ESPN Launches New Streaming Service: WWE Events and NFL Content Coming in 2024
ESPN is set to revolutionize sports streaming with the launch of its new service, simply called ‘ESPN,’ on August 21, 2023. The platform promises to deliver an unprecedented lineup of premium sports content, including major WWE events and expanded NFL coverage starting in 2024.
Major Content Partnerships Announced
In a groundbreaking announcement, ESPN revealed a significant partnership with WWE, securing rights to stream premium live events including:
- WrestleMania
- SummerSlam
- Royal Rumble
Additionally, the service will feature enhanced NFL content, including exclusive coverage of the NFL Draft and bundled access to the NFL+ streaming service.
Pricing and Platform Details
The new ESPN streaming service will be priced at $29.99 per month, with plans to offer bundle options alongside Disney+ and Hulu. Subscribers will access content through a completely redesigned ESPN app, ensuring a seamless viewing experience.
Strategic Partnership with NFL
In a separate development, ESPN announced a landmark deal with the NFL, which includes:
- NFL taking a 10% ownership stake in ESPN
- Integration of NFL Network into the streaming service
- Access to NFL RedZone
- Additional NFL game coverage
- Enhanced NFL fantasy sports content
Executive Insights
Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN chairman, emphasized the company’s commitment to serving sports fans: “WWE has an immense, devoted, and passionate fanbase that we’re excited to super-serve on our new ESPN DTC platform. This agreement bolsters our unprecedented content portfolio and helps drive our streaming future.”
Mark Shapiro, TKO president and COO, added: “Through our UFC relationship, we have experienced firsthand how transformational an ESPN presence can be, and we know this will be an exceptional partnership at a time of great innovation for both companies.”
Market Impact and Competition
The announcement comes as competitor Fox prepares to launch its own sports and news streaming service, Fox One, on November 21 at $19.99 per month. The competitive pricing landscape reflects the complex economics of live sports streaming and the evolving media consumption landscape.