ESPN has taken a decisive step towards the future of sports consumption by announcing the launch of “ESPN Unlimited”, their new direct-to-consumer platform that, for the first time, offers full access to their channels without a cable TV subscription. The service, available through a completely redesigned app, will cost $29.99 per month or $299.99 annually.
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The announcement was made on Tuesday during an event in New York, where executives of the chain detailed the features of this new product.
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According to The Washington Post, ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro referred to it as an “experience” that will allow fans to watch everything from SportsCenter to College Football Playoffs, and even the upcoming Super Bowl, all on a single platform.
An app adapted to the new habits of the viewer
The new app integrates features that were traditionally used as a second screen. Users will be able to access instant replays, check real-time statistics, follow the performance of their fantasy teams, and enjoy personalized social content through a feature called Verts, designed in a format similar to TikTok. Even consumers will receive recommendations for betting on ESPN Bet.
The platform will have 12 signals
- ESPN
- ABC (in its sports programming)
- ESPN2
- ESPN3
- ESPN+
- ESPNU
- ESPNEWS
- ESPN Sports
- SEC Network
- SEC Network+
- ACC Network
- ACCNX
This proposal comes in a context where the media industry is going through a transformation process. ESPN has lost nearly 40 million cable television subscribers since 2013, while other sports networks have closed or downsized operations. The new strategy aims to reverse this trend and adapt to the new preferences of users, who are increasingly opting for digital services.
New subscriptions, features, and agreements
Alongside the launch of “ESPN Unlimited”, the network has renamed its previous service as “ESPN Select”. This plan, which maintains a price of $11.99 per month or $119.99 annually, does not include linear channels like ESPN and ESPN2. Instead, it offers exclusive online content and around 32,000 live events per year, compared to the 47,000 included in the new “Unlimited” subscription.
Users who still have cable TV will be able to use their credentials to log into the app and access the enhanced features. ESPN has agreements with providers such as Fubo (which offers a $30 discount), Charter, DirecTV, Hulu, and Verizon.
Jimmy Pitaro pointed out that one of the great advantages of the new system is personalization, as the app will offer summaries tailored to each user’s favorite teams.
ESPN is positioning itself with new rights and alliances
The new ESPN model is also accompanied by important strategic movements. This month, the network signed key agreements, including the acquisition of the majority of the media assets of the NFL, including the rights to NFL Network, and the broadcasting rights to the most important live events of WWE.
Additionally, ESPN is in advanced negotiations with MLB to sign a three-year contract valued at approximately $550 million. According to The Wall Street Journal, the deal would include integration of the MLB.TV streaming service within the ESPN platform; local rights for the teams of Cleveland, San Diego, Minnesota, Arizona, and Colorado; and a national package of games available on linear channels and streaming.
CNBC reported that the new Major League Baseball contract would also include NBC for the Sunday night game and playoffs for $200 million, and Netflix would acquire the rights to the Home Run Derby for around $50 million annually.