The NFL and ESPN deal, which would allow Disney to acquire several of the league’s top media assets, could face scrutiny from President Trump. Disney is betting heavily on a streamed future, investing hundreds of millions of dollars into livestreamed sports, scripted entertainment offerings, and non-linear news coverage. The deal is seen as Disney’s biggest bet yet that increased pro football coverage will lure new subscribers. However, Trump looms large over the deal, which is expected to need approval from the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission given the 10 percent stake in ESPN the NFL is set to receive.
Trump has not weighed in publicly on the proposed deal, and the White House declined to comment on any potential involvement from the president when asked by The Hill. Some MAGA figures quickly voiced opposition to Disney getting into deeper business with the NFL, turning the headline-grabbing megadeal into a political football in a matter of hours. Conservative pundits and political operatives have suggested the president should use the proposed deal between ESPN and the NFL as leverage over both sides. Trump has sued and successfully extracted settlement payments out of several leading media companies during his first seven months in office.
Legacy media companies like Disney have seen their bottom lines and audience shares threatened by a growing number of major tech and streaming companies like Apple, Amazon, and Netflix. Disney’s ceding of 10 percent of its crown jewel in ESPN is being seen by industry observers as a firm return punch, signaling the Bob Iger-led company believes it can shore up its relationship with the country’s most popular sports league at a time of growing threats from Big Tech.
