ESPN+ Streaming Service Hits 1 Million Subscribers in Just 5 Months

Since Disney-owned ESPN launched its ESPN+ streaming subscription service in April, the company has signed up more than 1 million paid subscribers. ESPN+ is

Subscription News: ESPN+ Streaming Service Hits 1 Million Subscribers in Just 5 Months

Source: ESPN+

Since Disney-owned ESPN launched its ESPN+ streaming subscription service in April, the company has signed up more than 1 million paid subscribers. ESPN+ is a subscription service for sports lovers that offers content different than viewers will see on ESPN’s regular network.

For just $4.99 a month, or $49.99 a year, after a free seven-day trial, sports fans can watch a daily selection of live sports as well as ESPN originals on-demand without a cable or satellite TV subscription. The service includes games from MLB, MLS and NHL, the PGA tour, boxing, tennis, college sports and more. The app’s goal is to stream 10,000 live sporting events in its first year, reports CNBC.

ESPN+ is available on a variety of mobile and TV devices.

Subscription News: ESPN+ Streaming Service Hits 1 Million Subscribers in Just 5 Months

Source: ESPN+

“Combining sports, technology and the ESPN brand is a very powerful combination, and we are just getting started,” Jimmy Pitaro, president of ESPN and co-chair of Disney Media Networks, said in a statement. “Very quickly, a wide range of sports fans have seen the value of ESPN+. With high quality programming and an outstanding user experience, ESPN and DTCI [Disney Direct to Consumer and International] are expanding the ways Disney is serving sports fans.”

Disney named Pitaro to his new position in March, replacing John Skipper as president of ESPN.

“Jimmy is a talented and dedicated leader with the right strategic vision, relentless drive and passion for sports required to lead the stellar ESPN team at this incredibly dynamic time,” Robert Iger, chairman and CEO of Walt Disney Company, in a March 5 news release. “Jimmy forged his career at the intersection of technology, sports and media, and his vast experience and keen perspective will be invaluable in taking ESPN into the future.”

Pitaro was selected at a time of change for ESPN, where the app was redesigned and the new ESPN+ subscription was added to bring exclusive streaming and on-demand content to subscribers. The ESPN app includes fan favorites like scores, sports highlights, news and other contracted ESPN broadcasts.

Insider Take:

Niche products thus far have not been particularly successful in the OTT market, with the except of the WWE Network. Sports fans love their favorite teams and want more than just scores and highlights. If ESPN+ can offer them exclusive programming, streaming games on mobile and TV devices and at a competitive price point, it has a good chance succeeding. With 1 million subscribers in just five months, ESPN+ is off to a good start. 

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