In this article, ESPN is coming to Disney+. The sports network aims to attract Disney+ users to ESPN. Walt Disney introduced a dedicated ESPN tile on Disney+ for ESPN+ subscribers to watch programming within the Disney+ app. When ESPN launches its upcoming flagship service next fall, these subscribers will have full access to all ESPN content through the ESPN tile on Disney+.
Disney is offering around 100 live games to Disney+ members without an ESPN subscription. These events will cover various sports like college football and basketball, NBA, WNBA, NHL, MLB, tennis, golf, Little League World Series, and UFC, as mentioned by ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro. Additionally, Disney+ subscribers can watch next week’s alternate “Simpsons” telecast of the NFL’s “Monday Night Football” game and five NBA Christmas games.
Pitaro stated, “Now when you subscribe to Disney+, you’ll have access to kids and family, general entertainment if you’re a Hulu subscriber, and sports.” ESPN will feature some studio programs like “College Gameday,” “Pardon the Interruption,” and selected podcasts with video content on Disney+ for non-ESPN subscribers. Moreover, ESPN sports-related films and documentaries will be available on Disney+ in alignment with ongoing sports seasons.
ESPN’s content will be searchable within Disney+, similar to Hulu’s integration. If a Disney+ subscriber clicks on ESPN content requiring a subscription, they will be prompted to sign up within the app. ESPN is developing two studio shows exclusively for Disney+: a daily “SportsCenter” for Disney+ subscribers and a women’s sports show airing weekly or multiple times a week, catering to casual sports fans.
Pitaro mentioned, “Our research shows there’s very little overlap between people watching Disney+ and ESPN linear.” He hopes Disney+’s strong female audience will engage with the women’s show. ESPN+ offers approximately 30,000 live games annually at $11.99 per month separately. A bundle of Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ (with ads) costs $16.99 per month.
Disclosure: Comcast, a co-owner of Hulu, is also the owner of CNBC parent NBCUniversal.
