Wafric News – May 13, 2025

Los Angeles – After months of anticipation and speculation, ESPN has officially announced the name of its new flagship streaming service, set to launch later this year. The long-awaited platform, previously referred to as "Flagship," will simply be called ESPN — a decision that network executives say harnesses the power and trust associated with the iconic brand.

James Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN, explained during a press event on Tuesday that the network kept returning to the brand’s well-established name as they explored options. "There’s power in our name, and there’s trust in our name," Pitaro said, emphasizing how ESPN has been synonymous with sports for decades.

The new ESPN streaming service will offer two distinct subscription tiers. The Unlimited Plan, priced at $29.99 per month (or $45.99 per month when bundled with Disney+ and Hulu), provides access to a vast library of content, including live events, studio shows, and sports channels such as ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNU, and ESPN Deportes. Subscribers will have access to 47,000 live events each year, including an extensive selection of college sports.

For those looking for a more affordable option, the Select Plan, priced at $11.99 per month, will include all the content currently available on the existing ESPN+ service. The Select Plan gives viewers access to a more streamlined selection of sports content, catering to fans who prefer a lighter offering.

Roz Durant, ESPN’s Executive Vice President of Programming and Acquisitions, detailed the exciting content lineup, underscoring the breadth of coverage available to subscribers. This move signals ESPN’s continued push to dominate the digital sports space.

The launch of this new direct-to-consumer platform comes at a time when the traditional cable model is facing increasing challenges. With more consumers cutting the cord, Disney is looking to bolster its subscriber base, especially as streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max continue to carve up the streaming market, including exclusive sports rights.

However, live sports events have proven resilient against the industry-wide decline in traditional TV viewership. This has been a key factor in Disney’s decision to secure long-term broadcasting rights, including NBA games, for ESPN, ensuring the service remains a central hub for sports fans.

In its most recent quarterly earnings report, Disney posted strong earnings despite economic challenges. ESPN's revenue increased by 5% to $4.53 billion, though operating income dropped 16%. The decline in operating income was attributed to rising costs, including the addition of three college football playoff games and an NFL game, which nevertheless led to a 29% increase in domestic advertising revenue.

To make the transition smoother for current subscribers, Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed that those with a traditional ESPN subscription will automatically gain access to the new streaming service. This move aims to expand ESPN's digital footprint while keeping loyal viewers engaged.

The launch of the ESPN streaming service follows the dissolution of Venu Sports, a joint sports streaming venture that was set up between Warner Bros. Discovery, Disney, and Fox. In the months leading up to the collapse of Venu, Disney began shifting focus towards its own standalone streaming service, which had become increasingly necessary as the Venu platform faced growing hurdles.

Disney’s decision to part ways with Venu, coupled with the Fubo lawsuit settlement, further cemented the need for a dedicated sports streaming platform that could compete in the ever-growing digital media landscape.

As the streaming wars intensify, ESPN's move into direct-to-consumer services marks a significant shift for the sports entertainment giant. With its extensive sports coverage and brand recognition, ESPN is positioning itself to maintain its dominance in the sports streaming market. As the service gears up for its fall debut, sports fans are eagerly awaiting the launch of what could be the next major player in the digital streaming world.


By WafricNews Desk.