New York, New York – ESPN, FOX, and Warner Bros. Discovery have announced a groundbreaking partnership to launch a new sports streaming service in the fall of 2024. This joint venture will combine the sports networks and direct-to-consumer sports services of the three companies to provide subscribers with a comprehensive platform for accessing their favorite sports content.
Subscribers to the new streaming service will have access to a wide range of linear sports networks including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPNEWS, ABC, FOX, FS1, FS2, BTN, TNT, TBS, truTV, and ESPN+. The service can also be bundled with Disney+, Hulu, and/or Max, providing consumers with a variety of options for customizing their sports viewing experience.
This collaboration marks a significant moment for Disney and ESPN, as it expands the availability of ESPN channels to consumers and offers a differentiated sports-centric service. According to Bob Iger, the CEO of The Walt Disney Company, the new streaming sports service represents a major win for sports fans and a crucial step forward for the media business.
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO, David Zaslav, expressed excitement about the joint venture, emphasizing the unparalleled combination of marquee sports rights and access to the world’s greatest sporting events that the new sports service will offer to viewers. The pricing for this service will be announced at a later date, giving consumers something to look forward to as the launch approaches.
One of the biggest questions surrounding the new sports streaming service is its potential impact on consumers. While details are still forthcoming, industry insiders speculate about the pricing model and whether the standalone sports properties will be a game-changer for sports fans.
As the joint venture works on finalizing the details, the pricing range is expected to be competitive, offering subscribers access to premium sports content at a reasonable cost. This new sports service aims to drive innovation and provide consumers with more choices, enjoyment, and value, catering specifically to the interests of sports enthusiasts.
The joint venture, as of now, does not have a formal name, but the companies are actively working on formulating a memorable and impactful brand that will resonate with consumers as it enters the market. The significance of the joint venture’s name cannot be overstated, as it will play a crucial role in shaping the public perception and appeal of the new sports streaming service.
This announcement has come at an interesting time, particularly as the NBA prepares to take its next media rights deal to market. The joint venture’s launch just months before this significant event raises questions about the impact on the rights fees the NBA will receive, as it aligns with the league’s goal of providing fans with more accessibility to their games.