This week, ESPN made some huge moves that show just how much it’s shifting toward streaming. The cable sports giant isn’t just dipping its toes — it’s diving headfirst into the streaming world.
First off, ESPN is launching its own direct-to-consumer streaming service on August 21, priced at $29.99 a month. This new platform will offer everything ESPN currently has — including access to about 47,000 live events every year. It’s a big deal for folks who don’t have ESPN through their cable providers, especially cord-cutters or those who never even had cable in the first place. Disney’s CFO Hugh Johnston confidently told CNBC they expect to attract a lot of new viewers this way.
But that’s not all. ESPN is strengthening its relationship with the NFL in a major way. The network is set to gain ownership of the NFL Network and sign new licensing deals. Interestingly, the NFL will also take a 10% stake in ESPN — though this still needs regulatory approval. Analysts are calling this a “major win” because NFL games remain some of the most valuable TV content in the U.S., and ESPN is increasing its stash of games. That said, the NFL is still holding back some games to sell elsewhere, so ESPN won’t have everything.
One highlight is ESPN now owning broad rights to RedZone, including the trademark. For those who don’t know, RedZone is that exciting channel that flips between multiple NFL games live, showing all the big plays as they happen. ESPN might even bring this format to other sports in the future. The NFL will continue to run the existing RedZone channel, though.
And there’s more for wrestling fans: ESPN will stream big WWE events like WrestleMania and Royal Rumble for the next five years. That’s another big reason for people to consider signing up.
All these announcements clearly show ESPN’s push to control its own distribution and hold onto premium content. This fits into a bigger picture of Disney wanting to own its direct relationship with viewers — not just rely on cable companies as middlemen.
Speaking of Disney, they also announced plans to fully integrate Hulu into the Disney+ app over the next year. The idea is to simplify their streaming offerings so it’s easier for users to find what they want in one place.
Disney CEO Bob Iger made an interesting point on an investor call, saying the lines between traditional TV (linear) and streaming are blurring. He explained they don’t really see linear and streaming as separate anymore — it’s all just “television,” and they want to give viewers the freedom to watch ESPN, ABC, or any Disney content however they want: through cable, satellite, or streaming apps like Disney+ and Hulu.
In short, ESPN and Disney are gearing up for the future where streaming is king, but they’re making sure they’re still everywhere you want to watch.
