As ESPN prepares to launch its forthcoming direct-to-consumer streaming service this fall, the network is actively working on numerous distribution deals to increase the product’s reach.
Awful Announcing has learned that ESPN is planning distribution deals related to its soon-to-be-launched streamer with companies including telecom giants Verizon and T-Mobile, consumer electronics brand Roku, and video game conglomerate Take-Two. The potential partnerships, revealed in an internal document obtained by Awful Announcing, were in active negotiations as of May 14 and were/are being planned to coincide with the product’s launch this fall.
The highly anticipated streaming service, named simply ESPN, will be the first time Disney has offered consumers the ESPN family of networks without a pay TV subscription.
In addition to the distribution launch deals, the internal document also indicates ESPN is engaged in wholesale direct-to-consumer negotiations with Walmart. It also mentions an “amendment opportunity” to the Charter distribution deal that would provide wholesale streaming access to those customers. Last week, approximately one month after the dated document, Disney and Charter agreed to an expanded carriage agreement that includes access to ESPN’s forthcoming streamer at no additional cost to subscribers.
The document also reveals that Disney was preparing to enter into carriage negotiations with Hulu + Live TV and Cox at the time of its writing.
Unsurprisingly, ESPN is looking to have its direct-to-consumer product reach far and wide upon launch. The service, which is to be priced at $29.99 per month, will feature exclusive content, such as Rich Eisen’s radio show, and personalization features, like an AI-generated SportsCenter.
Analysts have cautioned that the product will not attract a bevy of subscribers right off the bat. Rather, it is designed to attract some of the 65 million households that purchase ESPN through a traditional bundle to view sporting events within its platform rather than, say, via DirecTV’s channel guide.
Eventually, ESPN wants its app to be the hub for all sports, no matter who is airing the game. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that can be aided through corporate partnerships with some of the giants mentioned above.
About Drew Lerner
Drew Lerner is a staff writer for Awful Announcing and an aspiring cable subscriber. He previously covered sports media for Sports Media Watch. Future beat writer for the Oasis reunion tour.