Earlier this week, Disney officially launched ESPN On Disney+ in the United States, bringing a brand new ESPN tile and hub into the streaming service, making it a destination for ESPN+ streaming sports content and giving subscribers access to sports, general entertainment, and kids and family programming, all within a single app.

Similar to the launch of Hulu On Disney+, allows subscribers to ESPN+ via the Disney Streaming Bundle to access ESPN content seamlessly throughout the Disney+ app.

Standalone Disney+ subscribers also now have access to a curated selection of live sports events, studio shows, and ESPN Films from ESPN+ through the new ESPN hub, as well as a select collection of TV series and films from Hulu through the Hulu hub, which is also now available to all Disney+ subscribers. The launch of both hubs for all Disney+ subscribers continues the trend of Disney slowly blurring the lines between the apps and getting US audiences used to the idea that Disney+ is more than just kids movies and shows.

As part of the new ESPN On Disney+ hub, it was revealed that ESPN is creating some new unique original programming, including two sports studio shows, just for Disney+ subscribers, which are geared to casual sports fans.

One of the new Disney+ shows will be a daily “SportsCenter”, which will air live on Disney+ at a set time and then remain on the platform for on-demand viewing.

The second Disney+ original show will focus on women’s sports, and ESPN hasn’t locked down how often the show may be released, either weekly or multiple times a week.

Disney hasn’t yet announced when either of these exclusive Disney+ shows will likely start since they are still in development.  I wouldn’t be surprised if Disney is holding off on launching these shows until they see how much usage ESPN On Disney+ gets.

ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro explained why they are making a more casual edition of SportsCenter for Disney+.

“Our research shows there’s very little overlap between people watching Disney+ and ESPN linear”

Sports programming is going to become an even bigger part of Disney+, as in the fall of 2025, ESPN will be offering an expanded sports option within Disney+ with the launch of a new “flagship” direct-to-consumer product, which will include all of ESPN’s sporting content.

Roger’s Take: This is an interesting idea. There’s little doubt that the core Disney+ subscriber might not be as interested in sports programming as an ESPN viewer, especially as, bar a few 30 For 30 documentaries, audiences are going to Disney+ for sports. Over time, ESPN will become a more significant part of the Disney+ experience, but it’s got to take small steps.

The big problem for these shows is viewership since if audiences aren’t checking out these shows, they won’t last long since Disney won’t want to spend money on something not being watched. Ideally, these shows might have to be made available on YouTube or ABC to reach a larger audience and make it worthwhile, as I’m not sure this idea is going to work.   The audience for Women’s sports is growing, but will enough people check out a dedicated show?  Time will tell. 

What do you think of Disney+ getting its own version of “SportsCenter”? 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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