Yesterday, ESPN launched their subscription streaming service to the masses. It’s their first push into subscription streaming. It’s also Disney’s first streaming launch since acquiring a majority stake in BAMTech in 2017.
The New Service
The service will have two options for subscriptions, either $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year. American Express is sponsoring a 30-day free trial.
“I consider these offerings the beginning of a new era of innovation at ESPN,” said Jimmy Pitaro, President of ESPN.
A Different Kind of Service
ESPN is not looking to mimic some other channels’ subscription offerings. HBO Now, for instance, mirrors content between the television channel and the subscription service. ESPN+ is going a different direction.
Rather than serve as a replacement, it will be a complementary addition to ESPN’s cable network channel.
“We’ve been very clear that the service is meant to be complementary and additive to what you’re getting on linear television,” Pitaro said.
Because of this angle, ESPN and BAMTech aren’t marketing ESPN+ as a cord-cutters service. It’s for people who are hungry for more sports.
“I don’t know how to program to cord cutters,” said BAMTech CEO Michael Paull. “I do know how to program to sports enthusiasts.”
Offerings
There will be plenty of live game offerings, including a daily MLB game, more than 180 NHL games, and more than 250 Major League Soccer games, college sports, golf, cricket, ruby and matches from three different tennis Grand Slams.
Outside of games, there will be original shows like Detail (a basketball show hosted by Kobe Bryant) and the 30 for 30 documentary series. There will also be other original ESPN content offered on the streaming service.
No comments so far.
Be first to leave comment below.