Disney+ adds a new player to the list, with ESPN now entering the market. streaming platform.
As it did with its Hulu sticker on Disney+ earlier in the year, Disney is now offering an ESPN sticker to the streaming service for its package subscribers in the United States. Additionally, the company revealed that all Disney+ subscribers will have access to select programming.
From alternative sports broadcasts to tailor-made programs, here’s what to watch from the ESPN tile:
Lots more live sports
Disney+ has already experimented with live sports broadcasts, even hosting Toy Story Funday Football, an alternative presentation of the NFL in real time, on the streamer in 2023.
With the ESPN vignette, viewers can expect a lot more where that came from.
“In the first 90 days, plan subscribers should expect 5,000 live events, including NFL, NBA, NHL, college basketball and the Australian Open.” John Lasker, senior vice president of ESPN+explained in a press release. “Also, new originals from 30 for 30 and ESPN Original Series. »
ESPN+ offers more than 30,000 live sporting events each year, including MLB, WNBA, college sports, tennis, and golf, which package subscribers can presumably enjoy.
Alternative Castings for Alternative Sports Audiences
Disney has always known how to reach its subscribers, with the initial launch of Hulu on Disney+ having advertiser results better than expected almost immediately. And because Disney+ subscribers are generally different from the average sports fan, the company offers atypical sports programming.
“We know that the Disney+ consumer is a different consumer, and they’re probably not a big sports fan. Some may be, but we want to offer more content samples, focusing on live events and alternative broadcasts. Rita Ferro, Disney Worldwide President of Advertisingtold ADWEEK recently.
With that in mind, the ESPN Tile will feature live events and unique alternate casts, including the animated Simpsons Funday Football Monday Night Football, a five-game NBA Christmas Day lineup as well as the animated presentation from Dunk The Halls NBA, select 30 for 30 documentaries. , and coverage of the first day of the Australian Open.
“We’re going to have an alternate cast of Mickey and Minnie for the National Basketball Association Christmas Day games. So there’s a lot of that stuff,” Ferro said. “More women’s sports because we know there are more women watching on Disney+.”
Selected and tailor-made programming for all Disney+ subscribers
In addition to Disney+ plan subscribers, the company announced that all Disney+ subscribers will have the ability to view Hulu and ESPN vignettes on the platform. There, they can watch selected programming and upgrade their subscription.
Initially, these subscribers can view a curated selection of live sporting events, studio shows and ESPN movies from ESPN+, as well as a selection of TV series and movies from Hulu.
Speaking about the unique nature of the tile, Ferro noted: “It allows us to bring [insight-driven programming] to the platform in a way that will be interesting, unique and, ultimately, potentially create new, unique and tailor-made content for the ESPN vignette on Disney+.
Additionally, Ferro explained that tile has its own merits outside of ESPN’s flagship streamer set to debut in fall 2025.
Although the flagship product is meant to be an immersive service featuring advanced stats and fantasy games, Ferro said the tile will be “complementary” and more focused on video experiences.
