During Disney’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders today, Disney CEO Bob Iger said that ESPN and its various networks will be offered as a streaming service and will be available on Disney+, with plans to launch next year.
- In a presentation during today’s meeting, Iger mentioned a “standalone” ESPN product coming in 2025.
- Unlike ESPN+, this new product would include live content and original programming across all of ESPN’s networks.
- Iger also explained that the new service will feature a host of engagement points, including fantasy sports, betting and e-commerce.
- This news comes after nearly a year of talks of ESPN transitioning to a subscription-based streaming service.
- In May of last year, The Wall Street Journal reported that ESPN’s flagship network is preparing to transition into a subscription-based streaming service in the coming years.
- He also explained that this new ESPN product would also become available through Disney+ for Disney Bundle subscribers.
- That announcement comes just days after Hulu became officially integrated into Disney+, brining its library of content with it for Disney Bundle subscribers.
- Hulu favorites like Only Murders in the Building, The Bear, Abbott Elementary and Family Guy are now available on Disney+.
- As Iger said, this new ESPN product would bring live sports and original ESPN programming to the streaming service as well.