Comcast President Mike Cavanagh dismissed the idea of the company partnering with Disney for ESPN, calling it “very improbable.” During the second-quarter earnings call, Cavanagh explained that the complications involved would make such a scenario unfeasible. However, Disney CEO Bob Iger expressed openness to strategic partnerships that could benefit ESPN’s distribution or content. This comes as ESPN plans to expand its streaming offerings.
In addition to the ESPN discussion, Disney and Comcast are currently negotiating Comcast’s stake in Hulu. While some suggest that Comcast could be cut in on the ESPN action instead of receiving a hefty payment, Cavanagh pointed out various issues, including tax concerns and minority shareholders. He concluded that it is unlikely for any significant changes to occur regarding ESPN.
Cavanagh also highlighted the strength of Comcast-NBCU’s sports portfolio, which includes popular properties like Sunday Night Football, Premier League, and the Olympics. He mentioned that NBC Sports would consider bidding for NBA rights when they become available after the 2024-25 season. Despite having a strong portfolio already, Cavanagh expressed interest in exploring opportunities to add more value to the business.
Furthermore, Cavanagh emphasized the significance of sports on NBCU streaming service Peacock. As the NBA considers streaming partnerships, companies like Amazon, Apple, and YouTube have been actively investing in sports content.
