
<p>Disney has been <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/disney-espn-stand-alone-streaming-service-is-coming-in-future-20230209-WST-419207.html">publicly discussing</a> a decision to transition <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/channels/espn/">ESPN</a> to a standalone app for months now. The massive company currently owns an 80% majority stake in the traditional sports television network. As broadcasting continues a shift towards streaming, Disney is clearly looking at shaking things up at ESPN.</p>



<p>Disney/ESPN was recently deadlocked in negotiations with Charter Communications. Charter is a mass media company that is essentially Spectrum. As negotiations stalled, Disney unexpectedly pulled ESPN channels from the Spectrum lineup. This, obviously, infuriated sports fans with the cable company.</p>



<h2>ESPN/Spectrum deal key to future plans at the network</h2>



<p>Nevertheless, the two sides finally agreed to a new deal and ESPN returned to Spectrum. ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro has recently admitted that the agreement was “critical” to the future plans at the network. After all, Spectrum currently has around 15 million subscribers at the moment. This is basically 20% of ESPN’s total reach.</p>



<p>“I’d be lying if didn’t tell you this Charter deal wasn’t critical,” Pitaro <a href="https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/espn-charter-linear-streaming-tv-sport-pitaro/?zephr_sso_ott=M08a4C" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">explained</a> at the IMG Summit. “It was so impactful not just for ESPN and Disney but the whole industry. I take a lot of pride in the creativity of that deal and the fact that just a few days ago, we did not know if we were going to get this deal done or part ways with Charter. But we creatively came up with a deal that is definitely a win for the customer and honestly a win for both sides.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro said the network has no timeline on when they plan to go direct-to-consumer.<br><br>Justin Connolly, President of Disney Platform Distribution, weighed in on how the new ESPN-Charter deal factors into their DTC plans ⤵️ <a href="https://t.co/hdDWEkjQPW">pic.twitter.com/hdDWEkjQPW</a></p>— Sports Business Journal (@SBJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/SBJ/status/1703106792023089432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>Standalone ESPN app timing depends on decline of traditional TV </h2>



<p>Pitaro also confirmed that a standalone ESPN app is now definitely on the way. The exec, however, claims that the company still has details to iron out. Nevertheless, the streaming service will combine <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/channels/espn-plus/">ESPN+</a> with the ESPN television channels. <em><a href="https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/espn-charter-linear-streaming-tv-sport-pitaro/?zephr_sso_ott=M08a4C" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SportsPro Media</a></em> reports that this new app is likely to hit the market as early as 2025.</p>



<p>“We truly do not have a [launch] date,” Pitaro <a href="https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/espn-charter-linear-streaming-tv-sport-pitaro/?zephr_sso_ott=M08a4C" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">continued</a>. “We know we have to get this right in terms of timing and price point. We have a really great strategy team that’s on this. It’s their number one priority, getting it right.”</p>



<p>“Part of that [equation] is also that ESPN+ is going so well for us. We have a ton of exclusive content that’s performing very, very well for the platform. So we don’t necessarily feel the urgency.” </p>



<p>“Again, we’ll see how the next year plays out in terms of traditional [Multi Video Programming Distributor] subs and if things continue to accelerate in terms of cord cutting and the decline, then yes, we will probably pull that date to an earlier point than we’re right now currently considering.”</p>



<p>There were <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/espn-standalone-app-could-be-22-per-month-suggests-analyst-20230601-WST-435530.html">previous suggestions</a> that this new ESPN app could cost up to $22 per month. Although not exactly ideal for customers, this price point would unfortunately be in line with other similar sports apps. Bally Sports Plus is currently $20 per month and the YES Network is $25 each month. These services typically offer access to just three or five teams.</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO &amp; Pius Koller</p>


ESPN may launch ESPN standalone app earlier than expected

ESPN will launch their standalone app earlier than expected due to the recently signed Charter Comms deal


<p>Amazon is reportedly set to introduce a new stand-alone sports app. <a href="https:\/\/www.theinformation.com/articles/amazon-plans-a-stand-alone-sports-app-as-andy-jassy-doubles-down-on-prime-video" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Information</a> claims that the massive company has discussed plans to create the app so customers can watch live sports directly on the product. A potential development in this direction would make sense considering Amazon CEO Andy Jassy’s recent comments about the sports industry.</p>



<p>Jassy sat down with the <em>New York Times</em> last month to discuss a plethora of topics. However, his comments about live sports on Amazon Prime Video certainly gained attention.</p>



<h2>Amazon CEO claims live sports app can drive subscriptions</h2>



<p>“Just Thursday Night Football if you look at it,” Jassy <a href="https:\/\/www.youtube.com/watch?v=pei7or9-ON0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stated</a>. “People thought it would be 5, 6 million viewers. It’s been more than double that. It’s got 20% higher viewership in the 18-34 demographic, which is really important to a lot of different constituents.”</p>



<p>The CEO also claimed that more people are signing up to Prime because of the video content on the streaming service.</p>



<p>Jassy was also asked specifically about the importance of sports rights in the streaming world. “We’ve be doing a lot more there,” said Jassy. “I think you’ll continue to see us investing in sports. Sports is such a unique asset. If you look every year at the most-watched programs, sports often occupies 75% of those spots. They drive live engagement and they drive Prime subscriptions.”</p>



<h5>Not yet known if pricing will be affected</h5>



<p>If ultimately released, the app would help underline the company’s live sports content. As of today, this coverage is currently included in the Amazon Prime Video service.</p>



<p>Potentially bad news for sports fans is that Amazon could opt to create different tiers for certain services. Another possibility for users is that this new app could become an add-on to the already existing Prime Video platform. Although it remains to be seen how a potential new app will be introduced.</p>



<p>Prime Video currently has deals in place to stream exclusive <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> and <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">UEFA Champions League</a> games in the United Kingdom.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / NurPhoto</em></p>


Reports suggest that Amazon could soon introduce a new stand-alone sports app to stream live sports, including American football and soccer.

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ESPN may launch ESPN standalone app earlier than expected

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Amazon creating stand-alone sports app, says report