ESPN launches new app with ESPN+ paid service

The new ESPN App has launched and now includes ESPN+, the direct-to-consumer premium subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International group, in partnership with ESPN.
ESPN+ features thousands of hours of live sports events and library content. However, the $4.99-per-month (or $49.99 a year) streaming service will not offer premiere games from the NFL and NBA, instead focusing on niche sports and underserved fanbases. The first month of ESPN+ is free, thanks to a sponsorship contract with American Express.
ESPN+ will offer a daily Major League Baseball game (adding up to 180 games throughout the season), plus more than 180 National Hockey League games, more than 250 Major League Soccer games, college sports, golf, cricket, rugby and matches from three of the tennis Grand Slams.
ESPN+ is launching in the US on devices including Fire TV, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Android phones, Android TV and Chromecast, with more devices planned. There are no current plans for outside the US, but in the future might launch in other territories where ESPN operates.
“This next-generation app is ESPN’s most sophisticated and elegant digital product experience, and a central piece of our next era of innovation,” said James Pitaro, ESPN President and Co-Chair, Disney Media Networks.
“No one is in a better position than ESPN to serve sports fans. With this launch, fans will find a re-imagined, easy to use and increasingly personalized experience that puts all of ESPN’s incredible content at their fingertips like never before. With the exciting introduction of ESPN+, they’ll also get more sports content than ever, with direct access to thousands of live games, incredible original programs and an unmatched on-demand library, all at a great price.”
Added Kevin Mayer, Chairman, Direct-to-Consumer and International, The Walt Disney Company.
“The launch of ESPN+ marks a new era of innovation for The Walt Disney Company, defined by a direct and personal relationship with our consumers. This product reflects our new direct-to-consumer strategy focused on combining our incomparable brands and unmatched content with industry-leading technology to give users an unparalleled digital experience. With BAMTECH Media’s state-of-the-art video platform, ESPN+ delivers an incredible experience for fans with a rich slate of content only ESPN can deliver.”