NPR (sorta Kinda); Wells Fargo predicts Disney to sell ESPN and ABC by end of 2023.

[Tommaker]

1. So who would even be a potential buyer (Amazon?)
2. Is this a result of "losing out" or inability to keep up in the sports (read: primarily college football) bidding wars
3. They (Disney) sees both as diminishing returns markets over the next decade
4. Where does this leave ESPN with their holding cable companies hostage through high rates?

Disney will dump 'cash cow' ESPN and ABC in late 2023, Wells Fargo predicts

Wells Fargo bank analysts are predicting the return of Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger will lead to a spinoff of ESPN and ABC.

www.foxbusiness.com

 

[KentuckyBoiler]

It could be an Amazon. It could be someone like Apple. Steve Jobs widow owns about 7 - 8% of Disney stock due to the buyout of Pixar years ago. Bob Iger has a great relationship with current Apple leadership.

More than likely, it would be someone in private equity that would use the cash flow that ESPN and ABC provides. Disney is having one of its worse years since sometimes in the 70s. There are many big Disney shareholders that want to turn the ship around pretty quickly. They also have to decide within the next year or so whether they want to sell or keep Hulu. They have a big buyout, if they buy the remaining stake the Comcast owns of Hulu. This would help with that buyout.

As far as ESPN, it is a cash cow, but rights to college and professional sports are getting more expensive every year. Look at the new Big Ten and SEC deals. Look at what Google paid for the NFL Direct Ticket rights. It was 2.5 times what they sold lastly with DirecTV. Disney is huge. ESPN and ABC need someone that can concentrate on just them, instead of being a part of a big media conglomerate.

Yes, I am a Disney shareholder, so I keep up with the company.

 

[SIBoiler2]

Iger "claims" he wants to return Disney to its' pre-woke days but even if he really means it the roots of wokeness run deep once they see the light of day. Dumping ABC and ESPN may shed some headaches and streamline the company but Disney's troubles are far from over.

 

[KentuckyBoiler]

Iger "claims" he wants to return Disney to its' pre-woke days but even if he really means it the roots of wokeness run deep once they see the light of day. Dumping ABC and ESPN may shed some headaches and streamline the company but Disney's troubles are far from over.

There has been rumors for years of Disney selling out to Apple. It would be Iger's legacy, since his contract is for 2 years. This selling of ESPN and ABC would help to streamline the company, since Apple really wants the Disney properties for its Apple TV+. Even though this is highly unlikely, even though Apple could pull it off financially, since the biggest deal that Apple has done is the Beats by Dre for $3 billion a few years back. Also, Apple would not want the Parks division, but this could be sold off.

 

[Wolegib]

Disney has always been woke even before you conservatives invented that term! Ever take a trip on the it’s a small world ride?

 

[nat100]

Discovery channel

 

[Wolegib]

When Disney bought portions of Fox, I fully expected Carlson and Hannity to be fired or at least a disclaimer placed on their shows. When Dominion wins their law suit, who pays? Fox? Carlson? Or Disney?

 

[Tommaker]

There has been rumors for years of Disney selling out to Apple. It would be Iger's legacy, since his contract is for 2 years. This selling of ESPN and ABC would help to streamline the company, since Apple really wants the Disney properties for its Apple TV+. Even though this is highly unlikely, even though Apple could pull it off financially, since the biggest deal that Apple has done is the Beats by Dre for $3 billion a few years back. Also, Apple would not want the Parks division, but this could be sold off.

Man. What a Frankenstein Monstrosity THAT would create.

 

[Riveting-]

When Disney bought portions of Fox, I fully expected Carlson and Hannity to be fired or at least a disclaimer placed on their shows. When Dominion wins their law suit, who pays? Fox? Carlson? Or Disney?

Wait a minute.... Are you also Mr. Pig of slam dunk fame?

 

[Boiler8285]

When Disney bought portions of Fox, I fully expected Carlson and Hannity to be fired or at least a disclaimer placed on their shows. When Dominion wins their law suit, who pays? Fox? Carlson? Or Disney?

Disney has nothing to do with Fox News. ABC has always been a drain on the company which they hid by combining all the broadcast operations on the balance sheet. While once a cash cow ESPN is no longer. As others stated the rights agreements they are locked into the the death of cable is not a healthy combination for them.

 

[Wolegib]

Is Fox News a part of the Fox that Disney bought?

 

[Boiler8285]

Is Fox News a part of the Fox that Disney bought?

No. Disney bought the movie studio. They need content for streaming. They also overpaid which is leading to much of their current financial woes in addition to the trash the Disney studios are currently releasing.