Disney Deal Faces Potential Roadblock Over Jimmy Kimmel‘s Future
Disney’s proposed asset exchange with teh NFL and ESPN is facing a potential complication tied to the future of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, according to a report by Front Office Sports. Sources indicate the agreement could be blocked depending on how Kimmel’s contract is handled.
Kimmel currently earns $16 million annually and his contract with ABC expires in May 2026. He previously suggested he might leave the network or retire when his current contract ends.
The situation has drawn attention from political observers. former White House spokesman Ari Fleischer told Front Office Sports the deal could be “politically tempting” for Donald Trump, given his interest in the NFL and history of leveraging media mergers. “Considering his interest in the NFL and its history of using media mergers as a lever, it is difficult to imagine that it will not take advantage of it,” Fleischer saeid. “I doubt that it will be a simple commercial transaction.”
The NFL is a significant component of Disney’s sports portfolio, with the company paying $2.7 billion per year for the rights to “Monday Night Football.” Jeopardizing the merger could disrupt the league and potentially limit content available on the new ESPN streaming app.
Disney stock closed Monday at $122.56, down 1% – a reversal from earlier losses following the proclamation of Kimmel’s show renewal.However, the stock has decreased 5.3% over the last month.
The outcome of the asset exchange approval and any potential concessions or donations Kimmel makes to the Kirk family are being closely watched as indicators of Disney’s future.
