The Walt Disney Corporation could be forced to select between salvaging the late-night franchise and securing a multibillion-dollar partnership with the NFL.
Well-established sources predicted to the news site Front Office Sports how the House of Mouse might end up making a very tough choice that might not be much of a decision at all. This likely means jettisoning Jimmy Kimmel.
The stakes are huge. ESPN recently hit a blockbuster deal with the NFL, trading a 10% equity stake that was valued at about $2 billion to $3 billion for the league’s NFL Network, RedZone, and fantasy football assets.
The agreement requires regulatory approval from various agencies that are working under the Trump administration.
Insiders went on to warn Front Office Sports that the commander in chief might seek to torpedo this pact. President Trump has a long history with this league. Meanwhile, the White House Press Secretary in the Bush administration mentioned that Trump might seize on this chance to possibly sabotage the NFL-ESPN pact, adding how this might turn into political catnip for the head of state.
Speculations did arise recently that Disney is in discussions with Jimmy Kimmel to try and bring him back on the network. Whether or not such a deal is reached, only time will tell.