A major media rights deal between the NFL and ESPN—set to give the Disney-owned network control of several key league properties—could face a political roadblock in the form of President Trump. The agreement, worth an estimated $1 billion or more, would deepen Disney’s investment in live sports and streaming by adding the NFL’s “RedZone” and other premium media assets to its portfolio. In exchange, the NFL would take a 10 percent ownership stake in ESPN. Given that the transaction will likely require approval from the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission, Trump’s influence could become a decisive factor.
Disney’s strategy hinges on expanding its ESPN brand beyond cable into direct-to-consumer streaming, with a new subscription platform planned for launch this fall. Company executives see live NFL coverage as a magnet for new subscribers at a time when traditional TV audiences are shrinking. But Trump’s long-running feud with Disney—rooted in ABC News coverage, corporate diversity policies, and past lawsuits—has already fueled speculation that he could intervene. Industry analysts caution that any presidential opposition could delay or derail the deal.
Criticism from Trump-aligned voices began almost immediately after the deal’s announcement. Conservative media personalities and political operatives have urged the administration to leverage regulatory approval to force concessions from Disney and the NFL, including the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and the addition of “viewpoint diversity” in programming. Former Bush White House press secretary Ari Fleischer predicted that Trump’s history of using media mergers as bargaining tools made his involvement likely.
The president’s disputes with ABC have been especially sharp. Trump previously sued the network for defamation, winning a $15 million settlement, and has targeted late-night host Jimmy Kimmel along with daytime program “The View.” He has also floated threats to have the FCC review ABC’s broadcast license and frequently attacks Disney’s corporate practices as “woke.” These past clashes, combined with his willingness to confront media companies in court, make investors wary that the NFL-ESPN deal could become the latest flashpoint.
Trump’s complicated relationship with the NFL adds another wrinkle. He has repeatedly tried to buy an NFL team, sued the league in the 1980s, and criticized it over player protests. More recently, he threatened to block a stadium project unless the Washington Commanders restored their original name. Allies suggest such unresolved tensions could influence how he approaches any deal involving the league.
For Disney, the agreement represents a defensive play against Big Tech companies like Apple, Amazon, and Netflix, which have increasingly secured live sports broadcasting rights. Legal experts warn that if Trump were to stall or block the transaction, it would be a major setback for the company’s sports strategy. As one sports attorney noted, pro sports programming remains the most valuable content in media—and deals of this scale are always subject to political as well as commercial pressures.