Disney’s Bob Iger sets a deadline for ESPN’s direct-to-subscriber launch. Plus: the NBA weighs a two-day draft; Al Michaels says he is coming back to TNF next season; the NBA G-League strikes a deal with Tubi.
Iger: Direct-to-subscriber ESPN coming no later than 2025
Disney CEO Bob Iger said on CNBC Wednesday that the launch of a direct-to-subscriber version of ESPN will not occur any later than 2025, marking the first time that he has publicly set a deadline for the move. Iger previously described the direct-to-subscriber move as “inevitable” but had been non-specific as to when it would occur.
Iger also reiterated that Disney is seeking one or two strategic partners to invest in ESPN. Front Office Sports reported Wednesday that the NFL and NBA are emerging as the preferred option, though tech and private equity firms remain contenders. CNBC previously reported Disney’s interest in partnering with a major league. Other reporting, including in the New York Post last month, has indicated that Disney is primarily looking at that tech and telecom companies like Apple or Verizon.
Notably, Iger also said that Disney’s linear business is doing “better than many people assumed it would be,” and that while it is not “great,” it has “seen some improvement.” That is a modest change of tune from Iger’s stance over the summer, when he strongly hinted that Disney would seek to part ways with its linear channels (ESPN excluded). (CNBC 11.8 a, b; Front Office Sports 11.8)
NBA weighs expanding draft to two days
The NBA is weighing whether to expand its annual draft to two days starting as soon as next year, The Athletic reported Wednesday. The NBA is the only of the “Big Four” sports leagues whose draft takes place in one night, no doubt owing to the fact that it has the shortest draft at only two rounds.
Per the report, support for the two-day format is based on giving teams more time to decide on picks and trades.
ESPN has in recent years begun measuring the first round of the draft as a separate telecast from the second round. Last season, the first round averaged a combined 4.93 million on ESPN and ABC and the second round just 1.19 million on ESPN alone. (The Athletic 11.8)
Al Michaels plans to return to TNF next season
Amazon Prime Thursday Night Football play-by-play voice Al Michaels told the New York Post this week that he expects to return for the final season of his three-year contract next year. Michaels did not address whether next year would be the final season of his career, but told the Post that he would eschew any farewell tour when he eventually elects to step aside.
Michaels moved to TNF last year after losing his lead role on NBC’s Sunday Night Football to Mike Tirico. (NYP 11.8)
NBA G-League strikes deal with Tubi
The NBA G-League has reached a two-year agreement with the free, Fox-owned streaming service Tubi to carry 75 games per season via a G-League branded channel, it was announced Wednesday. The “NBA G League TV” channel will carry Friday and Saturday doubleheaders throughout the season, plus several G-League Ignite games and select playoff games.
The G-League is the first sports league to strike a deal with Tubi, which has rarely carried live sports. The service has aired occasional international soccer matches and carried three games in the World Baseball Classic earlier this year. (NBA PR 11.8)
