Report: Apple Poised to Acquire ESPN; Deal Seen as Inevitable
Growing speculation suggests that tech giant Apple may be gearing up to acquire ESPN, the leading sports network, along with the TV rights for major professional sports leagues.
In a recent discussion on CNBC, Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives referred to the potential acquisition of ESPN by Apple as a "no-brainer." He emphasized that Apple is eyeing live sports content as a coveted asset and predicted that the partnership between the two companies is simply a matter of time. "Cupertino is looking to go after live sports content as the golden goose. I believe it's a matter of when � not if � ESPN and Apple get together," said Ives.
James Andrew Miller, a former Washington Post journalist and author, also shared similar sentiments in a conversation with Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports. Miller highlighted Apple's financial muscle, saying, «Apple has enough change in their couch cushions to fundamentally alter the media rights landscape."
Despite the growing buzz, it's worth noting that Disney CEO Bob Iger stated in February that ESPN was not for sale during an earnings call, as reported by Jill Goldsmith of Deadline. However, as the saying goes, money talks, and Disney could potentially reconsider if Apple were to make an irresistible offer.
The speculation about Apple's interest in ESPN comes after the sports network underwent significant staffing changes earlier this year. As part of a cost-cutting initiative, ESPN let go of several high-profile talents, including Suzy Kolber, Jalen Rose, Max Kellerman, Steve Young, Matt Hasselbeck, and Jeff Van Gundy. Iger had previously warned that about 7,000 jobs would be cut from the company.
| POLL | ||
22 AOUT | 38 ANSWERS Report: Apple Poised to Acquire ESPN; Deal Seen as Inevitable Do you like that Apple will buy ESPN? | ||
| Yes | 14 | 36.8 % |
| No | 24 | 63.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
