ESPN To Integrate Regional Sports Networks Into App and Website
As ESPN continues to evolve from a linear network to a direct-to-consumer product, the Worldwide Leader in Sports is exploring ways to make watching sports easier.
In order to streamline things for sports fans, ESPN has begun integrating links to regional sports networks into its main app and website.
Regional Sports Networks Are Now Featured on ESPN
Starting this week, subscribers to NESN, which is home to Boston sports teams, including the Red Sox and Bruins, will be able to watch games through ESPN’s app or ESPN.com.
In May, as the WNBA season kicked off, DC.’s Monumental Sports Network will be added to the ESPN platforms, followed by SportsNet Pittsburgh.
The new local network offerings will be geotargeted. This means that only those located in specific areas of the U.S. will have the option to watch the local games.
ESPN will not house the streams. Instead, the app will simply link to the regional sports networks. Viewers will still need to pay to access the regional games.
Improving the Consumer Experience
“This is about improving discoverability of people’s favorite teams and who’s carrying their games,” Tim Bayus, VP, ESPN Strategy, told Deadline.
“What we’re trying to do is solve those consumer pain points. This is a first step in trying to figure that out. We know it’s a meaty one to tackle.”
For regional networks, the new ESPN deal will help balance their traditional linear television streaming partners and those who want to watch their favorite sports teams without a larger bundle.
“Fans who have NESN in their pay-TV bundle are just as valuable to us, if not more valuable,” he said. “Something like this is targeted to them as well. … We’re just reducing friction to get to what they want, as opposed to replacing anything.”
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