United Airlines and Disney Advertising are taking the ESPN Fantasy Football draft to new heights—literally. On 25 August, the two companies will host a live draft event from aboard a United flight cruising at 35,000 feet, using Starlink's high-speed satellite internet to broadcast the picks in real time. The move underscores how inflight connectivity is becoming a competitive differentiator for carriers and a new canvas for brand partnerships.
The live draft will feature ESPN host and fantasy football expert Tyler Fulghum, who will make his selections from the aircraft, while NFL Insider Field Yates, writer/analyst Mike Clay, and fantasy/betting writer Liz Loza join from ESPN's studio in Bristol, Connecticut. The two-hour broadcast, airing from 9 to 11 p.m. ET on ESPN and co-streamed on the NFL on ESPN YouTube channel, is designed to showcase the capabilities of Starlink's inflight Wi-Fi, which United has been rolling out across its fleet since its 2024 agreement with SpaceX.
Connectivity as a passenger experience driver
For United, the event is more than a publicity stunt—it is a demonstration of how its investment in Starlink is reshaping the onboard experience. Maggie Schmerin, United's Chief Advertising Officer, framed the initiative as a milestone for inflight engagement. "This live draft with ESPN shows how Starlink on United is opening up a new era of possibilities on board, where moments that matter don't stop when you take off," she said.
The carrier has already equipped more than 500 aircraft with Starlink, part of a broader effort to offer gate-to-gate connectivity that rivals ground-based broadband. The technology has become a key selling point for United, particularly on long-haul routes where passengers expect to stream, work, and now participate in live events. The airline's pilot training expansion in Denver is another sign of its operational focus, but the Starlink rollout is about the passenger experience.
Beyond the live draft, Fulghum will appear in a new commercial filmed during the flight, highlighting how fans can stay connected even at cruising altitude. The campaign also includes exclusive behind-the-scenes content from ESPN's social correspondent, Omar Raja, distributed across social media platforms. For Disney Advertising, the partnership is a chance to extend its sports programming into new environments and reach audiences who are increasingly mobile.
Implications for travel and media
The event reflects a broader trend in the travel industry: connectivity is no longer a nice-to-have but a core part of the passenger proposition. Airlines, hotels, and cruise lines are all investing in high-speed internet to keep travelers engaged with live sports, streaming, and work. United's Starlink deployment is among the most aggressive, and this ESPN collaboration is a clear signal that the airline intends to monetize that capability through advertising and partnerships.
For travel professionals, the takeaway is twofold. First, inflight connectivity is becoming a platform for brand activations, not just a utility. Second, partnerships between airlines and media companies are likely to grow, as carriers look to differentiate themselves in a crowded market. United's move could inspire other airlines to explore similar collaborations, particularly as satellite internet becomes more widespread.
The live draft is scheduled for 25 August, and fans can expect a mix of sports analysis, entertainment, and a showcase of what is possible when a plane becomes a broadcast studio. As United continues to expand its Starlink-equipped fleet, the airline is positioning itself as a leader in the connected travel experience—one that keeps passengers plugged into the moments that matter, even at 35,000 feet.
