Disney’s NFL Deal Is Victory for CEO Looking to Control Costs

  • While the price is rising, ESPN and ABC get more programming
  • Package includes Super Bowls, streaming and new Saturday games

Photographer: Charlie Riedel/AP Photo

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Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Officer Bob Chapek entered the latest round of negotiations with the National Football League in a tough spot.

ESPN, the company’s flagship sports network, had lost 15 million cable subscribers since the last contract with the league began in 2014. And, at $2 billion a year, Disney was already spending more than any broadcaster for its Monday night lineup of games -- and twice what some rivals were paying.