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.
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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.
NBA renewed streaming deal with Diamond Sports pre-bankruptcy, but will have a new decision point soon
Diamond met the 13 conditions required by the NBA when this deal was renewed, but will breach one if they file for bankruptcy in March as expected, leaving the league with a decision.
Jimmy Pitaro calls ESPN+ “the centerpiece” and “the jewel,” says “We’re going to keep acquiring more rights for ESPN+”
"ESPN+ is the centerpiece. It is the jewel. ...That exclusivity really helps drive audience. As we move forward we are going to keep acquiring more rights for ESPN+."
Two distributor execs tell SBJ they haven’t approved Sinclair’s Bally Sports direct-to-consumer plans, contrary to Chris Ripley’s claims
Executives from two distributors told Sports Business Journal's John Ourand they haven't had meaningful contact with Sinclair about this planned over-the-top RSN offering, and they might pull or not renew the Bally Sports RSNs if Sinclair goes ahead.
MLB’s Chris Marinak says they’re working with RSNs to provide over-the-top offerings, which would mark a huge change
"What we’re trying to do now is work with those RSNs to figure out what type of structure would make sense for an over-the-top product that may not require authentication."
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.
FloSports’ 2020 FloBikes schedule includes exclusive Tour de France rights in Canada, the first time that event has been a digital exclusive
Streaming company FloSports picked up another $47 million in Series C funding last June and has struck deals...
Apple reportedly held talks with Pac-12 over content for Apple TV+
The Pac-12 talks apparently didn't go anywhere, but Apple's willingness to consider sports is potentially big news.
NBA League Pass experienced notable outages and issues for more than an hour Wednesday
League Pass issues and errors were widely reported across the U.S. Wednesday evening.
NBA now offering NBA TV as a standalone subscription option
It's going to cost $7 a month or $59.99 annually, which feels a bit steep, all things considered.
NASCAR is contemplating launching an OTT streaming service without live national races, an idea with big challenges
The NASCAR media rights for the top three national circuits are locked up through 2024, but they might launch a OTT service anyway.
Bell launches TSN Direct, meaning both Canadian sports networks now have full OTT options, unlike U.S. networks
Following Rogers' March 2016 Sportsnet Now launch, Bell is now offering full over-the-top access to TSN for $24.99 Canadian a month.
