Episode 96: BofA Analyst Jessica Reif Ehrlich on the future of ESPN

In this week’s Marchand and Ourand Sports Media Podcast sponsored by WSC Sports:

In this week’s Marchand and Ourand Sports Media Podcast, BoA Securities Analyst Jessica Reif Ehrlich joins hosts Andrew Marchand and John Ourand to discuss ESPN’s future. Reif Ehrlich dissects Bob Iger’s CNBC interview from last week, when he spoke about looking for a strategic partner for ESPN. She talked about who the likely partners on ESPN would be, when ESPN would take its main channel direct-to-consumer and whether Disney is a stronger company without ESPN right now. Reif Ehrlich also analyzed where the multichannel universe is headed, the companies that are best situated for the changes in media and the decision facing the NBA, as that league takes its rights to market.

Marchand and Ourand discuss broadcaster moves at ESPN (“MNF Countdown” and NBA games) and FS1 (“Undisputed”). They preview the FIFA Women’s World Cup, give MLS a report card as the league meets for its annual All-Star Game and review ESPN’s coverage from Wimbledon. As with every pod, Marchand and Ourand offer their picks of who in sports media had a good week, and who did not.

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Disclosures for Jessica Reif Ehrlich / BofA Securities on DIS

The issuer is or was, within the last 12 months, an investment banking client of BofAS and/or one or more of its affiliates.

BofAS or an affiliate expects to receive or intends to seek compensation for investment banking services from this issuer or an affiliate of the issuer within the next three months.

BofAS or an affiliate has received compensation from the issuer for non-investment banking services or products within the past 12 months.

The issuer is or was, within the last 12 months, a securities business client (non-investment banking) of BofAS and/or one or more of its affiliates.

The issuer is or was, within the last 12 months, a non-securities business client of BofAS and/or one or more of its affiliates.

BofAS or one of its affiliates has a significant financial interest in the fixed income instruments of the issuer. If this report was issued on or after the 15th day of the month, it reflects a significant financial interest on the last day of the previous month. Reports issued before the 15th day of the month reflect a significant financial interest at the end of the second month preceding the report.

One or more analysts responsible for covering the securities in this report owns stock of the covered issuer.