// 2025 CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP IMPACT REPORT 14 15 Responsible Gaming From the time ESPN entered sports betting, responsible betting has remained a top priority. As a company producing around-the-clock sports betting content for fans, and as the exclusive sports betting partner of DraftKings, it’s important for ESPN to help sports fans understand the risks of sports betting and learn what smart betting looks like. It’s part of our corporate responsibility and inherent in our commitment to serve the sports fan. “ESPN is taking an important approach to responsible gambling messaging, supported by behavioral science research,” said Brett Abarbanel, Ph.D., Executive Director, International Gaming Institute at UNLV. “Rather than just focusing on the negative, [ESPN’s responsible gaming] spots accentuate the positive by encouraging healthy habits: being a better bettor is not just about knowing when to take risks, it’s also about knowing when not to.” Veterans ESPN has built a sustained, multi-platform commitment to honoring veterans, active-duty service members, and their families through powerful storytelling, national visibility and meaningful career impact. Across flagship programming—including SportsCenter, College GameDay, Sunday NFL Countdown, live game broadcasts and E60—ESPN highlights stories of courage, leadership and service while integrating tributes into major sporting moments such as the Armed Forces Classic and service academy matchups. Beyond content, ESPN and Disney support veterans’ transitions to higher education and civilian careers through partnerships with Student Veterans of America and Disabled American Veterans, providing career resources, professional development and job opportunities. Together, these efforts reflect ESPN’s commitment to honoring service while creating tangible opportunities for veterans and their families nationwide. STRATEGIC INITIATIVES We harness the power of sport and storytelling to drive impact. Through initiatives focused on responsible gaming, supporting veterans, disaster relief and wish granting, we leverage our platforms and partnerships to raise awareness, inspire action and deliver meaningful support to the communities we serve. 2025 OVERVIEW Disaster Relief In times of crisis, ESPN has demonstrated its ability to mobilize resources quickly and effectively. In response to the devastating wildfires in California and tornadoes in Texas, ESPN raised nearly $450,000 for relief efforts, reinforcing its commitment to communities in need. Disney contributed $15 million to wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles. ESPN also partnered with Mina Kimes to host a special edition of The Mina Kimes Show featuring Lenny Podcast in Los Angeles, raising funds for the American Red Cross’s California wildfire disaster relief efforts, with Peyton Manning lending his voice to the cause and matching donations. Sunday NFL Countdown first-ever live studio audience comprised of veterans representing all branches of the military. Measurement & Business Impact Reputation & Brand Lift Research signals indicate positive movement across key measures, including brand trust, favorability and audience perception, reinforcing the value of purpose-driven storytelling. Business Value of Citizenship n Expanded and diversified audiences n Deeper fan engagement n Increased advertiser alignment n Strengthened league and partner relationships Corporate Citizenship continues to be a strategic driver of long-term business value for ESPN. ESPN continues its efforts to create and adapt responsible gaming programming and policies, including, but not limited to: n An employee betting policy that includes rules to support ESPN’s standards of journalistic integrity when covering sports betting n Implementation of responsible marketing policies and guidelines designed to safeguard fans, including restrictions on advertising to underage audiences and marketing on college campuses n Working with industry experts to share best practices and regularly review responsible gaming programming, which includes collaborating with and supporting the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) International Gaming Institute to advance responsible sports betting practices through education and research n New responsible gaming PSAs launched in 2025, directing fans to ESPN.com/smartplay for resources on responsible sports betting and promoting conversations about responsible gaming practices
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