Jimmy Kimmel’s ABC suspension sparks worry for Disney’s massive NFL contract

Disney is facing a tricky balancing act right now. On one side, there’s Jimmy Kimmel, ABC’s late-night star whose monologue criticizing conservative figures sparked backlash and led to his show being pulled indefinitely.

On the other, there’s Disney’s massive multibillion-dollar NFL deal through ESPN, which could face regulatory and affiliate scrutiny if tensions escalate. Sources say bringing Kimmel back could create a delicate and expensive dilemma for the company.

Jimmy Kimmel’s indefinite suspension sets off a chain reaction at ABC

The saga started when Kimmel made a controversial monologue targeting Republicans, drawing fire from conservatives, the FCC, and ABC affiliates. Multiple networks refused to air the show, forcing Disney to suspend him indefinitely.

While Kimmel’s team and Disney have been in internal discussions about how and when he might return, there’s no public resolution yet.

The stakes aren’t just about ratings or social media reactions. Affiliates hold sway over what airs in local markets, and regulatory bodies like the FCC are watching closely. That pressure has Disney walking a tightrope, trying to protect its star talent while avoiding a bigger political and regulatory headache.

How Disney’s NFL deal could be indirectly affected by the Kimmel controversy

The controversy isn’t directly tied to the NFL yet sources suggest that Disney executives are worried about ripple effects. The ESPN-NFL deal involves Disney acquiring NFL media assets, including NFL Network, RedZone, and Fantasy, in exchange for a 10% stake in ESPN. It’s a multibillion-dollar contract under regulatory review, and executives don’t want extra controversy complicating matters.

The concern is this: if Kimmel returns too soon or too controversially, affiliates might push back, political pressure could mount, and the FCC could scrutinize ABC more closely. Any of that could slow or jeopardize the NFL deal indirectly, making executives cautious about rushing the late-night host back onto the air

Inside Disney, sources say discussions are ongoing. Kimmel’s team wants a clear path back with some public clarification, while Disney leadership wants to de-escalate tensions and ensure affiliate cooperation.

Every move is being weighed not just for ratings or public perception but for long-term corporate strategy, including massive contracts like the NFL deal.At the moment, Disney hasn’t officially stated that they must choose between Kimmel and the NFL deal. But insiders’ warnings show how complex the situation has become. The company is trying to thread the needle keeping its talent happy, keeping affiliates and regulators calm, and keeping the NFL deal on track.Also read - Chiefs rookie Xavier Worthy sidelined again, ruled out for primetime showdown with Giants