Jimmy Pitaro's Game Plan For ESPN's Next Era

Summary

CNBC's Alex Sherman interviews ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro about the network's strategy to grow profit amid rising sports media rights costs and cord-cutting. Pitaro details ESPN's dual distribution approach—prioritizing pay TV while offering a standalone direct-to-consumer product—and emphasizes the value of the Disney bundle. He also discusses interest in 2030 World Cup rights, potential NBA local media solutions, and the league's momentum.

• ESPN's first-half ratings are the best since 2012 even as cord-cutting continues.
• Pitaro says ESPN runs parallel paths: pay TV and a standalone DTC service launched last August.
• The Disney Trio bundle (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN) is a priority, viewed as a compelling value.
• ESPN is disciplined in rights acquisitions, willing to walk away from unprofitable deals.
• Pitaro confirms interest in bidding for 2030 World Cup rights and praises Fox's coverage.
• ESPN wants to provide non-exclusive digital reach to solve the local RSN problem for the NBA.
• He is optimistic about MLB avoiding a work stoppage due to the sport's momentum and smart people on both sides.
• New Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro sees ESPN as a critical differentiator and a key part of Disney's strategy.