The Walt Disney Company suddenly finds itself at the center of a collision between late-night TV, pro football, and politics. And the outcome could reshape both its media empire and its billion-dollar relationship with the NFL.
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EXCLUSIVE: Disney may have to choose between Jimmy Kimmel and the NFL.
Sources tell FOS that bringing Jimmy Kimmel back on ABC could jeopardize ESPN’s multibillion-dollar NFL deal.
Story by @MMcCarthyREV ⬇️
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) September 20, 2025
According to Front Office Sports, Disney "may ultimately have to make a hard choice" between protecting its lucrative new NFL deal and salvaging Jimmy Kimmel's long-running late-night franchise. Insiders suggested the decision "may not be much of a choice at all."
Here's what's at stake: ESPN just finalized a blockbuster agreement with the league, trading a 10 percent equity stake valued at roughly $2-3 billion in exchange for control of the NFL Network, RedZone, and fantasy football assets. That deal still requires regulatory approval, which puts it squarely on the radar of President Donald Trump's administration.
Trump's long, combative history with the league is well-documented, from his failed 2014 bid to buy the Buffalo Bills to years of sparring over anthem protests and ESPN commentary. Former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer told FOS that Trump could weaponize the merger review, calling it "political catnip."
The storm escalated when Disney subsidiary ABC yanked Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air after the host faced backlash for remarks following the Sept. 10 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel drew fire for suggesting Republicans were trying to "score political points" from Kirk's death, while appearing to tie the alleged killer to Trump's MAGA movement.
Trump quickly seized on the controversy, blasting Kimmel's ratings, threatening to yank broadcast licenses, and declaring: "He was fired for lack of talent."
That leaves Disney CEO Bob Iger caught in a high-stakes corporate crisis, balancing pressure from the White House against the network's own talent and reputation. Former Disney boss Michael Eisner publicly blasted the move, posting on X that suspending Kimmel was "another example of out-of-control intimidation."
For now, Disney's decision looms large. Does the company stand behind a polarizing comedian — or do everything possible to keep a historic NFL partnership on track?
Either way, the House of Mouse is learning fast that in today's climate, the playbook for sports, politics, and entertainment is the same. There are no easy choices, and everyone is keeping score.
