WWE Leaves Disney Streaming Services BAMTech
Disney Streaming Service has been hit with a low blow and bodyslammed by Endeavor Streaming, as the WWE have not renewed their contract with Disney’s BAMTech, who operate ESPN+ and the upcoming Disney+.
WWE’s agreement with Disney Streaming Services expired at the end of 2018 and WWE opted to not renew that deal.
Endeavor Streaming’s best-in-class technology enables us to offer more features, elevate the user experience and provides us even more opportunity to delight our fans around the world,” WWE chairman/CEO Vince McMahon said in a statement to Variety.
There is no better home for content owners – whether an established sports league or a rising new content creator – than Endeavor Streaming,” remarked Endeavor Chief Technology Officer Nick Wilson and Endeavor Streaming President of Business Operations Will Staeger.
“We’ve integrated Endeavor’s scalable platform with NeuLion’s industry leading technology and feature set to provide clients with the best tools and services in video streaming, removing technology as a barrier in reaching their consumers.”
WWE collaborated with BAMTECH to build the first 24/7 direct to consumer streaming service, offering WWE’s premium content live and on VOD.
Endeavor Streaming’s clients also include the NFL, NBA, Euroleague, Univision, Sportsnet, Sky Sports, MSG, National Geographic, and Big Ten Network.
My Take: Its obviously not great news for Disney, but no doubt BAMTech learned many lessons during the creation and running of the WWE Network, that have helped them with the launch of ESPN+ and the upcoming launch of Disney+.