Disney CFO Hugh Johnston Says ESPN’s Direct-to-Consumer Product May Be Called “ESPN+ Premium”
Disney CFO Hugh Johnston participated in a question-and-answer session at the UBS Global Media and Communications Conference today, espousing his views on a wide variety of topics.
While Johnston touched on Disney’s recent box office successes (he’s happy) and the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe (Disney is aware), much of the CFO’s time was spent discussing the integration of ESPN+ into Disney+ and next year’s launch of Flagship, the internal name of ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer product.
Photo: Deadline
Here is what we learned.
The Integration of ESPN+ Into Disney+
For those who missed the news, Disney+ officially rolled out its ESPN title last week, infusing the streaming service with a heavy dose of sports content. According to Johnston, the decision to integrate ESPN into Disney+ was made for two reasons.
Photo: Disney
For starters, Disney believes that by combining the libraries of their streaming services, subscribers will be less likely to cancel, and churn will be eliminated. By offering Disney content, Hulu’s library, sports, and news on one platform, consumers have more reasons to stick around.
Photo: ESPN
However, Johnston also explained that Disney wants to get subscribers used to finding ESPN content on Disney+ so they are ready when ESPN’s direct-to-consumer product launches next year.
ESPN+ Premium?
Internally known as Flagship, ESPN’s direct-to-consumer product will be the ultimate streaming service for sports fans. Unlike ESPN+, Flagship will include access to ESPN’s networks, studio shows, and all live sporting events.
During today’s session, Johnston also teased that ESPN Bet will be integrated into the service.
ESPN Bet. Photo: ESPN
While we know that ESPN’s direct-to-consumer product will be released in Fall 2025, the name of the streaming service has yet to be unveiled. According to Johnston, something akin to ESPN+ Premium is most likely, and Flagship is just an internal name.
ESPN. Photo: GETTY IMAGES FOR ESPN
As ESPN prepares to enter the streaming era, Disney is riding a lot on the new streaming service’s launch. Hopefully, we will learn more about Flagship as the launch date nears.
