The Country Music Association (CMA) and Disney officially extended their historic partnership for six more years. This landmark agreement secures the relationship through 2032. Country music fans will see a major shift in how they view “Country Music’s Biggest Night™.” For the first time, the 60th Annual CMA Awards will stream live on Disney+. The show will broadcast on ABC and livestream on Disney+ simultaneously. This move helps Disney reach a global audience and younger, streaming-focused fans.
The 60th Annual CMA Awards will take place on Wednesday, November 18, 2026. The ceremony broadcasts live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The show has been an ABC staple since 2006. However, the Disney+ livestream marks a pivotal moment for Disney’s strategy. As the longest-running annual music awards program on network TV, this expansion ensures its future. Digital streaming helps the show thrive in a new era.
CMA Fest 2026 Returns To Nashville
The new agreement also covers the beloved summer tradition, CMA Fest. The 2026 festival takes place in Nashville from June 4 through June 7. Major headliners include Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, and Luke Bryan. Carly Pearce, HARDY, and The Band Perry will also perform at Nissan Stadium. ABC will air the three-hour festival special on June 25, 2026. Fans can stream it the following day on Hulu.
This extension includes all three primary CMA television properties. These are the CMA Awards, CMA Fest, and CMA Country Christmas. CMA CEO Sarah Trahern plans to retire at the end of 2026. She noted that this expansion is an exciting step for the genre. In 2027, CMA Fest moves to a brand-new stadium in Nashville. This move starts a “new chapter” for the organization.
Expanding The Reach Of Country Music
This deal has a significant strategic impact for Disney Entertainment Television. Chairman Debra O’Connell stated that Disney+ expands the reach of these iconic events. This extension builds upon a successful 20-year collaboration. It also creates new content opportunities across Disney’s digital platforms. The company aims to elevate country music through its massive global ecosystem.
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