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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Disney Banks on NFL Deal: Will ESPN's New Streaming Push Pay Off?
Disney DIS is betting big on the NFL to further bolster its sports streaming has signed a new multi-year deal with the NFL that runs through 2030. Under the agreement, ESPN will keep the rights to broadcast the NFL Draft and, starting in 2026, will also stream it on Disney+, Hulu and its upcoming direct-to-consumer platform. The deal adds out-of-market preseason games, a bundle with NFL+ Premium and more NFL content. As part of the deal, ESPN will take over NFL Network, RedZone and NFL Fantasy, while the NFL will receive a 10% ownership stake in standalone service, which is set to for launch on Aug. 21, 2025, for $29.99 per month, will enter a crowded market competing with Amazon, Peacock and YouTube. By integrating NFL assets onto this platform and offering bundle options like the $39.99 ESPN-Fox package, Disney is creating a deeper value proposition for sports the potential is significant. Disney's streaming segment delivered a $346 million operating profit in the third quarter of fiscal 2025, signaling improved efficiency and subscriber momentum. Adding NFL tentpoles, like the Draft, Monday Night Football enhancements and RedZone, opens the door to higher ad rates, premium sponsorships and interactive fan engagement through Multiview in the ESPN app, real-time stats and fantasy NFL deal not only strengthens ESPN's competitive position but also signals Disney's commitment to building ESPN into a growth engine alongside its parks and entertainment business. The payoff will hinge on subscriber uptake, ad monetization and Disney's ability to leverage the NFL's unmatched audience to drive sustained streaming momentum. Disney Faces Stronger Rivals in Sports Streaming Race FuboTV FUBO stands out as a sports-first live TV streamer, offering NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, MLS, and top European soccer with features like multi-view, cloud DVR and live stats. Backed by Disney's $220 million equity stake and $145 million loan, FuboTV gains the scale to reach millions more viewers. With its immersive sports experience and focused audience targeting, FuboTV remains a leading choice for dedicated sports CMCSA challenges Disney through NBCUniversal studios, Peacock streaming and Universal theme parks. Comcast's upcoming Epic Universe in Orlando — featuring Super Nintendo World and Harry Potter attractions — directly targets Disney's park dominance. Comcast's diversified portfolio — spanning broadband, wireless, and content — drives resilience, while growth in high-speed internet users, wireless expansion, and strong Peacock ad-supported adoption position Comcast for sustained competitive strength. DIS' Share Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates DIS shares have gained 2.1% in the year-to-date period, underperforming both the Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector's rise of 6.3% and the Zacks Media Conglomerates industry's return of 4.7%. DIS's YTD Price Performance Image Source: Zacks Investment Research From a valuation standpoint, DIS stock is currently trading at a forward 12-month Price/Earnings ratio of 17.78X compared with the industry's 19.66X. DIS has a Value Score of B. DIS's Valuation Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Disney's 2025 earnings is pegged at $5.85 per share, up by 1.2% over the past 30 days. This indicates a 17.71% increase from the figure reported in the year-ago quarter. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research DIS stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Comcast Corporation (CMCSA) : Free Stock Analysis Report The Walt Disney Company (DIS) : Free Stock Analysis Report fuboTV Inc. (FUBO) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research
Boston Globe
09-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
What we know about the deal between ESPN and the NFL, and other thoughts
