ESPN, Fox, Warner To Team Up This Fall On Sports Streaming Deal
The plan includes ESPN and other linear sports networks. Separately, ESPN eyes next year for its own direct-to-consumer launch.
Sports fans will have a bundle of decisions to make starting this fall when ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros. debut a joint sports streaming platform, roughly a year before ESPN plans to launch a separate direct-to-consumer (DTC) service.
The joint streaming platform, which so far is an understanding among the three to form the joint venture, will combine their sports network portfolios into a single platform that will be available via a new standalone app, the media giants said in a joint statement. Existing subscribers to Disney Plus, Hulu and/or Max will also be able to bundle the product, the companies said.
They did not disclose the subscription cost but said that pricing will be announced at a later date and that the service is subject to their negotiation of definitive agreements. According to a February 7 CNBC report citing undisclosed sources, the service will cost more than $30 per month.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The platform will include ESPN, ESPN Plus, ABC, FOX, FS1, TNT and TBS and will feature content from all major professional sports leagues and college sports, including NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, NASCAR, UFC, PGA Tour Golf and UFC, the companies said.
“The launch of this new streaming sports service is a significant moment for Disney and ESPN, a major win for sports fans and an important step forward for the media business,” said Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, the parent company of ESPN. “This means the full suite of ESPN channels will be available to consumers alongside the sports programming of other industry leaders as part of a differentiated sports-centric service.”
Another ESPN launch to come
Separately, ESPN plans to launch its flagship DTC service in August or the fall of 2025, Iger said in a February 7 interview with CNBC.
The service will include all of ESPN’s programming as well as an integration with ESPN’s fantasy platforms and ESPN Bet. The cost of the service was not announced, CNBC said.
When asked if the DTC service would cannibalize ESPN's joint service with Fox and Warner Bros., Iger told CNBC that the two platforms would have differentiated offerings for sports fans.
Too many streaming options?
If you and your wallet are feeling overwhelmed by too many streaming options for too much money, you're not alone. Streaming service subscribers are increasingly walking away from pricey services, according to a recent Wall Street Journal report.
Even so, there are a number of ways to save on streaming, as Kiplinger's guide to streaming services points out. These include taking advantage of limited-time free trial offers.
Just don’t forget to cancel before the bill is due.
Related Content
To continue reading this article
please register for free
This is different from signing in to your print subscription
Why am I seeing this? Find out more here
Joey Solitro is a freelance financial journalist at Kiplinger with more than a decade of experience. A longtime equity analyst, Joey has covered a range of industries for media outlets including The Motley Fool, Seeking Alpha, Market Realist, and TipRanks. Joey holds a bachelor's degree in business administration.
-
How to Help Your Kids Without Ruining Your Retirement
Here are some general considerations to ensure the gift of assets to your kids will not negatively affect your financial future.
By Mario Hernandez Published
-
AI to Power the Next Generation of Robots
The Kiplinger Letter There's increasing buzz that the tech behind ChatGPT will make future industrial and humanoid robots far more capable.
By John Miley Published
-
Blue Zones: A Blueprint for Adapting Health and Financial Security into Longevity
Many of the tactics used to increase longevity in "blue zones" are attainable, and as people age longer, habits and financial planning need to adapt accordingly.
By Quincy Williamson Published
-
Ease on Down the Road to Retirement
Want to keep working, just not as hard? A phased retirement may just be the answer.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
A Financial Checklist for Widows
An interview with a financial adviser about the financial steps widows should take.
By Janet Bodnar Last updated
-
You Should Be Investing in a 529 Now for Your Kids' or Grandkids' Tuition
Learn how to maximize investing in a 529, a state-sponsored college education savings account for qualifying educational expenses.
By Emma Patch Published
-
Get These 40 Earth Day Deals and Discounts
Monday, April 22, is Earth Day. Many of your favorite retailers are celebrating with deals on sustainable products, recycling services, and more
By Kathryn Pomroy Last updated
-
Free Coffee on National Cold Brew Day Saturday, April 20th
Just in time for National Cold Brew Day, Dunkin', Pilot and Flying J Travel Centers, La Colombe and Dutch Bros. are offering up crave-worthy deals.
By Kathryn Pomroy Published
-
Starbucks BOGO and New Sweet and Spicy Drinks
For a limited time, Starbucks is announcing four new "swicy" drinks that are both spicy and sweet.
By Kathryn Pomroy Published
-
Walmart Lawsuit: Get Up to $500 as Part of a $45 Million Settlement
You could be eligible to receive up to $500 as a result of Walmart's class-action lawsuit settlement.
By Erin Bendig Published