ESPN, the renowned leader in sports broadcasting, is gearing up for the launch of its highly anticipated new streaming service this fall. This innovative platform aims to make one of television's largest collections of sports rights accessible to a generation of viewers who have moved away from traditional cable and satellite subscriptions.
According to Jimmy Pitaro, chairman of the Disney sports giant, “It’s going to redefine our business.” The new service will be available as a stand-alone option, as well as part of a comprehensive bundle including other Disney offerings like Hulu and Disney+. This strategic move is designed to cater to the evolving preferences of sports fans who are increasingly choosing to stream content online.
ESPN will offer two primary subscription plans: an “unlimited” plan priced at just $29.99 per month, which includes all ESPN networks and broadcasts on ABC, and a “select” plan that provides access to the current ESPN+ service. Moreover, viewers can opt for a complete bundle of streaming services for only $35.99 per month, with an initial promotional price of $29.99.
With the rise of streaming services, ESPN is committed to enhancing the viewer experience by introducing features that allow users to personalize their content. “We want fans to subscribe in whatever way is comfortable for them,” says Pitaro. This flexibility aims to attract a wider audience, making it easier for fans to engage with their favorite sports.
Subscribers to any of the new ESPN offerings will have access to innovative product features, either through the new streaming service or via the ESPN mobile app. This seamless integration is part of ESPN’s strategy to provide a unified experience for sports enthusiasts.
Pitaro also mentioned that Disney is currently in “discussions” with potential bundling partners to expand the service's reach. Rather than creating a completely new name for the service, executives felt that leveraging the existing ESPN brand would resonate more with consumers. “There is power in our name, and there is trust in our name,” Pitaro stated, emphasizing the strength of the ESPN brand.
In addition to the new streaming service, ESPN has announced an exciting partnership with Rich Eisen, a former long-time ESPN anchor. Starting this fall, “The Rich Eisen Show” will be available on both Disney+ and ESPN+, streaming weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. ET. The debut of this program will align perfectly with the launch of ESPN's direct-to-consumer offering, further enriching the content available to subscribers.
As ESPN prepares to launch its new streaming service this fall, it is poised to transform the way fans consume sports content. With affordable subscription plans, personalized viewing options, and a wealth of exciting programming, the new service is set to attract a diverse audience eager to embrace the future of sports broadcasting.