Related : Yes, 2026, not this season. The deal must go through the regulatory process, which may bring complications and demands that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro can't predict at the moment. There are some rickety bridges to cross before the deal is activated. Advertisement So the status quo remains for this season. But here are a few things we know, and a few we're wondering about … ▪ Most of the questions I've received from readers since the deal was formally announced last Wednesday relates to how it will eventually affect RedZone. Turns out there are a lot of Scott Hansen fans out there, for good reason. He's been the host since this version of RedZone's advent in 2009, and its hard to imagine anyone doing the job better. Good news: Hansen won't be going anywhere — he recently signed a four-year contract extension, so go ahead and erase those fears of RedZone host Pat McAfee . Besides, while ESPN will have distribution rights for RedZone, the NFL will still produce and operate the show. While I'm always slightly skeptical that ESPN won't meddle when it acquires distribution rights to a new program (please keep your hands off of 'Inside the NBA,'' ESPN suits), it is highly unlikely that anything changes with RedZone. Advertisement ▪ Now, as far as watching RedZone, that might get tricky, depending upon how you do so now. ESPN will gain the linear rights — meaning the rights to stream or broadcast on traditional channels, such as the ones you probably get with your cable subscription. But it does not have digital rights. So for those who are not cable or YouTube TV subscribers (or subscribers to another linear package that carries ESPN), the NFL+ Premium app will be the way you can still watch RedZone. As Pitaro explained to The Athletic's Richard Deitsch this week, 'We've agreed to bundle ESPN direct-to-consumer [a standalone app that launches Aug. 21] with NFL+ Premium which includes RedZone. From our perspective, that is how our fans and customers are going to be able to access all of ESPN, plus RedZone in the NFL+ Premium app.' Perhaps this will become less complicated by the time the deal is in place. Let's hope. ▪ ESPN can and almost certainly will create other similar jump-around channels for other sports. It makes all the sense to do so for college football, but less so for something like the NBA. ▪ The NFL Network will retain seven live game broadcasts per season. But with ESPN acquiring NFL Network (rather just having a distribution deal like it will with RedZone), the announcers are likely to have at least some ESPN personalities, though I'd expect Rich Eisen to remain as a play-by-play voice given his history with both ESPN and NFL Network. ESPN will begin broadcasting his eponymous radio show in September. Advertisement ▪ As for the biggest question that cannot be answered well into the partnership: Can and will ESPN still cover the NFL unsparingly? The suggestion that ESPN abandoned journalism long ago — or at least when Bob Ley left and 'Outside the Lines' was buried — is a common one, but it's not entirely true. Don Van Natta , Seth Wickersham , and Kalyn Kahler in particular have done repeatedly exceptional work covering stories the NFL would prefer be marginalized or outright ignored. But now that the NFL will actually own a piece of ESPN, it's logical and necessary to wonder what the impact will be until the deal is in effect. Here's hoping the network's remaining ace reporters break a big story that doesn't put the league in a positive light early in this partnership, because that's the only way a clear answer will come. Related : Making the calls CBS and Fox revealed their NFL broadcaster lineups. The big change is JJ Watt joining Ian Eagle on CBS's No. 2 team, with Charles Davis moving to the No. 4 team with Andrew Catalon and Jason McCourty (and some college football broadcasts). Another former Patriots defensive back, Logan Ryan , will be an analyst on select CBS games. As far as Fox goes, yes, despite his conflict of interest as a part owner of the Raiders, Tom Brady remains on the No. 1 team with Kevin Burkhardt . Hopefully in Year 2 Brady will figure out how to be more animated than that new statue at Gillette Stadium … Fox announced Friday afternoon that Rob Gronkowski — perhaps you know him as Gronk? — will join its 'Fox NFL Sunday' pregame show full time, replacing the retired Jimmy Johnson . Host Curt Menefee and analysts Terry Bradshaw , Howie Long , and Michael Strahan all return … NBC Sports Boston announced a partnership with Shadow Lion to present 'The Quick Snap,' a podcast hosted by former Patriots David Andrews and Brian Hoyer . It will debut Sept. 3 and be available on NBC Sports Boston, NBC Sports Boston's YouTube channel, and all major podcast platforms. Advertisement Chad Finn can be reached at
