Disney CEO reaffirms sports betting plans with third-party support

Disney CEO Bob Chapek has moved to clarify the company’s stance on sports betting and confirmed ESPN would continue to look for a third party to power any potential sportsbook operations.

Speaking to CNBC, Chapek said that the desire to launch a sportsbook product remained one of Disney’s plans, but it would not go down the route alone.

Last week at the D23 fan event in Anaheim, California, Chapek said Disney was “working very hard” on developing a sports betting product.

Chapek once again referred to the strong demand from current ESPN users to combine viewing and betting into one product as a key driver for the development.

Chapek said: “One of the things [sports fans] want is the ability to have a frictionless sports betting experience without having to have four screens in front of you. We, as ESPN, have the ability to do that.

“Now we’re going to need a partner to do that, because we’re never going to be a book, that’s never been on the cards for the Walt Disney Company.

“But at the same time, to be able to partner with a well-respected third party which can do that for us, that can provide the advantage of creating a seamless integration without having to having to go out and use another device, I think would be seen as a benefit,” he added.

While Chapek did not disclose a timeline or potential partner for an ESPN-branded sportsbook, his comments reflect those of ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro in June 2022 when he suggested sports betting was a “must-have” area of development.