ESPN+ streaming sports content has been integrated into Disney+ with Wednesday’s launch of ESPN on Disney+.
ESPN on Disney+
The integration is similar to Hulu on Disney+, which launched this spring, and Star+ on Disney+ in Latin America. A new ESPN tile and hub will serve as a destination for ESPN+ content on Disney+, allowing bundle subscribers to enjoy multiple types of programming via one app.
“This launch really puts a cherry on top of a fantastic year of innovation at Disney+,” said Alisa Bowen, President of Disney+. “Earlier in the year, we made Hulu available in the Disney+ app, and now we’re doing the same for ESPN+. This gives our bundle subscribers one place to consume everything they love from all our brands.”
John Lasker, Senior Vice President of ESPN+ said, “In the first 90 days, bundle subscribers should expect 5,000 live events, including NFL, NBA, NHL, College Basketball, and Australian Open. Also, new originals from 30 for 30 and ESPN Original Series.”
ESPN+ offers access to more than 30,000 live sports events each year. This includes games and events from MLB, WNBA, college sports, tennis, and golf. It also offers a library of on-demand replays, original content, and studio programming, which will be available through Disney+ to bundle subscribers.
Disney+ standalone subscribers will also have access to a curated selection of live sports events, studio shows, and ESPN Films, as well as a select collection of Hulu TV series and films.
“One of the things I’m most excited about with this launch is that we’re also making the ESPN and Hulu tiles visible to all subscribers,” Bowen said. “That means, for our Disney+ standalone subscribers, they’ll have a really easy way to discover everything we offer from these two incredible brands, and have the ability to upgrade their subscription for the full bundle experience.”
ESPN+ content available to Disney+ standalone subscribers will include “The Simpsons Funday Football” animated “Monday Night Football” game, a Christmas Day lineup of five NBA games plus the “Dunk The Halls” animated NBA presentation, select “30 For 30” documentaries, and Day 1 coverage from the Australian Open.
From Hulu, standalone Disney+ subscribers will be able to watch select movies and series including “Shōgun,” “Will Trent,” “Solar Opposites,” “Reservation Dogs,” and “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.”
ESPN on Disney+ lays the groundwork for expanded sports offerings on Disney+ in the U.S. with the launch of ESPN’s flagship direct-to-consumer product expected in the fall of 2025.
“There’s nothing like live sports,” Lasker said. “Live sports are storytelling in real time. They’re community, they bring people together for shared experiences that last lifetimes and generations. ESPN’s unrivaled portfolio of live rights will deliver for sports fans on Disney+.”
Click here to see a list of some new programming available on Disney+.
Disney shut down other streaming apps like DisneyNow earlier this year, after Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ reached profitability for the first time.
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