Roger Fingas
Disney-owned ESPN will soon be announcing its first Web-based TV streaming package, although it will only be a small step towards a full-scale online service, according to a new report.
The initial package won't include ESPN's lifelines — like pro-level football and basketball — but will instead cover smaller leagues, and possibly some college sports, a source told the The Information. The network is expected to use this package to capture some people who don't subscribe to traditional TV, while testing early online strategies with them.
ESPN has been more hesistant than most networks to offer online streaming, since that might risk its valuable deals with cable and satellite providers, which have used sports to keep people from switching to cheaper online alternatives.
Cordcutters have nevertheless caused ESPN's viewer numbers to decline. That may eventually force it to make the transition, especially as even long-time holdout networks like HBO have begun offering online-only plans.
ESPN already has a presence on live streaming services like Sling TV and PlayStation Vue, but only as a part of larger bundles. Watching its channels online otherwise requires authenticating a cable or satellite subscription.
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8 Comments
If this doesn't not include ESPN's NFL & NBA games it's DOA. It might have some chance, maybe, if they include all their NCAA football content. I just done see without those how the package would be attractive
Another meaningless and worthless offer being made to cord cutters.
They should just take their Watch ESPN app and make it accessible without a cable subscription for like $8.99 month. I think that would be way better for cord cutters than this gimped offering.
Comcast announced yesterday data caps within the Chicagoland area. I will not stream any content that impacts my cap limit. Tweeted to NBC (Comcast owned) that I would not stream any Olympic coverage or any NBC sports internet radio any longer. I let Comcast and NBC know that due their imposed caps I would not stream any content. I certainly won't stream any game I can get on TV and I won't be streaming Mike&Mike anytime soon.
Pretty late to the game, ESPN.