For the first time ever, ESPN will be the lead broadcaster for the Super Bowl, and they're pulling out all the stops. But not everyone is cheering — especially the local ABC stations that feel left out in the cold.
ESPN, which has covered the NFL for decades, will finally get its shot at the big game this February. The network is planning an unprecedented, around-the-clock buildup, with multiple alternate broadcasts and a heavy push across Disney's vast media empire. It's a monumental moment for the Worldwide Leader, but ABC's affiliate channels are reportedly less than thrilled.
Affiliates See Red Over Multi-Platform Push
According to a report from CNBC's Alex Sherman, ABC station owners are "not happy" with Disney's aggressive strategy to showcase and monetize the Super Bowl across numerous platforms. The game will air on both ABC and ESPN, but Disney is also planning to simulcast it on Disney+, ESPN2, ESPNU, and NFL Network, along with a special alternate broadcast featuring Pat McAfee's unique commentary.
That's a lot of options for viewers, but for ABC affiliates, it's a nightmare. They're worried that the sheer number of alternative ways to watch will siphon eyeballs away from the main ABC broadcast, which would hurt their advertising revenue. One anonymous station group CEO told Sherman that the multi-platform approach could reduce broadcast ad revenue by as much as 35% compared to last year's Super Bowl.
ABC hasn't carried the Super Bowl since 2006, and affiliates had been looking forward to the windfall. Instead, they're facing a potential financial hit just as they were hoping for a boost.
ESPN Goes All-In
ESPN, for its part, is embracing the challenge. "I never thought I'd have the opportunity to work on an ESPN Super Bowl, and I know so many of my colleagues who have been here as long as I have or even longer would say the same thing," said Andy Tennant, ESPN's vice president of Super Bowl planning. "We're the first 24/7 sports network to ever be a rights holder to broadcast the Super Bowl. We see that not only as an opportunity, but we see it as a responsibility."
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro echoed that sentiment, calling the initiative "fan-focused" and promising to "unite our company's beloved brands with industry-leading storytelling and technology to showcase football's greatest stories, heroes, and moments like never before."
While the affiliates may be grumbling, ESPN and Disney are pressing forward with their ambitious plans. The Super Bowl is the crown jewel of American sports, and Disney intends to use every tool in its arsenal to make this one unforgettable. Whether that means sacrificing some affiliate goodwill remains to be seen, but for now, the show will go on.
As the season unfolds, the 49ers have emerged as early Super Bowl favorites, but with so many variables, nothing is set in stone. One thing is certain: when Super Bowl 61 kicks off, there will be more ways to watch than ever before — and that's exactly what ESPN wants.
