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BRISTOL, Conn. - ESPN announced it will launch its new direct-to-consumer streaming service on Thursday, August 21, offering fans access to the company’s full suite of networks and content within an enhanced ESPN App. Parent company Disney, which InvestingPro analysis shows has delivered a strong 32.66% return over the past year, continues to strengthen its position as a prominent player in the entertainment industry.
The timing aligns with the start of college football and NFL seasons, US Open tennis, and various other sporting events, with WNBA playoffs, PLL playoffs, and NBA and NHL seasons approaching in the following months. This strategic move comes as Disney maintains healthy revenue growth of 5.42% over the last twelve months, with total revenue reaching $94.04 billion.
The service will offer two subscription plans, including an unlimited option priced at $29.99 per month. This plan provides access to all ESPN linear networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes), along with ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX. According to the company, this covers approximately 47,000 live events annually, plus on-demand replays and original programming.
At launch, ESPN will offer a special bundling opportunity with Disney+ and Hulu at $29.99 per month for the first 12 months.
The enhanced ESPN App will feature updated multiview options, integrated game statistics, betting information, fantasy sports integration, and a personalized "SC For You" feature.
Subscribers to the unlimited plan, whether through the direct-to-consumer service or traditional pay TV providers, will have access to ESPN’s studio programming including SportsCenter, Get Up, First Take, NFL Live, and The Pat McAfee Show, among others.
The announcement comes as streaming services continue to compete for sports viewership, with ESPN positioning its offering ahead of major sports seasons. According to InvestingPro data, Disney maintains a strong financial health score of GOOD, with analysts predicting continued profitability this year. This strategic expansion in streaming services appears well-supported by the company’s robust financial position, including $8.91 billion in net income over the last twelve months. This information is based on a press release statement from ESPN and financial data from InvestingPro, where investors can access detailed analysis and 8 additional key insights about Disney’s performance.
In other recent news, Disney has signed a $1.6 billion deal to make ESPN the exclusive U.S. home of WWE Premium Live Events starting in 2026. This agreement will bring major wrestling events, including WrestleMania and SummerSlam, to ESPN’s new streaming service. Additionally, ESPN plans to acquire NFL Network and other media assets from the NFL for a 10% equity stake, which includes the NFL’s RedZone Channel and NFL Fantasy. In the financial sector, Morgan Stanley has raised its price target for Walt Disney to $140, maintaining an Overweight rating due to expected streaming growth. Similarly, JPMorgan increased its price target to $138, citing a positive earnings outlook and adjustments in operating income forecasts. These developments reflect a strategic expansion in Disney’s sports and streaming offerings.
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