Last year, Disney CEO Bob Iger suggested that one day ESPN could go the way of HBO Now and other premium cable channels by offering a streaming option available outside current cable packages. That day is reportedly coming sooner rather than later, but it might not include anything you actually want to watch.
Fierce Cable, citing a piece from The Information (behind a paywall), reports that ESPN is looking to offer a direct-to-consumer streaming service focused on “niche leagues” and college sports.
While reps for ESPN declined to comment on the matter, reports suggest that the service will launch in the next six months or so.
ESPN’s big step toward a streaming service has been a long time coming, however, DSL Reports notes that the first attempt won’t provide many of the options sports lovers might be looking for.
For example, the over-the-top offering won’t include NBA, NFL, or any other big-league content.
“Rather, ESPN will stick to ‘niche’ leagues’ and select college sports for the streaming Package,” The Information points out.
DSL Reports notes that if ESPN does launch a streaming service, it would risk being pulled from core channel lineups at pay TV providers. A situation that would be reminiscent of Verizon’s actions last year, which ESPN sued the company over.
ESPN reportedly prepping direct-to-consumer streaming service [FierceCable]
ESPN to Offer Streaming Service, Just Not an Interesting One [DSLReports]
by Ashlee Kieler via Consumerist
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