Disney aims to simplify the process of acquiring its upcoming ESPN streaming service.
In an investor conference call, Disney CEO Bob Iger disclosed that the new “ESPN Flagship” will be accessible to viewers beyond just those who subscribe to it (via
Variety
).
“If you are a subscriber of linear ESPN, you will automatically get what I know we’ve been referring to as ESPN Flagship,” Iger told investors.
Our approach would generally aim for neutrality regarding subscribers, ensuring we maintain the integrity of the multichannel system as much as possible. However, simultaneously, there’s an evident focus on expanding our direct-to-consumer operations.
If ESPN is part of your cable subscription, you will gain automatic access to this new streaming service.
We don’t know official details beyond this yet, but I imagine it will be similar to how you connect your provider to log into Max or Paramount Plus With Showtime if you get those through your cable provider.
I likewise envision this will extend to individuals who severed their ties with one of the
top television streaming services for live viewing
, provided your plan includes ESPN.
For instance, I receive ESPN as part of my subscription.
YouTube TV
Therefore, according to Iger’s remarks, I ought to gain access to ESPN’s main offering in theory.
We’ll know more for sure next week, when Disney plans to unveil the official name and official price for the ESPN streaming service, which is set to become available for subscription this fall.
This is a savvy decision by ESPN and Disney — everyone benefits.
This decision seemingly confirms that Disney is aware that the new ESPN flagship streaming service could cannibalize its cable TV customer base. Getting around that issue by giving those same customers access for free is an elegant solution to that problem.
It’s also one where, at least for now, everybody wins.
Disney benefits as they can now count linear TV subscribers towards their overall user numbers. Similarly, cable companies come out ahead because this arrangement reduces the motivation for people to cancel their traditional subscriptions; with this setup, customers will have access to the streaming service included in their current cable package at no additional cost.
Finally, you, the consumer, win because now this gives you more ways to access the flagship’s interactive features.
Iger stated during the investor call that ESPN’s cable television package “won’t include the extra features and add-ons available with the direct-to-consumer service. The latter will offer significantly more functionalities compared to the traditional linear service.”
However, with this change, you gain access to these features, which include sports betting (provided it complies with local laws) and fantasy sports. This is possible as you will obtain access to ESPN’s streaming service via your cable television provider or theoretically, directly.
live TV streaming service
.
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