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.point 217 |
Insiders went on to warn Front Office Sports that the commander in chief might seek to torpedo this pact.point 87 | President Trump has a long history with this league.point 131 | 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.point 324 | 1
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.