I think it's a move that reeks of two desperate parties trying to save the ship. Espn thought they could just be a media partner and not get directly involved, and they saw the market quickly consolidate behind DK and FD, who now don't need espn for eyeballs. Penn bought barstool in an attempt to strategic partner and build an espn style content/gaming beast for millenials, and it never took off, probably largely bc portnoy is such a polarizing figure. So they tossed him aside and threw in with the house of mouse, but I think they both missed the peak timing to gain market share, and they'll always be another "also ran". Who knows, I could be talking out of my kiester!