ESPN, Disney challenging CBS and Nickelodeon with ‘Toy Story’ NFL broadcast

Published 9:40 am Tuesday, September 12, 2023

It’s been a tradition since the 1980s for Super Bowl winners to go to Disneyland or Disney World soon after they win the most coveted trophy in football.

But now, Disney is bringing itself to the NFL.

ESPN announced on Sept. 11 that it will be airing a “Toy Story” themed broadcast of the Oct. 1 matchup between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Atlanta Falcons called “Toy Story Funday Football.”

Related: Why Super Bowl LVIII Is Going to Look Different From Past Years

The game is one of the five international NFL games in 2023 as it will be played at London’s Wembley Stadium. It will air at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Disney+, ESPN+, and on mobile on NFL+.

The broadcast will incorporate the famous movie series into the NFL game, including replicating the room of Andy, the owner of the famous toys like Woody and Buzz Lightyear.

“Andy’s room will replicate the on-the-field gameplay from Wembley Stadium, where each Falcon and Jaguar player will have animated representation on a traditional looking field, catered to the “Toy Story” setting,” ESPN’s press release stated. “In addition to the gameplay, all the surrounding aspects of the game – announcers, graphics, scoreboard, penalty announcements, celebrations, and more – will all embrace the “Toy Story”-themed offering in their packaging and delivery, all occurring in Andy’s room.”

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The Disney broadcast rivals what CBS and Nickelodeon have done since 2021. There have been alternative Spongebob Squarepants-themed telecasts of several football games over the last two seasons that have been a success in boosting ratings. 

The broadcasts are also imperative in targeting the younger demographic that many leagues are striving to do as less of the youth has been watching traditional sports telecasts.

CBS and Nickelodeon have already announced that this season’s Super Bowl will be getting its first ever alternative telecast.

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