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Disney could be forced to choose between Jimmy Kimmel and the NFL as massive ESPN deal looms: report
NY Post ^ | September 22, 2025 | Ariel Zilber

Posted on 09/22/2025 8:55:00 AM PDT by Red Badger

The Walt Disney Co. could be forced to choose between salvaging its late-night franchise and protecting a multibillion-dollar partnership with the NFL, according to a report.

Well-embedded sources predicted to the news site Front Office Sports that the House of Mouse “may ultimately have to make a hard choice” that “may not be much of a choice at all” — which likely means jettisoning Jimmy Kimmel.

The stakes are enormous. ESPN recently struck a blockbuster deal with the NFL, trading a 10% equity stake valued around $2 billion to $3 billion for the league’s NFL Network, RedZone and fantasy football assets.

The agreement requires regulatory approval from agencies working under the Trump administration.

Insiders warned Front Office Sports that the commander-in-chief could seek to torpedo the pact.

President Trump has a long, combative history with the league — from his failed 2014 bid to buy the Buffalo Bills to clashes over player protests and ESPN commentary.

Ari Fleischer, former White House press secretary in the George W. Bush administration, told FOS that Trump could seize on the opportunity to possibly sabotage the NFL-ESPN pact, saying it would be “political catnip” for the president.

“Given his interest in the NFL, and his history of using media mergers for leverage, it’s hard to see him not playing around with this,” Fleischer told FOS.

“I doubt this will be a straightforward commercial transaction.”

(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; History; Military/Veterans; Sports
KEYWORDS: abc; disney; espn; kimmel; nfl; sports

1 posted on 09/22/2025 8:55:00 AM PDT by Red Badger
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To: Impy; WhoisAlanGreenspan?

NFL PING!................


2 posted on 09/22/2025 8:56:10 AM PDT by Red Badger (Homeless veterans camp in the streets while illegals are put up in 5 Star hotels....................)
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To: Red Badger

“Ari Fleischer, former White House press secretary in the George W. Bush administration, told FOS that Trump could seize on the opportunity to possibly sabotage the NFL-ESPN pact, saying it would be “political catnip” for the president.

“Given his interest in the NFL, and his history of using media mergers for leverage, it’s hard to see him not playing around with this,” Fleischer told FOS.”

Once a member of the establishment, always a member.


3 posted on 09/22/2025 9:01:45 AM PDT by alternatives?
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To: Red Badger

Yeah, tough choice. Cratering ratings, losing money, advertiser and affiliate push back..regulatory pushback vs. the highest rated programing on TV..the NFL.


4 posted on 09/22/2025 9:08:03 AM PDT by oldernittany
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To: Red Badger

A deal with a multi billion dollar sports league or a low rated unfunny faux comedian......gee, which way will it end up. 😏.....let’s just hope it DOES come down to that.


5 posted on 09/22/2025 9:10:05 AM PDT by V_TWIN (RIP Charlie Kirk)
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To: Red Badger

Front Office Sports is uh FOS? :)


6 posted on 09/22/2025 10:19:44 AM PDT by xp38
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To: Red Badger
salvaging its late-night franchise

Why would they want to "salvage" Kimmel's show when reruns of Celebrity Jeopardy in that timeslot are pulling better ratings than Kimmel?

7 posted on 09/22/2025 11:25:24 AM PDT by JennysCool ("It's easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled." - Mark Twain)
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