partners' for ESPN(+).
The issue: Apple and Amazon have relatively unlimited cash reserves, and they're now spending huge loads of cash to stream sports on Apple+ and Prime to bolster those streaming services. This is something that Disney/ESPN, Comcast/NBC/Peacock, Viacom/CBS/Paramount, and Netflix cannot do.
So, Disney has to lock down either a big-bucks partner, or, a partnership with sports leagues so as not to have Apple and Amazon outbid them. If Disney doesn't do this, Apple and Amazon could literally kill off ESPN.
Iger/Disney learned this lesson when another company outbid them for the India Cricket league and then promptly lost a few million Indian subscribers.
According to the article, it seems that the NFL wants to unload its own minor web/streaming enterprise that's probably not profitable. And the NFL wants the most coverage, so, for them, ESPN is a comforting home. They have no idea how Apple or Amazon will treat them long term. Neither company screams "sports!!"
They do know that ESPN will treat them like the stars they see themselves as. They all saw how Disney enabled the NBA games during the pandemic lockdowns (for a price).
This shows the importance of branding. And the four letters: E S P N, carries a history and clout. Not to mention the name of its parent company as synonymous with family entertainment.
The issue: Apple and Amazon have relatively unlimited cash reserves, and they're now spending huge loads of cash to stream sports on Apple+ and Prime to bolster those streaming services. This is something that Disney/ESPN, Comcast/NBC/Peacock, Viacom/CBS/Paramount, and Netflix cannot do.
So, Disney has to lock down either a big-bucks partner, or, a partnership with sports leagues so as not to have Apple and Amazon outbid them. If Disney doesn't do this, Apple and Amazon could literally kill off ESPN.
Iger/Disney learned this lesson when another company outbid them for the India Cricket league and then promptly lost a few million Indian subscribers.
According to the article, it seems that the NFL wants to unload its own minor web/streaming enterprise that's probably not profitable. And the NFL wants the most coverage, so, for them, ESPN is a comforting home. They have no idea how Apple or Amazon will treat them long term. Neither company screams "sports!!"
They do know that ESPN will treat them like the stars they see themselves as. They all saw how Disney enabled the NBA games during the pandemic lockdowns (for a price).
This shows the importance of branding. And the four letters: E S P N, carries a history and clout. Not to mention the name of its parent company as synonymous with family entertainment.
This was from a week ago...
variety.com
ESPN Inks NCAA Eight-Year Media Rights Renewal Worth $920 Million
ESPN and the NCAA reached a new, eight-year agreement worth about $920 million over the term of the deal.
variety.com
Sirwalterraleigh
Premium Member
I believe the nfl now pays cbs to run its network as well…
Guess who just agreed to do that for free?
This is the only correct move Iger has made since his return. If you want a league to strap yourself to…this is it.
So he breaks his steak of about 100 missteps over the last 8 or so years…bravo, Bob
Guess who just agreed to do that for free?
This is the only correct move Iger has made since his return. If you want a league to strap yourself to…this is it.
So he breaks his steak of about 100 missteps over the last 8 or so years…bravo, Bob
Perhaps ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro that reports to Iger should update his resume if he gets the ax.
Disney Irish
Premium Member
Its clear Disney is serious about remaining in the sports broadcasting business with these partnerships. Especially since starting in 2027 ABC/ESPN gets back into the rotation for Super Bowl broadcasting after a 21 year absence.
It'll be interesting to see if the NFL gets a piece of the ESPN gambling contract as part of this or if they will try to insulate themselves from that.
It'll be interesting to see if the NFL gets a piece of the ESPN gambling contract as part of this or if they will try to insulate themselves from that.