Disney Advertising and United Airlines Take ESPN Fantasy Football to New Heights; Powered by Starlink Wi-Fi
Disney Advertising and United Airlines will take ESPN Fantasy Football to new heights as a member of this year's annual ESPN Fantasy Football Draft makes his picks from 35,000 feet on board a United flight powered by Starlink, the world's fastest, most reliable inflight Wi-Fi.
Fantasy Football Meets Aviation
Disney Advertising and United Airlines are partnering with ESPN to stage a televised Fantasy Football Draft where picks will be made live from 35,000 feet aboard a United flight.
Tech Showcase
The event highlights United’s adoption of Starlink Wi-Fi, billed as the fastest and most reliable inflight connectivity. This ensures fans can stay connected to critical sports moments even while traveling.
Draft Participants
- Tyler Fulghum (ESPN host & fantasy expert) will draft from the United flight.
- Field Yates, Mike Clay, Liz Loza, and others will draft from ESPN’s Bristol studio.
- Omar Raja will provide behind-the-scenes coverage across ESPN’s social channels.
Broadcast Details
- Airs August 25, 2026, 9–11 p.m. ET on ESPN.
- Co-streamed on the NFL on ESPN YouTube channel.
- Includes a new commercial filmed onboard, produced by Disney Advertising, ESPN, and United.
Strategic Angle
United’s Chief Advertising Officer emphasized that Starlink Wi-Fi eliminates the need for “auto-draft” when traveling, positioning United as the airline where “moments that matter don’t stop when you take off.”
This is both a marketing play (showcasing United’s tech edge) and a fan engagement experiment (turning a routine draft into a spectacle).