Chicago Tribune
07-08-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
What to know about ESPN's new steaming service — and its deals with the NFL and WWE
ESPN's much-discussed streaming service finally has its launch date. The network announced Wednesday that its direct-to-consumer service and enhanced app will debut Aug. 21. The announcement coincided with Disney's quarterly earning report. This week's expanded deals with the NFL and a new partnership with WWE provides ESPN the more inventory and offerings, which it hopes will bolster the company in a landscape that is divided among cable, satellite and streaming. According to Nielsen, streaming usage surpassed broadcast and cable combined in U.S. television usage for the first time. Streaming was at 44.8% compared to linear's 44.2%. When Nielsen started keeping track in May 2021 linear was at 64% compared to streaming's 26%. The ESPN DTC will start out with around 25 million subscribers as those currently getting ESPN+ will migrate to the new platform. Many of those though are cable and satellite subscribers who get the service through deals with their provider. ESPN is hoping that more cord cutters will pay up to $29.95 per month since it will offer all the ESPN networks — ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+ and ACCNX — as well as being able to bundle NFL Network and NFL RedZone through a deal with NFL+ Premium. Trying to determine how many of the DTC service subscribers are cord cutters will be more difficult though. Disney announced during its earnings call Wednesday that it will stop releasing ESPN streaming subscriber metrics beginning next quarter. ESPN was in nearly 100 million households in 2013. Over the past 12 years due to cord cutting and streaming, that number has dropped to 60 million. Over the next two years, that is expected to decrease to fewer than 50 million. Live sports remains valuable property, but the NFL is the beachfront house. For taking over NFL Network, which had also been steadily losing subscribers, ESPN gets three additional NFL games along with another outlet to air Monday night games when there are more than one, as well as the ability for its app users to get specialty highlights of their favorite players or teams. There will also be ways to access stats, betting and fantasy sports info on the app while watching games. The WWE premium live events (they're no longer called pay-per-views) also makes sense when ESPN takes over from Peacock next year. After all, the E in ESPN stands for entertainment. As Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria pointed out when it started carrying 'Monday Night Raw' earlier this year, the WWE has a multigenerational and loyal fan base that will flock to whoever carries the events. The WWE deal applies only to the U.S. though. Netflix has the rights for overseas. It does carry some risks. ESPN had $4.3 billion in revenue last quarter, an increase of 1% from last year, but the operating profit decreased 7% to $1 billion due to increased rights fees. It is paying the NFL an average of $2.7 billion per year while the NBA 11-year deal that begins this upcoming season averages $2.6 billion per year. The five-year WWE deal will average $325 million per year. This also comes at a time when the network opted out of its $550 million contract with Major League Baseball beginning next year and appears to be out of the running for Formula One rights. ESPN pays $75 million to $90 million per year under its three-year deal, but Liberty Media, which owns F1, is seeking at least $120 million for the next contract, which begins in 2026. ESPN needs more than cable and satellite subscriber affiliate fees, which is also why it is launching a DTC product to gain more revenue. The past two years, it was been involved in prolonged negotiations with DirecTV and Spectrum before reaching deals. If cable and satellite subscribers already get ESPN+, they will automatically migrate to the new service. For cord cutters, there is an offer where they can get the ESPN unlimited plan with Disney+ and Hulu for $29.99/month for the first 12 months.
