If you are a sports enthusiast, you most likely have an ESPN subscription. But with streaming wars heating up, you must have had to acquire multiple subscriptions as various sporting bodies have deals spread out with multiple associations. But Disney’s ESPN is looking to change all that. The media company wants ESPN to be the hub of all live sporting events, even if it means collaborating with the competition.
CNBC first reported on March 2 that the sports network is seemingly involved in negotiations with major sports leagues and media partners to bring their dream to fruition.
Disney CEO Bob Iger has also reorganized executive ranks as the company looks to build ESPN into a multi-platform organization with global scope in a move towards profitability.
Sporting Events and the ESPN Umbrella
Sports enthusiasts have struggled to figure out which streaming partner will air the game they want, as leagues crack lucrative deals with media partners prioritizing profits.
Disney’s ESPN has always strived to be the one-stop-shop when it comes to anything sports related. The company mission states “To serve sports fans. Anytime. Anywhere.” And it appears, the media service is trying to live up to its promise to customers.
According to people in the know, ESPN is ready to work with other media partners so that people accessing its website or app will be able to stream live sporting events of their choice. If this includes cracking a deal with global services like Amazon Prime or Apple TV, or local providers like Madison Square Garden’s MSG+, then so be it.
The sports channel wants to launch a feature that will make this dream a reality and is currently in the process of conducting talks with major networks and sports leagues to gauge market response.
ESPN wants to achieve its goal of becoming the ultimate media hub for live sporting events.
Sources told CNBC that many regional sport owners have expressed their enthusiasm towards the project as Disney’s reach means more viewership and eventually, better sponsors.
In a media landscape, dominated by streaming services, ESPN’s mission to combine regional, national, and international events on one channel could be the masterstroke that unites all sports fans. Industry insiders are convinced that Disney’s ESPN wants to be the world leader in live sports events.
ESPN-licensed content currently amounts to almost 30% of all televised or streamed US sports.
Last month, Iger put rumors about a possible ESPN sale to rest and reiterated that it will remain part of Disney’s larger portfolio.
ESPN’s Reorganization and Future Plans
Last month, CEO Bob Iger split Disney into three main divisions for ease of management, one of which involved making ESPN a standalone division.
The company is focused on increasing profits and driving revenue through its streaming service.
On March 1, ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro informed colleagues about a slight restructuring at the top through an internal memo.
Content Chief Burke Magnus was elevated to the position of President, Content. His duties will include handling studio shows, live events, newsgathering, investigative journalism, original content/ESPN Films, the Talent Office, audio, digital, and social media.
After a short stint in the Disney Parks division, Rosalyn Durant, who has been with the company for around 24 years, has been promoted to EVP, Programming & Acquisitions. Durant will be in charge of the rights business. She will also handle ESPN+, ESPN International, Andscape, and espnW. As ESPN’s NBA contract comes up for renewal, Durant will be in charge of negotiating a new deal. The memo noted “Rosalyn’s leadership skills and strategic deal making experience will benefit ESPN, especially as the market for live sports rights remains extremely competitive.”
Tina Thornton, Head of Content Operations & Creative Surround, will also lead the Production Operations group, which is moving back to ESPN.
The memo notes that ESP is at the cusp of taking flight and becoming “a larger, more complex, multi-platform organization.”
The recent change syndicate that ESPN is quietly moving its cards to become the streaming service every sports enthusiast can rely on.
