ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery have announced their plans to launch a joint sports streaming service in the fall of 2022. This collaboration aims to provide consumers with a new way to access live sports, marking the first time these media giants have come together for such an endeavor.
The platform, which is yet to be named and priced, will be owned by a newly formed company with its own dedicated leadership team. Each of the three companies, Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery, will own a one-third stake in this venture. Consumers will have the option to subscribe directly through a new app and even bundle the service with other streaming platforms such as Disney+, Hulu, and Max.
Differentiating itself from standard cable offerings, the joint sports streaming service will be a specialized bundle of linear networks designed specifically for sports enthusiasts. It will include all the broadcast and cable networks owned by Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery that carry sports content, as well as ESPN+.
Disney’s contribution to the platform includes its flagship network ESPN, along with ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, and the ABC broadcast network. Warner Bros. Discovery’s sports networks TNT, TBS, and TruTV will also be included. Fox will provide the Fox broadcast station along with FS1, FS2, and BTN.
Disney CEO Bob Iger expressed his excitement about this new venture, stating that it is a significant moment for Disney and ESPN, a win for sports fans, and an important step forward for the media industry as a whole. He emphasized that this streaming service will make the full suite of ESPN channels available to consumers alongside other leading sports programming.
It is worth noting that the launch of this joint sports streaming service will not hinder ESPN’s plans to offer a standalone direct-to-consumer streaming product. Disney is still researching and developing this separate offering, which is expected to be released either later this year or in the following year.
The decision to form this joint service comes at a time when the value of sports media rights is skyrocketing, while viewers are moving away from traditional cable. Disney, in particular, has faced challenges with the decline in viewership on its ESPN network and has actively sought new ways to revitalize its business. This partnership with Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery is one of their strategic moves, along with exploring opportunities with sports leagues like the NFL and NBA.
Overall, the launch of this joint sports streaming platform is an exciting development that will provide sports fans with easier access to live sports content. By combining the resources and networks of ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery, this service aims to offer a comprehensive and tailored sports-centric experience. With the continuous evolution of streaming technology and changing consumer preferences, this collaboration may pave the way for more innovative partnerships in the future.
