ESPN Asks Leagues to Buy Stake in Their Network Would Be Epic 'Conflict of Interest'

Written by :

Gilbert Horowitz

Published on :

21 January, 2024

Sports betting industry luminary Joe Brennan, Jr. questioned the logic of ESPN suggesting sports leagues should buy a stake in their network.

"Can’t think of a way to create more conflict of interest plus fan distrust, since they are now also in the sports betting business," Brennan Jr. tweeted.

ESPN now owns ESPN Bet, a US regulated sports betting app.

When asked if ESPN really is in the sports betting business, Brennan Jr responded: "One look at any espn broadcast or digital content leaves no doubt they’re in the sports betting business."

In fact, some of that network's own on air personalities appear in advertisements touting the sportsbook.

ESPN has a desire to expand in the streaming market as its cable tv bundle is in terminal decline.

Tom Baysinger of Axios writes:

ESPN — which is owned by Disney — has been searching for a strategic partner since early last year to help it transition to a streaming-first operation. No deal is close but multiple sources say ESPN has been discussing equity stakes with the NFL, NBA and MLB.

Even without the sportsbook ownership component, the conflict exists.

There has always been tension when ESPN reports a negative story on one of the leagues it broadcasts. Giving one of those leagues any ownership stake changes everything.

Baysinger concludes:

ESPN is trying to keep up with a rapidly evolving media landscape — and its final decision could permanently change how sports are consumed and covered.

- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com

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