ESPN+ is an upcoming over-the-top subscription service to be launched by ESPN Inc. in 2018.
Video ESPN+
History
In August 2016, The Walt Disney Company acquired a minority stake in BAMTech, a spin-out of MLB Advanced Media's streaming technology business, for $1 billion, with an option to acquire a majority stake in the future. Disney subsidiary ESPN already used its services for its TV Everywhere platform WatchESPN; it was announced that ESPN planned to develop an over-the-top service based on BAMTech technology as "an exploratory OTT project", drawing primarily from ESPN-owned events not broadcast on television. Disney CEO Bob Iger remarked that despite declines in the pay television industry due to cord cutting, "live sports has really thrived, even in a world where there's so much more for people to do and to watch."
In August 2017, Disney invoked its option to acquire a majority stake in BAMTech, and announced that it planned to launch its ESPN OTT service in 2018, followed by a Disney entertainment OTT service in 2019 (thus ending its relationship with Netflix). At this time, Disney stated that the new ESPN service would draw from ESPN-owned sports rights, as well as MLB, NHL, and Major League Soccer content (although lacking major ESPN-owned rights such as the NBA and NFL), and touted that it would be a "premier digital destination" for sports content. During Disney's fourth-quarter earnings call, Iger revealed that the service would be known as ESPN+. In December 2017, Disney announced its intent to acquire 21st Century Fox after the spin-off of certain businesses. The deal will include the Fox Sports Networks group of regional sports networks, which led to suggestions that Disney wanted the networks to order to incorporate their respective local sports rights into the service.
Maps ESPN+
Programming
The ESPN+ service will be available with monthly and annual subscription options; some content will be available for free. Several existing OTT out of market sports packages, including MLB.tv, MLS Live, and NHL.tv, will also be available for purchase within the ESPN+ platform. It will also include ESPN original programming and documentaries. The service will be delivered through an updated version of the ESPN app.
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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