ESPN has been synonymous with the NBA for years now. The voices of commentators and analysts featured in the network resonate deeply with NBA diehards. Since 2002, the network has broadcast the NBA Finals. Therefore, they have seen a lot of glorious moments on the network. However, recent times have been turbulent as Disney, which owns ESPN, has made some gut-wrenching moves.

They have fired many prominent voices that have adorned the NBA stage. Will Apple CEO Tim Cook change the landscape and repair numerous broken hearts?

What is ESPN’s future?

Disney engaged in mass layoffs after learning that there was a drop in the revenue of ESPN’s linear networks. This 7% revenue drop to $6.6 billion prompted a flurry of layoffs across the boards. Of course, the fire spread to the NBA world.

To the chagrin of many, the network laid off Jalen Rose, Jeff Van Gundy, and recently Mark Jackson too. The three had contracts that paid off over a million per year, so in a bid to cut costs, the network chose to fire them. 

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Rose is known for his crisp analysis, while Jackson and Van Gundy had a brilliant bond as the two commentators during the NBA Playoffs. Their departure left many in despair considering the weight of these commentators. 

These layoffs have led to speculations. Can Disney do away with ESPN someday? In this vein, $1.9 billion-worth Tim Cook and Apple may make huge splashes and turn around the company.

Despite a decline of 0.24%, Apple posted a whopping $383 billion in revenue during the last cycle. They want to become a force in the sporting world. Nabbing an MLC deal and dishing out documentaries like Stephen Curry: Underrated, they are creating a big name for themselves.

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As per Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports, acquiring ESPN will give them a monopoly in USA sports.

Will Apple acquire ESPN?

Talking to Front Office Sports, investigative journalist James Andrew Miller declared, “Apple has enough change in their couch cushions to fundamentally alter the media rights landscape.”

A market capitalization of $2.7 trillion can turn things in their favor. Considering that alongside NBA, ESPN broadcasts NFL, WNBA, NHL, MLB, UFC, PGA, Tennis Grand Slams, Formula 1 and various other ventures, the move will give the business giant a firm grasp over USA sports.

However, McCarthy also cautions that Apple is rather reluctant to pull big moves like that. While they did make a 10-year $2.5 billion splash with MLS, they are usually not-so-fast in pulling the trigger.

The author quotes former Fox Sports Executive Patrick Crakes, who says, “Apple is a device manufacturing company. The media picture has to fit into that; not vice versa. So, they’re being cautious.”

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But doesn’t the MLS deal imply that they are ready to go big? With NBA media rights up for grabs in 2025, they will arguably be a contender too. 

What are your views on a prospective foray by Apple into ESPN space? Share your thoughts in the comments!