ESPN has reportedly decided to name its forthcoming flagship streaming app simply ‘ESPN.’ According to sources familiar with the matter, Disney’s sports media division will officially announce this decision at a media event next week. A Disney spokesperson has declined to comment on the matter.
The new streaming service, which is expected to cost around $25 or $30 per month, will provide users with comprehensive access to all ESPN content. This includes live games, programming from ESPN2 and the SEC Network, ESPN on ABC, fantasy products, betting tie-ins, studio programming, documentaries, and more.
This service will differ from ESPN+, which does not include the most-watched live games like Monday Night Football that currently air exclusively on traditional pay-TV. ESPN+ costs $11.99 per month and can be bundled with Disney+ and Hulu for $16.99 per month with commercials. ESPN+ will continue as a more affordable option for consumers.
The decision to name the application ‘ESPN’ was made by ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro to simplify the increasingly complex streaming landscape. The CNBC Sport newsletter had previously reported in February that ESPN executives were considering this name among other options.
The new ESPN streaming service represents a new way for customers to access ESPN’s programming, though much of the content remains the same. This led executives to favor retaining the legacy name. The ESPN mobile app will be redesigned to serve as the gateway to the all-access service on smart TVs and devices. Pay-TV subscribers who already have ESPN will be able to authenticate into the new app for additional digital features unavailable through cable TV.
Disney CEO Bob Iger announced during Disney’s quarterly earnings call that ESPN will reveal the pricing of the app and associated bundled discounts next week. The service is expected to launch in the fall.
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