智通财经APP获悉，迪士尼(DIS.US)正计划将旗下体育品牌ESPN引入亚洲市场，加大在这一全球增长 最快的流媒体市场之一的扩张力度。 迪士尼亚太区总裁Luke Kang在接受采访时表示，公司计划为Disney+平台新增更多体育直播内容，并在 亚洲地区逐步推广ESPN服务。他指出，由于不同国家的体育赛事版权分布和粉丝基础存在差异，各市 场的推出时间将有所不同。今年早些时候，迪士尼已在澳大利亚和新西兰的Disney+平台上率先推出 ESPN流媒体服务，标志着该体育品牌首度登陆该地区平台。 "我们的长期目标是将ESPN整合至流媒体平台，这与我们在全球其他地区的策略一致，最终成为用户观 看体育内容的首选平台，"Kang在中国香港举行的迪士尼亚太内容展示会上间隙表示，"我们持续关注 各类体育赛事版权，以把握推出ESPN服务的最佳时机。" 据了解，体育流媒体已成为美国媒体公司争夺全球增长的关键战场。竞争对手也在亚洲积极布局——尽 管该地区的体育直播市场目前由本土平台主导。亚马逊(AMZN.US)旗下Prime Video通过与韩国广播公 司SPOTV合作，获得了日本地区美国职业棒球大联盟(MLB)赛事的流媒体转播权; ...

Core Insights - Apple is seeking exclusive broadcasting rights for the F1 Austin Grand Prix, following its investment in the movie "F1: Drive to Survive" [1][3] - The broadcasting rights are estimated to cost $140 million annually, compared to the previous $90 million per year held by ESPN [1] - Negotiations are nearing completion, with results expected to be announced during the Austin Grand Prix from October 17-19 [4] Group 1 - Apple aims to secure exclusive broadcasting rights for F1 races in the U.S. market, currently broadcasted by F1 TV [3] - The company is pushing for F1 TV to suspend its broadcasts, making Apple TV+ the sole platform for F1 coverage [3] - The outcome of the negotiations will determine whether F1 races will be included in Apple TV+ subscriptions or offered as an additional paid "season pass" [4]

Group 1: Streaming Business Restructuring - Disney is initiating a "restructuring" of its streaming business, highlighted by a significant partnership with the NFL, where ESPN plans to acquire key assets in exchange for a 10% equity stake valued at $2 billion to $3 billion [1][6] - The upcoming ESPN DTC (direct-to-consumer) service is set to launch on August 21, aiming to enhance user growth through attractive bundling options, allowing users to access Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN for $29.99 per month [1][3] - Disney's Q3 earnings report revealed that the streaming business achieved a profit of $346 million, marking a turnaround from losses in the previous year, with total global subscribers for Disney+ and Hulu reaching 183 million [3][4] Group 2: Integration of Hulu into Disney+ - Disney announced the complete integration of Hulu into Disney+, allowing users to access all content through a single application, which is seen as a culmination of years of strategic planning [3][4] - The integration is expected to enhance consumer experience and reduce churn rates, as both platforms will operate on the same technology stack and allow for more efficient advertising sales [4][10] - The acquisition of Hulu was finalized after Disney purchased a 33% stake from Comcast for at least $8.61 billion, further solidifying its control over the streaming landscape [4][10] Group 3: Sports Streaming Strategy - The acquisition of NFL assets will increase ESPN's game coverage from 22 to 28 games, integrating NFL Network content into the ESPN DTC application, enhancing the overall user experience [6][9] - Disney has also signed a $1.6 billion deal with WWE, making ESPN the exclusive platform for major WWE events starting in 2026, indicating a broader strategy to dominate sports streaming [6][9] - ESPN's strategy includes exploring partnerships to bundle additional sports content, aiming to create a comprehensive platform for sports fans [9] Group 4: Theme Parks and Experiences - Disney's theme parks and experiences segment reported a 13% increase in operating profit to $2.52 billion, with U.S. parks seeing a 22% profit growth [10][12] - The company is undergoing a significant global expansion of its theme parks, with multiple projects underway, including new attractions and a new park set to open in Abu Dhabi [10][12] - The cruise business is also expanding, with nearly half of next year's bookings already made, and two new ships set to join the fleet, including the largest ship ever built by Disney [10][12] Group 5: Content Development and IP Strategy - Disney's film studio continues to see growth, with the live-action "Lilo and Stitch" surpassing $1 billion at the global box office, becoming the first film to reach this milestone in 2023 [13][15] - The company is balancing the development of new IP with the revival of classic IP, focusing on creating sequels and modern adaptations to resonate with consumers [16] - Future film releases include highly anticipated titles such as "Zootopia 2" and "Avatar: Fire and Ash," indicating a strong pipeline of content [15][16]

Core Insights - Disney's ESPN has entered into two non-binding agreements with the NFL, involving equity exchange and content licensing to strengthen ties with one of the most commercially valuable sports IPs in the U.S. [1][2] Group 1: Transaction Details - ESPN will transfer 10% equity to acquire key assets including the NFL Network, NFL Redzone channel, and NFL films [2] - The NFL will grant ESPN access to certain event content and intellectual property rights for use across its media platforms [2] Group 2: Strategic Implications - This move aims to integrate NFL's high viewership, as NFL events consistently top U.S. television ratings, with Super Bowl ad prices exceeding $7 million [2] - Disney's CEO Bob Iger emphasized that the transaction will combine ESPN's global influence with NFL's premier IP, enhancing the viewing experience for fans [2] - ESPN is preparing to consolidate its cable channels and launch a B2C streaming service, with NFL resources potentially serving as a critical asset against competitors like Amazon and Apple [2] Group 3: Market Analysis - Sports events are becoming a battleground for streaming platforms due to their unique live experience and user engagement [2] - ESPN's chairman Jimmy Pitaro stated that the integration of NFL resources will create a preferred platform for American football fans, but balancing the development of multiple sports categories and avoiding over-reliance on a single IP will be crucial for future strategy [2]

Group 1 - Fubo has accelerated the timeline for closing its sale to Disney, now expecting the transaction to close in Q4 2025 or Q1 2026, pending regulatory approval and shareholder consent [1] - The previous expectation for the deal's closure was in the first half of 2026 [1] - Disney agreed to combine its Hulu + Live TV with Fubo, becoming the majority owner of the combined entity amidst a legal dispute over a proposed sports streaming joint venture [2][3] Group 2 - Post-closing, Fubo and Hulu + Live TV will remain separate offerings, with Hulu + Live TV available in the Hulu app and as part of a bundle with Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ [4] - Fubo will continue to operate through its own app and has the right to launch a new Sports & Broadcast service featuring Disney's networks [4] - The new Fubo will be managed by the current team led by CEO David Gandler, with Disney owning 70% of the company [5]