The Varsity ESPN’s D.T.C. Blitz
Oct 1, 2025
Sara Fischer, a media reporter at Axios with deep expertise in sports and media business, joins to discuss ESPN’s recent partnerships with the NFL and MLB. She highlights the rapid success of ESPN and Fox’s DTC launches, both surpassing a million sign-ups in a short time. The conversation also dives into the ongoing distribution rivalry between NBC and YouTube TV, the implications of media-league equity deals, and the potential shake-up of NFL rights negotiations. Plus, find out why Bad Bunny was the chosen performer for the Super Bowl Halftime Show.
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Equity Stakes As A New Rights Play
- Networks now see value in taking equity stakes in growing leagues to capture upside with distribution.
- Sara Fischer argues this becomes more common when streaming pushes platforms to sponsor growth rather than just distribute content.
Regulatory Spotlight On Partnership Deals
- Regulators are noticing equity-for-distribution deals and raising competition concerns.
- Sara Fischer notes senators like Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders have flagged potential issues.
Use Bundles To Lure Cord-Cutters
- Bundle sports streamers if you want to convert diehard fans and encourage cord-cutting.
- Sara Fischer highlights the $39 ESPN+Fox bundle as an attractive alternative to a full cable package.
