It's becoming a sheer numbers game. I don't see how ESPN/Disney at some point in the future isn't going to have to revisit some of the contracts they have made. Now whether that is 1 year, 3 years or 5 years who knows? But I do know that the path they are on is not good. Over the last 5 years Disney stock is down 10% - since May 2018. Disney was at nearly $200 a share 2 years ago but is at $92 today. Dropped almost 10% yesterday alone on the streaming issues.
It remains to be seen just how many sports fans - when ESPN is made available via an online subscription - are willing to pay what has been rumored to be $25-30 a month.
Also, there was a story recently in the Athletic about SEC 8 vs 9 game scheduling model. You would think with another game (9) SEC teams would get a corresponding bump. But ESPN isn't wild about bigger payouts at all. Also adding Texas and Oklahoma did not give the SEC a payout bump. They simply gave them a regular share. Now the SEC and Big Ten are better shape long-term than any other conferences - no doubt. But I think every school which has been spending like crazy banking on TV money may want to reassess.
variety.com
It remains to be seen just how many sports fans - when ESPN is made available via an online subscription - are willing to pay what has been rumored to be $25-30 a month.
Also, there was a story recently in the Athletic about SEC 8 vs 9 game scheduling model. You would think with another game (9) SEC teams would get a corresponding bump. But ESPN isn't wild about bigger payouts at all. Also adding Texas and Oklahoma did not give the SEC a payout bump. They simply gave them a regular share. Now the SEC and Big Ten are better shape long-term than any other conferences - no doubt. But I think every school which has been spending like crazy banking on TV money may want to reassess.
Cord-Cutting Hits All-Time High in Q1, as U.S. Pay-TV Subscriptions Fall to Lowest Levels Since 1992
Cord-cutting hit a new peak in Q1 2023, as U.S. cable, satellite and internet TV services collectively lost 2.3 million subscribers.
variety.com
