Later this Fall, Disney is going to be launching a brand new direct-to-consumer version of ESPN, which will offer all of their sports programming on streaming for the first time.

The DTC version of ESPN has been designed to give fans more choice, flexibility and access to all of ESPN via the enhanced ESPN App.  The plans will cost $29.99/month for the unlimited package and $11.99/month for a select option. There will also be bundling opportunities for the ESPN unlimited plan with Disney+ and Hulu, including a special offer at launch for $29.99/month for the first 12 months. ESPN content will also be available within Disney+ via the ESPN hub.

The unlimited plan will give fans access to all of ESPN’s linear networks – ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes – in addition to ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX, covering 47,000 live events each year, on-demand replays, studio shows, original programming, and more. ESPN’s unprecedented rights portfolio includes the NFL; NBA; NHL; MLB; WNBA; UFC; UFL; SEC; ACC; Big 12; College Football Playoff; 40 NCAA championships including the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship; LaLiga, Bundesliga, NWSL, and FA Cup soccer; Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open tennis; The Masters, PGA Championship, PGA TOUR, and TGL golf; Little League World Series baseball and softball; Premier Lacrosse League; and more. ESPN’s leading studio shows include the iconic SportsCenter, Get Up, First Take, NFL Live, The Pat McAfee Show, Pardon the Interruption, College GameDay, NBA Today, and others, along with on-demand content including 30 for 30 films, ESPN Originals, and more.

Disney has released the first video as part of its pre-launch campaign called “SPORTS FOREVER,” which signals how it plans to serve sports fans – forever.

The trailer debuted during Game 1 of the NBA Finals on ABC, “SPORTS FOREVER” celebrates ESPN’s iconic legacy with flashes from an origin story that is the basis of its company mission: To serve sports fans. Anytime. Anywhere. ESPN’s four-decade journey began on Sept. 7, 1979, when then SportsCenter anchor Lee Leonard opened the first-ever SportsCenter broadcast by saying: “If you’re a fan… what you’ll see in the next minutes, hours, and days to follow may convince you you’ve gone to sports heaven.”

That famous line launches the creative, which then moves through decades of unforgettable sports moments – captivating fans for the very minutes, hours, days, and even years that back up Leonard’s declaration. From championship-caliber moments in the College Football Playoff and NBA Finals to legendary game calls, and from Stuart Scott’s iconic “BOOYAH!” to Breen’s emphatic “BANG!” – these moments are forever etched into sports culture.

Check out the trailer below:

Tina Thornton, EVP, Creative Studio and Marketing, said in a statement regarding the new campaign:

“ESPN has been at the center of sports culture for more than four decades – delivering the moments and emotions that connect generations of fans. As we gear up for this next era with our direct-to-consumer offering this fall, we can’t wait to deliver even more unforgettable moments, more heart and more ways to feel what it means to be a sports fan.”

The spot – developed in collaboration with Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners (BSSP) – also highlights ESPN’s leadership in women’s sports, showcases upcoming ESPN App enhancements including personalized alerts and new viewing options, and features cameos from ESPN’s leading personalities including Adam Schefter, Pat McAfee, Malika Andrews, and the P.T.P. “Prime-time Player” himself, Dick Vitale.

The spot closes with a fan receiving an ESPN App alert with the famous “DADADA, DADADA” SportsCenter jingle that has become synonymous with ESPN’s always-on breaking news and alerts.

ESPN is set to launch in the Fall, and an exact launch date hasn’t yet been announced.

Are you looking forward to watching ESPN on streaming?  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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