ESPN and ABC Sports
Sports operating income fell 17% in fiscal Q3 2026 after early NBA playoff exits and a carriage dispute, though championship viewing more than doubled.
The numbers
What it is
ESPN's cable networks, the ESPN streaming offer (ESPN Unlimited) and live sports on ABC. Sports revenue depends on affiliate fees, advertising and the cost of rights, which are often paid per season.
Why it matters to the stock. Sports is the largest source of live audience and ad inventory. Rights costs move segment profit, so the timing of rights expenses matters for the full-year guidance.
News
Disney+ to stream Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027, alongside ESPN and ABC
Disney announced with ESPN and the NFL that Disney+ will livestream Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027, the first time the game streams on the service.
Disney raises fiscal 2026 buyback target to at least $9B from $8B
Disney raised its fiscal 2026 share repurchase target to at least $9B, up from at least $8B.
Disney fiscal Q2 2026 beats: adjusted EPS $1.57, streaming profit up 88%, buyback raised to $8B
Disney reported fiscal Q2 2026, the quarter ended March 28, with revenue of $25.17B, up 7%, and adjusted EPS of $1.57, up 8%.
ESPN closes NFL Network deal; NFL takes a 10% stake in ESPN
ESPN acquired NFL Network and certain other media assets from the NFL, effective January 31, 2026, in exchange for a 10% noncontrolling interest in ESPN.