Walt Disney Stock Price, News & Analysis

Disney (NYSE:DIS) has announced significant expansions to its NFL content rights through ESPN. The multi-year agreement includes extended NFL Draft rights and new NFL content for ESPN's upcoming Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) service launching August 21, 2025.

The deal enables streaming of NFL Draft coverage on Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN's DTC service starting with the 2026 NFL Draft. Additionally, ESPN will offer select out-of-market NFL preseason games during 2025-2026 seasons and the ability to bundle NFL+ Premium, which includes NFL Network and NFL RedZone.

Key features include enhanced interactive capabilities, personalized SportsCenter content, multiview options for Monday Night Football, and integrated fantasy football and sports betting information. The agreement also expands NFL content on Disney+ with potential simulcasts and highlight rights.

Disney's (NYSE:DIS) ESPN is launching its new direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming service on August 21, 2025, offering comprehensive access to ESPN's content through an enhanced app. The service will feature an unlimited plan priced at $29.99/month, providing access to all ESPN linear networks, ESPN+, and related content covering 47,000 live events annually.

The launch strategically aligns with major sports seasons including NFL, college football, and US Open tennis. A special bundle offer combining ESPN DTC with Disney+ and Hulu will be available at launch for $29.99/month for the first year. The enhanced app will feature new personalized elements including multiview options, integrated stats, betting information, and fantasy sports integration.

WWE (NYSE: TKO) and ESPN (NYSE: DIS) have announced a groundbreaking rights agreement making ESPN platforms the exclusive U.S. domestic home for all WWE Premium Live Events (PLEs) starting in 2026. The deal includes major events like WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, SummerSlam, Survivor Series, and Money in the Bank.

The agreement will feature all WWE PLEs streaming on ESPN's new direct-to-consumer service, with select events simulcast on ESPN linear platforms. WWE will maintain production control of all PLEs, while ESPN platforms will have access to pre- and post-event shows.

Disney's (NYSE:DIS) ESPN has announced a landmark agreement to acquire NFL Network and other media assets from the National Football League in exchange for a 10% equity stake in ESPN. The deal includes NFL's linear RedZone Channel and NFL Fantasy platform.

Under the agreement, ESPN will integrate NFL Network into its upcoming direct-to-consumer service while maintaining traditional pay TV distribution. The deal includes three additional NFL games per season for ESPN's platforms, with four games shifting to NFL Network. ESPN Fantasy Football will merge with NFL Fantasy to create the official NFL fantasy platform.

The NFL will retain ownership of NFL Films, NFL+, NFL.com, NFL Podcast Network, NFL FAST Channel, and team club sites. The transaction requires definitive agreements, NFL team owners' approval, and other closing conditions.

The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) has scheduled its fiscal third quarter 2025 earnings webcast for August 6, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. ET. The company will release its financial results before the market opens on the same day.

The earnings materials will be available on Disney's investor relations website, and the webcast will be archived for future reference. Interested parties can access the webcast at www.disney.com/investors.

Charter Communications (NASDAQ: CHTR) and Disney have expanded their distribution agreement to include Hulu (With Ads) in all Spectrum TV Select packages at no additional cost. Starting summer 2025, customers will have access to Hulu's content alongside existing Disney+ and the upcoming ESPN streaming service, creating a combined streaming value of over $100 per month.

The agreement includes the return of eight Disney-owned linear networks to Spectrum's lineup, including Disney Jr, Disney XD, Freeform, and others. The deal, which is financially net positive for both companies, aims to boost advertising reach and strengthen audience engagement across platforms. Charter will also offer Disney's streaming services to broadband-only customers at retail rates.

BetterInvesting Magazine has announced The Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS) as its "Stock to Study" for the August 2025 issue, replacing the previously selected Stride Inc. The decision comes as investors question whether Disney's stock is overvalued or presents a buying opportunity. The magazine will provide comprehensive fundamental data analysis, including sales, earnings, pre-tax profit, and return on equity metrics through the National Association of Investors Corp. The August 2025 issue will also feature a fundamental review of Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN), which the Editorial Advisory and Securities Review Committee considers potentially undervalued. The committee, comprising six CFA charterholders and chaired by editor Doron P. Levin, emphasizes that these securities are presented for educational purposes only and should not be considered as endorsed investment recommendations.

The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) and Miral have announced plans to build Disney's seventh theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Located on Yas Island's waterfront, this landmark destination will blend Disney's iconic entertainment with Abu Dhabi's culture. Miral will fully develop and operate the resort, while Disney and its Imagineers will lead creative design and operational oversight. The project aims to serve the Middle East, Africa, India, Asia, and Europe, leveraging UAE's strategic location within a four-hour flight of one-third of the world's population. CEO Robert Iger emphasized that Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati, featuring cutting-edge technology and immersive entertainment. The resort will include themed accommodations, dining, retail, and unique Disney experiences, though specific details are pending future announcements.

Disney (DIS) reported strong Q2 FY2025 results with revenues up 7% to $23.6 billion and adjusted EPS increasing 20% to $1.45. The Entertainment segment saw operating income rise 61% to $1.3 billion, with Direct-to-Consumer achieving profitability of $336 million. Disney+ reached 126 million subscribers, adding 1.4 million in Q2. The Experiences segment delivered $2.5 billion in operating income, up $0.2 billion. Sports segment income declined 12% to $687 million due to higher costs and a Venu joint venture write-off. The company maintained its FY2025 adjusted EPS guidance of $5.75, projecting 16% growth, and expects $17 billion in operating cash flow. Management highlighted upcoming catalysts including ESPN's new streaming service and expansion projects in the Experiences segment.