What Might Be Next for Disney's ESPN and the NFL?
The beating heart of The Walt Disney Corporation (NYSE: DIS), at least from a financial perspective, is the company's media networks division, which provides approximately half of the company's operating income. Within the media networks division, Disney has ESPN to thank. By becoming the de facto network of the NFL, NBA, and MLB, ESPN can lay claim to the title of the most lucrative cable channel.
More recently, however, ESPN's relationship with sporting leagues has become less profitable. The ability of fans to get scores and highlights on demand from multiple sources has led to subscriber losses and forced the network to adapt. The company's tentpole SportsCenter show, once the mecca of sports highlights, has adjusted to a more conversational format, including a late-night approach with Scott Van Pelt and moving hosts Michael Smith and Jamele Hill to the coveted 6 p.m. slot.
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Source: Fool.com