Walt Disney Co.'s increasing role in sports in profiled in
this morning's WALL STREET JOURNAL by Thomas King. With
ownership of the NHL Ducks, the recent purchase of 25% of the
Angels, an Indy 200 Race Track at Disney, and an admitted
interest in an NFL team, the "company's athletic push is bound to
have enormous long-term implications for the sports world. It's
clear that the family-oriented company plans to subtly change the
nature of spectator sports." King cites the "pristine"
environment of The Pond in Anaheim, and predicts a "neat as a pin
stadium featuring family entertainment along with baseball" for
the future of the Angels. Some question whether Disney's
"squeaky-clean" approach to sports will alienate the diehard fan.
But IMG VP Barry Frank says sports "is just another facet of
entertainment and (Disney is) in the entertainment business." A
key to their "sports strategy" in FL is the planned sports
complex at Walt Disney World, which they hope will "get regulars
to extend their stay." Licensing of "sports-related merchandise
is also expected to produce revenue." Disney Chair Michael
Eisner: "We bring an understanding that the word sports is a fun
word, and it should stay that way" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 7/12).
