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Sanders, Warren, and Others Press Disney, ESPN on Sports Media Dominance

By  |  September 24, 2025

A group of lawmakers is raising red flags over ESPN’s potential partnerships with two of the nation’s biggest sports leagues. According to Yahoo News, U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), along with Representatives Pat Ryan (D-NY) and Joaquin Castro (D-TX), signed a letter Tuesday addressed to Disney CEO Robert Iger, ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, and MLB commissioner Rob Manfred.

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    The letter outlines antitrust concerns tied to ESPN’s negotiations with the NFL and Major League Baseball. Lawmakers argue that the proposed arrangements could stifle competition, limit consumer choice, and drive up costs for fans. Per Yahoo News, the letter specifically warns that the NFL’s decision to sell most of its media assets to ESPN in exchange for a significant equity stake could create a conflict of interest and tilt the competitive landscape in ESPN’s favor.
    In August, the NFL revealed a deal giving ESPN control over NFL Network and broadcast rights to the RedZone Channel, in exchange for a 10% ownership stake valued in the billions. Later that month, reports surfaced that ESPN was also in discussions with MLB to acquire rights to stream MLB.TV, as well as out-of-market and select in-market games. Both agreements remain subject to regulatory approval.

    Read more: NFL-Disney Deal Expected to Face DOJ Scrutiny Over Antitrust Concerns

    The letter expresses particular concern that ESPN’s coverage of the NFL could be compromised by such a deal. According to Yahoo News, lawmakers questioned whether ESPN journalists could independently report on league controversies while the network maintains a business partnership with the NFL. The letter also criticized the NFL’s decision to introduce commercials to the RedZone Channel this season, suggesting the move could undermine the product for fans.

    Additionally, lawmakers voiced apprehension about the impact of consolidating the NFL’s fantasy football platform with ESPN’s. They warned this could limit options for consumers who rely on competing fantasy services. The letter emphasized that sports fans should not be saddled with higher costs or forced to navigate fewer choices as a result of expanded ESPN dominance.

    Source: Yahoo News