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The Joe Pomp Show

Why ESPN BET Could Shut Down in 2026

Mar 4, 2025
This discussion dives into the shaky future of ESPN BET, highlighting its struggles with market share and mounting financial issues. The examination reveals how operational missteps have stunted its growth in a fierce U.S. sports betting arena dominated by competitors like DraftKings and FanDuel. With a potential shutdown looming in 2026, the conversation explores whether the current partnership can survive and what it means for the broader landscape of sports betting.
10:41

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • ESPN BET's struggle in the competitive sports betting market is evident with only 2.35% market share and significant financial losses.
  • The failed strategies of Penn Entertainment, including the disastrous Barstool acquisition, have severely impacted ESPN BET's market presence and credibility.

Deep dives

Challenges Faced by ESPN Bet

ESPN Bet is struggling significantly in the competitive U.S. sports betting market, controlling only 2.35% of market share despite ambitious projections. The recent financial report from Penn Entertainment revealed a staggering $110 million loss in its interactive division for Q4, underscoring the app's underperformance. Initially, Penn's strategy focused on leveraging ESPN's vast audience to alleviate high customer acquisition costs, but this strategy has yet to yield meaningful results. As of now, ESPN Bet's projected growth to 4.7% market share by 2025 falls well short of the company’s original goal of capturing 20% by 2027, casting doubt on its future viability in the space.

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