Time of India
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
ESPN's NFL Draft revamp: Must-see new shows, extra streams and exclusive updates you can't miss
A file photo of the ESPN broadcast team of (L-R) Mel Kiper, Chris Mortensen,Keyshawn Johnson and Steve Young during the 2008 NFL Draft. In a big move for NFL fans and ESPN subscribers, the two entities have reached a series of new licensing agreements that will enhance NFL experience for viewers. ESPN will continue its tradition of broadcasting the NFL Draft while adding even more NFL content to its expanding streaming service lineup, including Disney+ and ESPN's upcoming Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) service. The partnership also brings the opportunity for fans to bundle ESPN's DTC service with NFL+ Premium, that will provide access to more exclusive content. ESPN strengthens its NFL draft coverage with more exclusive streams and new options ESPN, the network which was the first to broadcast the draft in 1980, will continue to be the go-to destination for all things draft-related. Beginning in 2026, Disney+ and Hulu will join the party, offering simultaneous streams of ESPN's coverage, along with ABC and ESPN Deportes. Fans will be able to watch various draft presentations, via ESPN's DTC service and other platforms. Apart from traditional draft broadcast, ESPN will introduce an entirely new daily show that will focus on the NFL Draft, airing on ESPN2 after the Super Bowl and leading up to the draft itself. The network will continue to cover Rounds 1-3 of the draft on Thursday and Friday, with ABC simulcasting the action. On Saturday, ESPN will carry Rounds 4-7, while also offering additional alternate streams for fans. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Pieces of Clothing you Can be Too Old for Learn More Undo ESPN's new direct-to-consumer service adds more NFL content and interactive features for fans | Find out what they are But ESPN's agreement with the NFL isn't limited to just the draft. The new deal also brings a lot more of NFL programming to ESPN's DTC service and Disney+, providing fans with new interactive features. This content lineup will include select out-of-market NFL preseason games for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, allowing fans to follow teams they don't usually get to see on otherwise traditional broadcasts. ESPN will also bundle NFL+ Premium with its own DTC service, offering viewers access to the NFL Network, NFL RedZone and other exclusive NFL content, including SportsCenter For You, a tailored highlight show. One exciting feature for viewers is ESPN's multiview option in the ESPN app, which will allow fans to watch multiple NFL games or shows simultaneously. Fans will be able to flip between traditional Monday Night Football broadcasts or switch to Peyton and Eli Manning's popular alternative commentary. Also read : Jared Allen's pants rip during signature sack celebration at Hall of Fame event, breaks the internet | Watch As ESPN and the NFL continue to strengthen their partnership, fans will get even more ways to enjoy the NFL season. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Chicago Tribune
06-08-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
ESPN reaches multi-year extension to air NFL draft as well as additional rights for DTC service
ESPN will continue to broadcast the NFL draft as well as obtaining new digital rights for its upcoming direct-to-consumer service. The two agreements were announced Wednesday morning, two hours before the Walt Disney Company announced its third-quarter earnings. It also came after the NFL and ESPN announced a nonbinding agreement Tuesday night in which ESPN will acquire the NFL Network and other league media assets while the NFL gets a 10% equity stake in ESPN. ESPN has aired the NFL Draft since 1980, when the league's annual selection meeting took place at the New York Sheraton Hotel. Back then, the draft was two days (Tuesday and Wednesday) and took 12 rounds. Next year's draft will be in Pittsburgh and is expected to attract massive crowds over the three days. The first round has had its own night since 2010. ESPN and ABC will each have their own telecasts of the first three rounds on Thursday and Friday. ABC will simulcast ESPN's coverage of the final four rounds on Saturday. Besides ESPN's direct-to-consumer service, Disney+ and Hulu will also stream the ESPN, ABC, and ESPN Deportes' feeds under the multi-year agreement. The draft will also continue to be aired on NFL Network. 'We've been talking about the draft since last year and how we continue to build on that. ESPN has been a partner in that from day one, bringing, the fans closer to that event and building that event into one of the most popular events on the sporting calendar, which is incredible if you think back a few decades,' NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told The Associated Press. 'We know that relationship works, and we're proud that ESPN is going to continue to be a partner.' ESPN will also produce a daily show leading up to the NFL Draft that will begin the day after the Super Bowl. That program will air most days on ESPN2, as well as being available on the direct-to-consumer service. ESPN has also reached a licensing agreement that allows for additional NFL content and interactive features, including stats, fantasy football team performance and legalized sports betting information and tracking. It also allows ESPN to sell and bundle NFL+ Premium, the league's direct-to-consumer product that includes out-of-market preseason games and replays of full games. There will also be expanded highlight rights for the ESPN direct-to-consumer service and Disney+. 'This will make the fan experience much stronger. The goal for ESPN when they launch the services is to create something that doesn't exist on linear (television) because the technology enables it,' Disney CEO Bob Iger said to AP. 'We've talked about personalization and personalized SportsCenter and the ability to essentially invent statistics and to tie betting to some of the programming.'
