Who owns ESPN?
Isabella Turner
Updated on January 11, 2026
ESPN
The Walt Disney Company
Who is ESPN publisher?
The Walt Disney Company
ESPN Books is a publishing company operated by ESPN Started in 2004, ESPN Books has published almost 20 books….ESPN Books.
| Parent company | ESPN |
|---|---|
| Owner(s) | The Walt Disney Company (80%) Hearst Communications (20%) |
| Official website | espnbooks.com |
What did ESPN originally stand for?
the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network
When ESPN started in 1979 we were the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (thus, ESPN). However, that name took too long to paint across our chests on game day, so we dropped it in 1985 and adopted a new corporate name — ESPN, Inc. Also, the Hearst Corporation has a 20% interest in ESPN.
Does Disney own TNT?
Turner Broadcasting, which owns TBS and TNT, bought the TV rights to the original trilogy, prequels, and newer titles before Disney firmed up plans for its own streaming service. Now, Bloomberg reports, Disney would like them back.
Does ABC still own ESPN?
In 2006, which is the parent subsidiary of the cable sports network ESPN that is majority owned by ABC’s corporate parent, The Walt Disney Company, in partnership with Hearst Communications….ESPN on ABC.
| Network | ABC |
|---|---|
| Owner | ESPN Inc. |
| Headquarters | Bristol, Connecticut |
How old is ESPN?
41 years (September 7, 1979)
ESPN/Age
ESPN launched on September 7, 1979, and is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company.
Where is the ESPN headquarters?
Bristol, Connecticut, United States
ESPN/Headquarters
ESPN Headquarters in Bristol, Conn., is home to one of the world’s largest and technologically advanced TV production facilities. Digital Center-1 (2004) and Digital Center-2 (2014) total more than 400,000 square feet. They serve as home for SportsCenter, NFL programming and more.
Is ESPN free?
A subscription to ESPN+ is available to buy via the ESPN app and ESPN.com. Note: the ESPN app itself is still free. You still get all the same news, highlights, etc.
Who is the founder of the ESPN network?
It was launched in 1979 and is one of the largest cable networks in the United States. Its success engendered additional ESPN networks, including an international sports network. New England sports announcer William Rasmussen founded ESPN to broadcast New England Whalers hockey games and University of Connecticut sports events.
What is the history of the sports channel ESPN?
History of ESPN. ESPN is an American -based global cable and satellite television channel that focuses on sports -related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports highlight and talk shows, and other original programming. This article details the development of ESPN from its founding in 1978,…
Where is ESPN located in the United States?
ESPN, Inc., in full Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, Inc., cable television sports-broadcasting network based in Bristol, Conn. It was launched in 1979 and is one of the largest cable networks in the United States. Its success engendered additional ESPN networks, including an international sports network.
Who is the parent company of ESPN Classic?
In 1996, ESPN was acquired from Captial Cities/ABC Inc by Walt Disney Company, who remains ESPN’s parent company up to this day. ESPN launched ESPN Classic in 1995 to feature reruns past (and classic) sporting events, documentaries as well as movies with sports as the main theme.
