Later this fall, Disney is going to be launching a brand new direct-to-consumer version of ESPN, which is currently going by the codename, Flagship. 

This new streaming service will offer all of ESPN’s content at an estimated $25 a month and will be available in its own app, which will provide a wide selection of features, including betting, news and much more.   Cable customers with ESPN are also expected to have access to this streaming service, all to make it as easy as possible for people to watch ESPN.

The new ESPN streaming app will include all of ESPN’s live games, a personal AI-built Sportscenter, in addition to all of ESPN’s documentaries, along with new e-commerce options, alternative broadcasts for games, plus a user guide that directs people to games.  There will also be an integration with ESPN Bet for gambling and fantasy sports.

The new ESPN Flagship content will also be available through the ESPN hub on Disney+.   Recently, at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media, and Telecom Conference, Disney Entertainment’s Dana Walden revealed that the new ESPN Flagship will be available as part of a newly revised version of the Disney Streaming Bundle.

However, not every feature from the ESPN Flagship will be available through Disney+, and CNBC has reported that Disney CEO Bob Iger has explicitly requested that ESPN, not Disney+, be the preeminent digital destination in sports. 

Disney is expected to announce more details on ESPN Flagship in the coming months, ahead of the launch before the NFL and NBA seasons start.    During a recent industry conference, Disney ad sales executive Wendell Scott repeatedly referred to flagship as “ESPN All Access”, which could be a slip of the tongue in revealing the name early or simply another codename for flagship.

Roger’s Take: Disney is trying to make sure ESPN becomes a major part of its streaming business, and for die-hard sports fans, the ESPN app is going to offer more options that Disney+ isn’t going to be able to provide, such as gambling and other features.   However, for most casual fans, having all of ESPN’s content available within Disney+, as part of a single-app experience, is going to help increase engagement and, more importantly, keep subscribers.   

Also, making the ESPN Flagship a premium add-on will help keep Disney+’s overall cost lower since if everything were merged into one app, that price point would continue to rise.

Are you looking forward to a new ESPN streaming service?  Let me know on social media!

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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