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The ESPN Endgame

Disney’s much-anticipated earnings call this Wednesday may finally reveal Burbank’s plans for the future of ESPN—Flagship, the NFL deal, and the balance between managing cord-cutting and building the next frontier.

Jimmy Pitaro
Of course, the new ESPN spends selectively. Chairman Jimmy Pitaro laid out capital for NFL and NBA rights, but demurred with MLB and Formula 1. Yes, Stephen A. and McAfee got their money, but Max Kellerman, Jalen Rose, and Stat Boy did not. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
John Ourand
August 4, 2025

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After a year or so filled with machinations, plot twists, and lowkey drama—the demise of Spulu, the Fubo deal, Flagship, McAfee-induced headaches, the Stephen A. extension, the MLB beef—the analyst community is eagerly awaiting what Disney’s forthcoming earnings call, scheduled for Wednesday, ordains about the future of ESPN. Is Disney about to finally share a launch date for ESPN’s long-awaited direct-to-consumer service? Will Bob Iger & Co. announce details about ESPN’s impending deal to bring the NFL Network and RedZone under the network’s purview in exchange for a 10 percent equity position in Bristol?