A lot is happening in the world of cord cutting right now. There are multiple major events happening or may be about to happen that could impact your future.
Here is a breakdown of two of the biggest stories you should keep an eye on in the second half of 2024.
Disney Buying the NFL Network?
Back in July 2023, it was reported that Disney was in talks with the NFL, NBA, and MLB to regarding joint ownership of ESPN. Last month it was reported that Disney is close to a deal with the NFL that would see ESPN take over the NFL Network.
Exact details of the deal are unknown, but earlier reports said that the NFL would offer their games to be aired on ESPN in exchange for a small share of ESPN. Exactly how much the NFL would own of ESPN is unknown. It is also unknown if this deal will include the NFL taking part ownership of ESPN.
According to CNBC, the NFL could include Disney taking a stake in the NFL Network, NFL.com, and RedZone with ESPN taking over production of all three. This could benefit both sides by giving the NFL access to ESPN productions and Disney access to NFL money. The Wall Street Journal also added that the NFL+ service could be a part of this deal with Disney.
Disney currently owns 80% of ESPN, and Hearst owns 20%. Disney could easily sell part of ESPN to the NFL and NBA and still own a controlling majority of ESPN.
DIRECTV For Sale?
Last October, a report revealed that AT&T was actively looking at selling all or part of its remaining 70% ownership of DIRECTV.
The deal would mark a complete break between DIRECTV and AT&T. The satellite TV provider struggled for years under AT&T management only to be spun back out in August 2021 in a deal that brought in TPG as a minority owner. Since that deal, there has been constant chatter and questions about DIRECTV’s fate.
According to a Bloomberg report, AT&T was looking at options to sell all or part of its remaining shares of DIRECTV to other investors. This move could see AT&T fully leave the pay-TV service arena that it entered in 2015 when it bought the satellite provider. Or AT&T could retain partial ownership of DIRECTV.
Currently, DIRECTV controls all of AT&T’s remaining TV services, including U-verse TV and DIRECTV STREAM. With the growth in cord cutting, AT&T is looking at options to unload its shares in DIRECTV or at least reduce its ownership.
Keep an eye out for AT&T to continue to look at options to sell DIRECTV if it feels the right deal comes along.
Please follow us on Facebook and X for more news, tips, and reviews. Need cord cutting tech support? Join our Cord Cutting Tech Support Facebook Group for help.