CMA And Disney Extend Relationship Through 2032

THE COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION AND DISNEY EXTEND RELATIONSHIP THROUGH 2032

Beginning This Year, “The 60th Annual CMA Awards” Will Be Simulcast Live Across ABC and Disney+

The Country Music Association (CMA) and Disney have extended their agreement for the CMA Awards, Country Music’s Biggest Night™, as well as CMA entertainment specials “CMA Fest” and “CMA Country Christmas” through 2032.

The six-year extension builds on a landmark 20-year collaboration with ABC and includes expanded opportunities across streaming and digital platforms, further strengthening the reach of CMA’s television properties. As part of the new agreement, the CMA Awards will stream live on Disney+ for the first time ever, alongside its traditional broadcast on ABC, kicking off with “The 60th Annual CMA Awards” on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026.

“For two decades, Disney has been CMA’s partner in celebrating excellence in Country Music and bringing its artists and storytelling to audiences around the world,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Extending our collaboration with Disney and expanding the show to livestream on Disney+ marks an exciting next step for CMA, allowing us to reach new audiences while continuing our role in elevating and shaping the genre. As I prepare to retire at the end of the year, ensuring CMA is strongly positioned for the future has remained one of my highest priorities, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together. As we approach “The 60th Annual CMA Awards” this fall and a new chapter for CMA Fest in the new stadium in 2027, I’m excited for what’s ahead for both CMA and Country Music.”

“We’re grateful to Sarah Trahern and our incredible partners at the Country Music Association and are excited to continue hosting the most iconic night in Country Music for years to come,” said Debra OConnell, chairman of Disney Entertainment Television. “Disney has long been the home for the very best in live entertainment and now, with the addition of Disney+, we are expanding the show’s reach like never before.”

Established in 1967, the CMA Awards are the longest-running annual music awards program on broadcast television, having debuted on ABC in 2006. Over the course of the partnership, CMA and ABC have continued to evolve the franchise across broadcast, streaming and digital platforms, connecting fans around the world to Country Music’s biggest moments.

About the Country Music Association
Founded in 1958, the Country Music Association is the first trade organization formed to promote a type of music. CMA created the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961 to recognize artists and industry professionals with Country Music’s highest honor. Music industry professionals and companies across the U.S. and around the globe are members of CMA. The organization serves as an educational and professional resource for the industry and advances the growth of Country Music around the world. This is accomplished through CMA’s core initiatives: the CMA Awards, which annually recognize outstanding achievement in the industry; CMA Fest, which benefits the CMA Foundation and music education and is taped for a three-hour network television special, “CMA Fest”; and “CMA Country Christmas.” All of CMA’s television properties air on ABC.

For more information about the Country Music Association, visit CMAWorld.com