Disney+ is set to join the growing list of streaming services that are adding live sports to their offerings. Disney CEO Bob Iger announced during an earnings call that ESPN content will be available on Disney+ before the end of the year. This will include select live games and studio programming, with the ultimate goal of launching an enhanced standalone ESPN streaming service in 2025.
While details are still limited, Iger mentioned that only a “modest” amount of ESPN programming will be on Disney+, likely to entice subscribers to opt for the paid ESPN service. The addition of some Hulu programming earlier this year helped Disney+ achieve its first profitable quarter, bringing in $47 million to the company.
Disney is currently finalizing agreements with Fox Sports and Warner Bros. Discovery to launch a sports streaming service that will offer games from the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL. This move reflects a trend among streaming services to include live sports, with Amazon and Apple also securing deals for various sports leagues.
Subscription service Max, in collaboration with Bleacher Report, offers an add-on package for live sports events for an additional $10 per month. The package includes games from MLB, NHL, NBA, NCAA Men’s March Madness, U.S. Soccer, and more. Live sports are considered highly engaging content that can attract viewers to a streaming service and encourage them to continue using the service.