ESPN’S New Streaming App Will Simply Be Called…. “ESPN”
For years, Disney CEO Bob Iger has told anyone who would listen that a direct-to-consumer version of ESPN was in the works. After pushing off the inevitable for years, Disney concluded that linear television was indeed dying and that streaming was the future.
The question was how to balance the two distribution methods.
ESPN
Eventually, Disney began to view linear television and streaming as complementary channels. The company’s goal is not to drive consumers to one platform or another but to reach as many customers as possible.
The Birth of ESPN Flagship
Against this backdrop, the ESPN streaming app, internally known as flagship, was developed. When the service arrives later this year, streaming customers will get access to The Worldwide Leader in Sports’ arsenal of television stations, live sporting events, documentaries, and studio shows.
Photo:GETTY IMAGES FOR ESPN
Additionally, the new ESPN app will integrate ESPN Bet and ESPN’s fantasy sports apparatus and use AI to tailor content to viewers’ interests.
As previously noted, for years, ESPN has internally referred to its direct-to-consumer product as Flagship. However, they were clear that the final product would not be called that.
The New App Will Be Titled “ESPN”
Today, the network finally revealed the application’s official name. Ready?
It is “ESPN.”
According to a report from CNBC, ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro chose to name the streaming app “ESPN” simply to avoid confusion in the marketplace.
Photo: Disney
Additionally, as linear subscribers will also get access to the direct-to-consumer ESPN, the network wanted to retain uniformity.
The Service Will Launch This Fall
The next question surrounding the new ESPN app will be its price point. As of this writing, the direct-to-consumer version of ESPN is expected to cost between $25 and $30.
Photo: ESPN
With the new app expected to debut before the NFL Season begins this fall, we should learn more soon.
