New York, Feb 2, 2026, 05:35 EST — Premarket
- Disney shares gained roughly 1.1% ahead of the open following a report naming Josh D’Amaro as a top CEO candidate
- Investors are gearing up for fiscal first-quarter results, set to drop before the bell
- ESPN has secured regulatory approval to acquire NFL Network assets, consolidating them under its umbrella
Walt Disney (DIS) shares edged up about 1.1% to $112.80 in premarket trading ahead of the U.S. session, following a Bloomberg News report that the board is near choosing parks chief D’Amaro as the next CEO. Reuters hasn’t confirmed the scoop, and Disney didn’t immediately reply to requests for comment. A company spokesperson stated, “The board has not yet selected the next CEO of the Walt Disney Co. and once that decision is made, we will announce it.” Reuters
Disney will drop its fiscal first-quarter numbers ahead of Monday’s market open and follow up with a webcast at 8:30 a.m. ET.
U.S. regulators have approved a major sports-media deal that gives the National Football League a 10% stake in ESPN. In exchange, the NFL is handing over NFL Network, its RedZone Channel linear rights, and other assets. “With the closing, we will begin integrating NFL employees into ESPN in the months ahead,” ESPN and the NFL said. The networks plan to fold NFL Network and RedZone into ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer streaming service, sold directly to viewers, while keeping those channels available on cable and satellite. According to the report, any changes aren’t expected before April. Reuters
D’Amaro leads Disney Experiences, the division that oversees the theme parks—historically a major cash generator for the company. His responsibilities cover Disney Parks, which boasts 12 theme parks and 57 resort hotels spread across six global locations, along with the cruise line and consumer products segments, according to Disney’s website.
Wall Street expects the quarter to reveal steady parks spending and a clearer outlook in streaming, following years of upheaval in traditional TV. Analysts polled by FactSet forecast adjusted earnings of $1.57 per share on revenue around $25.7 billion, according to Barron’s.
The CEO situation adds a layer of complexity. Since Bob Iger came back in 2022—after Disney delayed his retirement and ousted Bob Chapek—investors have been closely monitoring succession plans. Naming a new CEO would bring some clarity or at least signal a direction as Disney navigates a tough year juggling streaming, sports rights, and costly investments in its parks.
That premarket surge often fizzles quickly. If the board drags its feet or opts for another candidate, the buzz around succession could turn out to be nothing more than a brief sugar rush. After that, the stock tends to fall back, refocusing on the earnings results and management’s comments on costs, pricing, and demand.
Traders will be eyeing whether the move sticks when cash trading kicks off at 9:30 a.m. ET. Monday’s earnings report and the 8:30 a.m. ET call come next, with the CEO’s queries still looming and ESPN’s NFL integration ticking down against the clock.
