Disney CEO Bob Chapek said the business is still in talks with a number of platforms regarding the possible launch of new sports betting services involving the ESPN brand.
The conglomerate has been involved in entering the sports betting market for quite some time, and Chapek said last November that its sports broadcasting arm, ESPN, was the “perfect” channel to make this happen. I’m here.
In an earnings call after the group released its second-quarter results, Chapek said negotiations with potential partners were underway and that sports betting was a viable option for Disney.
“We have been talking with various platforms for quite some time to add utility to sports betting and remove friction for guests,” Chapek said.
“Basically, we’ve found that sports fans under the age of 30 absolutely need this kind of utility in the overall portfolio that ESPN offers, so we think it’s important.
“We are working hard on that and hope to announce something in the future regarding partnerships that will access that revenue stream and ensure that the needs of our guests are met.”
Disney already has a presence in the sports betting market through ESPN, which it signed in September 2020. Draft Kings and William Hillthe latter subsequently acquired by Caesars
Under this deal, ESPN has been promoting DraftKings’ daily fantasy sports updates, while with William Hill’s contract transferred to Caesars through the acquisition, ESPN has been showing the bookmaker’s betting odds.
