ESPN’s strategic partner is likely to be a big tech company. Plus: a Pac-12 media rights deal is imminent; Alex Rodriguez is close to an exclusive deal with FOX.
ESPN likely to partner with a tech firm
Disney is looking in the “clear direction” of a tech company as it pursues a “strategic partner” for ESPN, the New York Post reported Monday, with Apple, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Verizon and T-Mobile all potential contenders.
Per the Post, a tech company could provide the added distribution Disney is looking for as ESPN prepares to shift to a direct-to-subscriber model as soon as 2025. The article specifically mentioned the prospect of partnering with Apple to have ESPN content pre-loaded into every iPhone and iPad, which would presumably help recoup some of the network’s lost revenue from declining pay TV subscribers. Keep in mind that, as the Apple-focused website MacRumors noted, Apple has not preloaded a third-party app onto iPhone since 2012.
CNBC previously reported that Disney has had discussions with the NFL, NBA and Major League Baseball about buying a stake in ESPN. (NY Post 7.31)
Alex Rodriguez to leave ESPN for exclusive FOX contract
FOX and ESPN Major League Baseball analyst Alex Rodriguez is nearing an exclusive contract with Fox Sports, according to a Friday article in The Hollywood Reporter. Rodriguez has worked for both FOX and ESPN since 2018 and currently headlines ESPN’s “KayRod” Sunday Night Baseball simulcasts alongside Michael Kay.
Per the report, Rodriguez’ contract is expected to be the most lucrative ever for a Major League Baseball analyst. It would last three years; FOX holds MLB rights through 2028. (Hollywood Reporter 7.28)
Pac-12 media rights to be finalized soon
The long-awaited Pac-12 media rights deals will be announced to member institutions in the next 48 hours, according to multiple reports Monday. The conference’s board and athletic directors are slated to meet Tuesday morning.
The looming announcement is occurring amidst the recent departure of Colorado to the Big 12 and rumors that Arizona is not far behind. On the heels of USC and UCLA’s defection to the Big Ten, Pac-12 commissioner George Kliavkoff has sought to ink a media deal competitive with the Big 12, who will receive around $31.7m annually per school.
Over the course of negotiations, it has become apparent that the big players like ESPN and FOX would not overpay for a Pac-12 package, but may be interested at the right price. (The Athletic 7.31)
