After more than two decades at Disney and ESPN, Justin Connolly has made a significant career move to join YouTube in the newly created role of global head of media and sports. This transition has sparked a legal battle between Disney and YouTube, with Disney filing a lawsuit against both parties.
Connolly’s most recent role at Disney was as president of Disney Platform Distribution, where he oversaw all third-party media sales efforts, distribution strategy, affiliate marketing, and business operations for Disney’s direct-to-consumer services, including Disney+ and the upcoming ESPN standalone offering. Additionally, he led content sales agreements for general entertainment, studios, and sports.
At YouTube, Connolly will be responsible for managing partnerships with major media companies and sports leagues for the video platform. This includes handling distribution deals for YouTube TV, which boasts over 8 million subscribers and is the largest internet-delivered subscription television service in the U.S.
In response to Connolly’s departure, Disney has taken legal action, alleging breach of contract, tortious interference in a contractual relationship, and unfair competition. Disney claims that Connolly had signed a three-year contract in November 2024, with a one-time right to terminate it for any reason effective March 1, 2027. The lawsuit states that YouTube was aware of the terms of Connolly’s contract with Disney and still proceeded to offer him employment, inducing him to breach the agreement.
Disney is seeking an injunction to prevent Connolly from joining YouTube. The company emphasized the timing of Connolly’s departure, stating that it coincided with critical product launches and renegotiation of major distribution deals. Disney argues that Connolly’s knowledge of Disney’s negotiation strategies and confidential information could harm the company if he were to switch teams.
YouTube, on the other hand, has been actively expanding its sports rights acquisitions. The platform recently secured a seven-year deal with the NFL to stream the Sunday Ticket package, as well as an exclusive streaming agreement for an NFL game in Brazil.
Connolly’s departure from Disney was announced internally in a memo from YouTube’s chief business officer. In the wake of his exit, Sean Breen and Jimmy Zasowski have taken over his responsibilities on an interim basis at Disney.
With a background in ESPN and Disney, Connolly brings a wealth of experience to his new role at YouTube. His journey from ESPN to Disney and now to YouTube reflects his expertise in media and sports. As this legal battle unfolds, the industry will be watching closely to see how it impacts the competitive landscape of media and sports partnerships.
