• Loading stock data...
Friday, January 24, 2025

Disney Looks Beyond Cable With Plans To Stream ESPN’s ‘Flagship’ Channel 

  • Internal plans to take ESPN direct-to-consumer reportedly ramping up.
  • No timetable is set but Disney is making current media contracts more flexible.
ESPN headquarters
LOC

Disney’s not-so-secret plan to eventually offer ESPN’s main channel direct to consumers appears to be picking up steam internally.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Disney is actively preparing for the move and even has a code name for the project: “Flagship.” 

While there’s still no timeline for taking the channel DTC, a few interesting details are beginning to emerge. ESPN is making its cable contracts more flexible to facilitate streaming and is engaged in similar discussions with pro sports leagues, according to the WSJ.

The intricacies of its existing media deals make it impossible for Disney to take ESPN direct-to-consumer at the snap of a finger, so any moves to begin laying that groundwork are clear signs of the company’s long-term intentions.

Streaming growth has been key for Disney as ESPN+ continues adding subscribers and becomes a bigger player in sports rights, hence the emphasis on increasing synergy between broadcast and OTT options.

Despite seemingly never-ending rumors that ESPN could be sold, Disney made the sports network a major part of its upfront presentation this week in New York — signaling a push toward making ESPN easily available to the next generation of tech-savvy fans.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jaguars Land Coen in Stunning Move As NFL Coaching Carousel Nears End

Plenty of money is flying around as teams fill out their coaching staffs.

EA Sports Stumbles: Stock Plummets As Soccer Game Misses the Goal

A downbeat forecast sends shares in the video game developer tumbling.

Disney CEO Bob Iger’s Pay Soars to $41M As Succession Plans Take..

Iger’s total compensation is up 30% from $31.6 million in 2023.

Aikman, Brady, Brees Call for Officiating Changes After Mahomes Antics

The league has been accused of favoring Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.

Featured Today

October 17, 2011; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets fan fireman Ed during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at the New Meadowlands Stadium.

Superfandom Is a Lifestyle, Business—and Thorn in Some Teams’ Sides

Rabid fandom has perks—sometimes to the frustration of teams and leagues.
Jeremiah Smith
January 22, 2025

Ohio State’s Title Isn’t As Simple As $20 Million in NIL

Three lessons from the Buckeyes’ title beyond “pay the best players.”
January 22, 2025

Can Upstart Sports Leagues Beat the Grim Start-Up Odds?

Investors think they can buck the massive failure rate of new enterprises.
January 21, 2025

Amateurism Dilemma on Full Display at the College Football Playoff

The sport has never looked or operated more like a pro league.
Oct 16, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) hugs Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

As Bills Seek Playoff Revenge vs. Chiefs, Viewers Will Be at Attention

Josh Allen is 0–3 against Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs.
First Take cast
January 23, 2025

On ESPN, Cam Newton Mocks Fox Talent’s Silence on Lawsuit

Newton brought up the bombshell suit on “First Take” on Thursday.
Jan 4, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) scores a goal on New York Rangers goaltender Jonathan Quick (32) in the third period at Capital One Arena.
January 23, 2025

Monumental RSN Investment Is Paying Off in D.C.

Monumental is all over Alex Ovechkin’s historic goal chase.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Nov 25, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Ryan Clark on the ESPN Monday Night Football Countdown set before the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
exclusive
January 23, 2025

Fanatics and Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, Channing Crowder’s ‘Pivot’ Podcast Mutually Part..

“Pivot” has returned to being an independent podcast.
Comcast
January 23, 2025

Can Comcast’s Sports-Centric Skinny Bundle Compete in Crowded Market?

The No. 2 cable distributor is the latest to offer a skinny bundle.
Mike Golic Jr and Mike Golic
exclusive
January 22, 2025

Mike Golic, Mike Golic Jr. Leaving DraftKings

A source tells FOS their contracts expire in late March.
January 22, 2025

Netflix Sports Strategy Unchanged Despite Growth: Events, Not Seasons

Shares in the company surge after a particularly robust quarterly report.