The Grammys aren’t “leaving” CBS because of some scandal; their long-term broadcast deal simply expired, and Disney came in with a bigger, more strategic offer that the Recording Academy liked more.

Quick Scoop

  • CBS’s current rights deal for the Grammys runs through the 2026 telecast, ending a long partnership that started in the early 1970s.
  • After that, the show will move to Disney’s platforms (ABC, Hulu, Disney+) starting in 2027 under a new 10‑year global agreement running through 2036.
  • Industry reporting points to a mix of money, streaming reach, and overall strategy as the big reasons for the move, rather than one dramatic falling-out.

What actually happened?

For more than 50 years, CBS was the home of the Grammy Awards, making it one of the longest-running network–awards show relationships in TV history. CBS signed a major 10‑year extension in 2016 that locked in the show through 2026, but that deal was always going to end at some point.

When the exclusive renegotiation window between CBS and the Recording Academy ran out, they reportedly couldn’t close a new agreement, even though CBS was interested in keeping the show. Once that window closed, the Academy was free to talk to other buyers, and Disney stepped up with a 10‑year global deal that beat out CBS and others.

Why Disney won the Grammys

Here’s the “why” behind the Grammys leaving CBS and heading to Disney:

  • Bigger, longer deal
    Disney secured a 10‑year global rights package, which gives the Recording Academy long-term financial security and a clear home through 2036.

Reports indicate Disney paid more than 500 million dollars over the term, signaling a very aggressive bid for “music’s biggest night.”

  • Multi-platform reach
    Starting in 2027, the Grammys will simulcast on ABC (traditional TV) and stream on Hulu and Disney+, putting the show in front of both broadcast audiences and younger streaming-heavy viewers.

For the Academy, this means one partner can push the show across linear TV and big global streaming platforms at the same time.

  • Disney’s live-event strategy
    Disney is stacking up high-profile live events—by 2027 it will host the Oscars, the Super Bowl (in that year), CMA Awards, New Year’s specials, and now the Grammys.

That makes the Grammys part of a bigger “live tentpole” ecosystem Disney can promote across its networks and apps.

  • CBS’s shifting priorities
    CBS and parent company Paramount have been under pressure to cut costs and focus more on live sports and core primetime franchises.

The network has picked up other award shows like the Golden Globes and AMAs at favorable terms, suggesting they’re being picky about what big events they pay top dollar for.

Short version: Disney offered more money, more platforms, and a longer commitment at a time when CBS is being more selective with expensive non- sports events.

Timeline: when does CBS actually lose it?

  • Through 2026: Grammys stay on CBS, wrapping up a 54‑year run with that network.
  • 2027: First Grammys to air on ABC, with simultaneous streaming on Hulu and Disney+ as part of the new Disney deal.
  • 2027–2036: Disney holds exclusive rights for TV and streaming under the 10‑year agreement.

Producers have even talked about the 2026 show including a reflective “farewell” moment to mark the end of the CBS era.

Forum / fan chatter angle

On forums like Reddit and fan communities, people are debating the move just like any other big entertainment shake-up. Common takes include:

  • Some think Disney will make the show more polished and “family‑friendly,” for better or worse.
  • Others are mostly focused on where they can stream it and whether this makes it easier or harder to watch live.
  • A chunk of fans see it as part of a larger trend of big events clustering on ABC/Disney, especially as sports and awards shows move around in the streaming era.

So, “why is the Grammys leaving CBS?” boils down to: the old contract ended, CBS and the Academy didn’t agree on new terms, and Disney stepped in with a bigger, longer, multi-platform deal that matched the Grammys’ long-term strategy.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.