Disney is gearing up to introduce ESPN’s independent streaming platform, which might simply be named “ESPN,” as per a CNBC report. Insiders indicate that ESPN’s Chairman, Jimmy Pitaro, favored this name to streamline the increasingly complex streaming landscape, which is saturated with various media offerings that can be bundled in different ways and at various price tiers.
The anticipated service is expected to have a monthly subscription fee ranging between $25 to $30, giving subscribers full access to live sports events and betting features not currently available with the existing ESPN Plus service.
According to CNBC, Disney plans to revamp the ESPN app into a “gateway” for this new streaming service. Additionally, Disney will permit those who already subscribe to ESPN via their television providers to verify access in the revamped app. The standalone ESPN app is slated for a launch this fall, with Disney aiming to provide it in a manner that caters to consumer preferences in both access and availability.
Disney CEO Bob Iger said during an earnings call on Wednesday that the company will officially announce the name and pricing of the service next week.
