ESPN Programming Is Coming to Disney+ As Bob Iger Lays Out the Network’s Future
During The Walt Disney Company’s Q2 earnings call today, Bob Iger laid out the company’s vision of ESPN’s future, noting that the direct-to-consumer version of the Worldwide Leader in Sports will not replace the linear network but supplement it.
The future of ESPN and how to transition the network to streaming have been among the largest questions looming over Iger as he continues to reshape the company’s streaming strategy.
While a direct-to-consumer version of ESPN is still set to be released by the end of next year, Iger announced today that Disney will also add select live games and studio shows from ESPN to Disney+ by the end of 2024.
At that time, a new ESPN tile will serve as the Disney+ sports hub.
“We see this as a first step to bring to ESPN-Disney+ viewers as we ready the enhanced stand-alone ESPN streaming service in the fall of 2025,” Iger said.
Giving Consumers Multiple Options
Between today’s announced integration into Disney+ and the previously announced sports-centric streaming joint venture, it looks like Disney wants to give consumers as many options as possible.
By the end of next year, it is likely that Disney will offer three different ESPN streaming options for fans. In addition to traditional linear TV, fans will have the option of subscribing to a stand-alone ESPN streaming app, signing up for the new joint venture streamer, or bundling ESPN with Disney+.
The three options, then, will give consumers a choice in how much ESPN content they want. For example, the joint venture will not have the streaming exclusive content that the stand-alone ESPN app will have. The ESPN offerings on Disney+ will be “modest,” according to Iger.
Linear Remains Important
While the future of ESPN is clearly in streaming, the linear network continues to deliver strong results and high ratings.
The solution to ESPN’s quandary, then, seems to be to keep as many avenues open as possible. Whether or not the strategy is successful remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that Disney and Iger have a plan.