It seems that Disney just keeps sinking money into ESPN which has no true benefit to Disney World or their name. So why not get rid of it?
ESPN Wide World of Sports is a, well, sports destination that is home to MLB spring training and countless other events throughout the year but it's also a massive land area that could easily be converted into a 5th gate.
Well, not really converted into, but demolished wouldn't be a bad idea and then on the land, build a 5th gate.
The ESPN property is a dying entity. Long past its heyday, the network is a mess with some of the worst personalities in its history. Those same personalties are grossly overpaid and viewership continues to drop.
Disney CEO Bob Iger has suggested he may look to sell part of the Disney brand, a minority interest because they can't stop the financial bleeding. So why carry the property at all?
It would make more sense to fold now, sell what they can to other more interested parties, and move on entirely. It isn't like ESPN is a wholesome family value that Disney wants to maintain across its programming and parks.
What I find interesting is that ESPN WWoS is part of an add-on to a season pass but for the life of me, I can't figure out why as you still need to pay for things once inside.
As a sports writer as well, I would think that ESPN would have some value but I don't see it anymore and the more we hear about Disney considering a move from the property, maybe they should just cut bait completely with the sports complex on their site and instead, build a much wanted 5th gate.