-->

ESPN Streaming Service an Upsell for Existing Pay TV Customers

Article Featured Image

ESPN has a message for those thinking about cutting the cord: Keep the cord and layer streaming services on top of it.

The company announced its long-awaited subscription service yesterday, but it's not for cord-cutters. ESPN Plus will cost $4.99 per month and allow live streaming of ESPN channels only to those who already have cable or satellite service that includes ESPN. The service will integrate with a new ESPN app, and will offer access to live sports events that aren't broadcast on ESPN channels—10,000 international, national, and regional tennis, boxing, rugby, cricket, and college games per year. ESPN has the rights to more content that it can show though its traditional channels, so this gives it an outlet. The streaming plan will also give viewers access to an on-demand library of ESPN titles.

Speaking on a quarterly earnings call, Disney CEO Bob Iger said, "If anything points to what the future of ESPN looks like, it will be this.”

ESPN Plus will debut in the spring and be available on Android, iOS, and Chromecast devices.

An ESPN streaming service has been in discussion since at least August 2016, when Disney invested $1 billion in BAMTech for a one-third stake. In August 2017, Disney increased that to a two-thirds stake and announced it will use BAMTech to launch a Disney-branded OTT service, which should debut next year.

Streaming Covers
Free
for qualified subscribers
Subscribe Now Current Issue Past Issues
Related Articles

ESPN+ Gains Personalization, Offline Viewing, New Platforms

The ESPN+ experience get tailored with recommendations customized for each subscriber, while the mobile apps can download favorite shows.

ESPN Brings Live Shows to Twitter and Makes SportsCenter Mobile

The sports publisher is putting its best talent online, and using Twitter and its mobile app to reach its audience throughout the day.

ESPN Unveils Long-Awaited ESPN+ Service, Debuting April 12

Sports-lovers will find plenty to watch in the OTT service, including hundreds of MLB, NHL, and MLS games, but they won't find a replacement for cable.

Disney Takes a Majority Stake in BAMTech, Ends Netflix Deal

Marvel and Disney titles to leave Netflix as Disney revs up to launch two different streaming services: one for sports and one for entertainment.

Disney Invests $1B in BAMTech, Plans ESPN Subscription Service

The Walt Disney Company is making a pricey bet on the future of OTT services, purchasing a 33% stake in the MLBAM spin-off.

SXSW ’14: ESPN ‘Frustrated and Disappointed’ by TV Everywhere

Years into the TV Everywhere discussion, viewers are still blocked by password requirements. ESPN's president lashes out.