ESPN expected to launch full direct-to-consumer offering in 2025 or 2026
Consumers could perhaps buy access to ESPN's main linear feed over the top as early as 2025.
Archives
ESPN actively planning to offer linear feed directly to consumers, has deals with two leagues
As per a Wall Street Journal report, ESPN is striking deals so they can offer a direct-to-consumer version of their linear network, and two leagues are already on board.
ESPN+ now has 10.3 million subscribers, and was part of better-than-expected Q4 results for Disney
ESPN+ was a bright spot for Disney this time around.
Disney+ has 28.6 million paid subscribers, ESPN+ is up to 7.6 million, and Disney’s making $787 million/month in streaming revenue
The launch of Disney+ has boosted ESPN+ significantly, with a lot of people adding ESPN+ thanks to the bundle with Disney+ and Hulu.
ESPN tabs Russell Wolff, a long-time ESPN exec who was last EVP of ESPN International, as EVP/GM of ESPN+
Wolff has been with a variety of ESPN entities since 1997, most recently overseeing ESPN International. Now, regional GMs will report to regional Disney leadership.
Disney CEO Bob Iger says ESPN Plus will launch late March/early April, app will eventually be where most people “experience ESPN”
Iger also spoke about variable price plans for specific ESPN Plus services and about OTT entertainment spend replacing some spend in current bundles.
Disney EVP Kevin Mayer says ESPN Plus could “set ourselves up for a future where we may pivot and go over the top,”...
"If we do make this broader transition to a direct-to-consumer model, that is a fantastic local way into consumers' houses and into a relationship with consumers, through their local team."
Potential Disney purchase of 21st Century Fox could have major ramifications for sports world
Fox selling entertainment properties to Disney to focus on news and sports could have big implications for both companies.
