ESPN on Disney+ Officially Launches TODAY — Here Is What You Need to Know
A new era in Disney+ history begins today, as the ESPN tile will officially make its debut on the streaming service’s homepage.
The integration of ESPN into Disney+ is just the latest maneuver by Disney to streamline its direct-to-consumer business and give subscribers additional motivation to remain with the streaming service.
Photo: ESPN
Here is what you need to know.
Some ESPN Content Will Be Available to Everyone
For the first time ever, Disney bundle subscribers can access Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN content through Disney+. This will both simplify things and increase engagement across Disney’s brands.
Photo: Disney
“In the first 90 days, bundle subscribers should expect 5,000 live events, including NFL, NBA, NHL, College Basketball, and Australian Open. Also, new originals from 30 for 30 and ESPN Original Series,” John Lasker, Senior Vice President of ESPN+, explained.
Photo: Disney
Even those who don’t subscribe to the Disney bundle can still access select Hulu and ESPN+ content through the Disney+ app. For sports fans, that means certain NBA games, 30 for the 30 documentaries, and other live events will now be available for no additional cost.
Disney’s Streaming Strategy
By giving all Disney+ subscribers access to some ESPN content, Disney hopes to entice them to move to a full subscription.
“There are opportunities to use the sampling experiences [as] lead-in to a more fulsome experience,” Alisa Bowen, president of Disney+, told the LA Times.
Photo: Hulu
“This strategy is really about making it easier for them to consume everything that they’re paying for, giving them less friction in terms of navigating between the different apps and better ability for us to personalize the content from all those different services.”
A Great Year For Disney Streaming
After achieving profitability in streaming, Disney will attempt to turn direct-to-consumer into a growth business.
Photo: Also Variety
“This launch really puts a cherry on top of a fantastic year of innovation at Disney+,” Bown said. “Earlier in the year, we made Hulu available in the Disney+ app, and now we’re doing the same for ESPN+. This gives our bundle subscribers one place to consume everything they love from all our brands.”
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