ESPN Adds 800 Hours of CW Sports to Its Streaming Catalogue

In what can only be described as a surprising turn of events, Nexstar Media Group has reached an agreement that will see more than 800 hours of CW Sports content added to the ESPN streaming library.

Under the terms of the deal, The CW will broadcast select events that are otherwise only available on ESPN’s streaming platform. The agreement expands ESPN’s streaming catalog while also helping drive more viewers to the app.

Photo: CW Sports

For its part, The CW will receive advertising revenue tied to the games. Rather than building its own direct-to-consumer platform, the network will leverage ESPN’s existing streaming service.

“Instead of standing up our own DTC product, we have a built-in audience at ESPN,” said Brad Schwartz, president of The CW. “The last thing the world needs is another stand-alone streaming outlet. People don’t want to subscribe to another platform.”

The ESPN Library Continues to Expand

As previously noted, the agreement allows ESPN to further expand its streaming offerings while partnering with another major player in the industry.

Since launching its current streaming strategy, ESPN has continued to expand its library. Through the CW deal, the platform will gain access to additional coverage from the Mountain West, Pac-12, and ACC, among others.

The agreement will also bring new sports to ESPN’s lineup, including NASCAR and Professional Bull Riding.

Photo: ESPN

Additional content will include professional bowling and beach volleyball.

“Bringing CW Sports to the ESPN App is another step in delivering more value, choice, and flexibility for fans, expanding the range of live sports available within our streaming ecosystem,” said Rosalyn Durant, Executive Vice President of Programming & Acquisitions at ESPN.

Photo: ESPN

“This agreement gives fans even more live sports to watch year-round within the ESPN Unlimited plan, while extending the reach of CW Sports to new audiences. As we continue to evolve ESPN’s direct-to-consumer experience, collaborations like this allow us to better serve fans by making more of the sports they love available in one place.”

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Photo: MickeyBlog