Disney sells out Super Bowl ads, teases free ad-supported streaming in earnings call

Disney said its Super Bowl ad inventory is sold out ahead of the game, with 30‑second spots potentially fetching up to $9–$10 million, underscoring the premium for live, event-driven advertising. The company also signaled a free, ad-supported streaming option inside Disney+, aiming to reach price‑sensitive viewers. On the earnings call, Disney reported sports revenue up 4% to $4.5B but operating income down 17% to $858M due to high sports-rights costs as NBA contracts roll in. Disney plans to simulcast Super Bowl LXI on ESPN in 2027, the first cable‑channel airing in two decades, and may reserve a few ad windows for mega offers.