Disney's ESPN and the NFL are reportedly in advanced talks regarding an agreement that could result in the NFL acquiring a stake in the television network. Wells Fargo analysts suggest that if the deal materializes, it could mark a significant transition for the NFL's streaming strategy, potentially leading to ESPN taking control of NFL Media. This move is considered critical for Disney investors, given the NFL's influence and ability to command significant attention and resources. Analysts predict that the ESPN stake deal could be Disney's counter to competitors Apple and Amazon in the sports rights arena. The discussions are part of a broader trend where major tech companies like Amazon, Apple, and Alphabet's YouTubeTV are increasingly competing for live sports broadcasting rights. Amazon, in particular, is enhancing its Prime Video service, already holding rights to Thursday Night Football, and is seen as a leading contender in the streaming TV sports domain. Disney is simultaneously engaging with other major sports leagues, including the NBA, MLB, and NHL, indicating a strategic push to secure a diverse range of sports broadcasting rights.
The NFL may buy a chunk of ESPN. Here's why a deal could be bad for them—and for fans, writes Jay Willis. https://t.co/G1AtoA9Bwv
Initial reports have said the NFL is in advanced talks acquire a stake in ESPN. But an NBA-ESPN deal is still very much in play, sources told FOS. Disney continues to talk to multiple leagues — including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, @MMcCarthyREV says » https://t.co/2TBJcIBpJP https://t.co/tKe589JXQ8
Did you know that the NFL was in talks to buy a stake in ESPN? I wrote @thenation about what that could mean for the network and its dwindling number of investigative journalists. https://t.co/duHfvpzIOy
2024 is the year of Streaming for Amazon. Prime Video ads are coming (by default at the end of this month). Amazon is continuing to enhance the Prime offering by staking a claim to become the leading streaming TV destination for sports. It already has: - Thursday Night Football… https://t.co/WgzEe8TrCp
Future of live sports looks like an Amazon vs. Apple vs. YouTubeTV (Alphabet) battle. Netflix not interested in live sports to date & Disney/ESPN balance sheet weaker compare to tech giants (though incentive to hold rights is greater). The Bally RSN deal for the Amazon Prime…
It’s seems like they need another outlet to actually have a 2024 schedule. Amazon doesn’t spend big unless it’s NFL. They’ll distribute PPV. That’s round revenue for them. No risk. But how many sub PPVs did they commit to underwriting? I doubt many. Sho and Fox got stuck w them… https://t.co/2oilP8OxNC
$DIS $AAPL | Disney Counters Apple And Amazon In Sports Rights With NFL's ESPN Stake Deal, Analyst Predicts https://t.co/j3ovx0ADFR
$DIS - No coverage of looming ESPN-NFL deal news https://t.co/YzOQf1wL0v
NFL x ESPN $DIS partnership could be critical for the league's streaming transition, says Wells Fargo: "If materialized, the deal could potentially involve ESPN taking control of NFL Media. The NFL is seen as the most important sports league for DIS investors, as it can command…
$DIS (+0.3% pre) ESPN, NFL in advanced talks on agreement that could give league stake in TV giant - NYP https://t.co/PzOSc8dZft