ESPN is ushering in a bold new chapter on Thursday with the launch of its standalone direct-to-consumer streaming service. Simply named “ESPN,” the platform offers fans unprecedented access to the full ESPN ecosystem — live games, studio shows, original content, and all 12 networks — without the need for a traditional cable subscription.
To learn more about the launch, we spoke with Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN, about what it means for ESPN, streaming, and the future of sports.
You’ve called ESPN’s new DTC service “probably the biggest transition in our history.” What makes this moment so pivotal, and how do you envision it reshaping ESPN’s relationship with its audience?
This is a defining moment not just for ESPN, but for how sports are experienced in the digital age. For the first time, fans will have direct access to the full ESPN ecosystem — live games, studio shows, original content, and our entire portfolio of 12 networks — all in one place. That’s a whole new way in which we can connect with our audience.
What makes this transition so pivotal is the control it gives fans. They’ll be able to personalize their experience — whether that means following specific teams, leagues, or personalities, or curating alerts and highlights that match their interests. It’s about meeting fans where they are, on the devices they use most, and giving them the flexibility to engage on their terms.
This isn’t just a new offering — it’s a strategic evolution. We’ve spent years preparing for this moment: securing rights, investing in technology, and learning from how fans consume content across platforms. It positions us to serve every kind of sports fan — anytime, anywhere.
And we’re not stopping here. This launch is the foundation for a future where ESPN is more interactive, more immersive, and more responsive to the changing rhythms of fandom. It’s the next chapter in our mission to be the most trusted and innovative voice in sports.
How does ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer platform fit into Disney’s overall streaming strategy alongside Disney+ and Hulu — and what unique role do you see it playing in driving subscriber growth and engagement across the portfolio?
The ESPN DTC launch complements Disney+ and Hulu perfectly. Each service has its own unique audience proposition, and together they form a powerful portfolio that can meet a wide range of consumer interests. ESPN’s role in that ecosystem is clear — we’re the destination for the most and best live sports rights, paired with world-class storytelling, analysis, and original programming. The ESPN DTC service also opens up exciting opportunities for bundling — whether that’s with Disney+ and Hulu for the incredible value of $29.99 for the first 12 months, or with partners like FOX One and NFL+ Premium — to create even more value for fans. That approach not only drives subscriber growth, it deepens engagement across the Disney streaming portfolio.
The new DTC platform includes integrations for betting, fantasy, and commerce. How are you thinking about personalization and interactivity as part of the fan experience?
Personalization is at the heart of the new ESPN experience. The enhanced app is built to adapt to each fan’s preferences — from a personalized SC For You, to integrated live stats, to multiview options that let you watch multiple games at once. And for fans who want it, we’re making it seamless to engage with ESPN Fantasy updates, betting through ESPN BET, or shopping for gear in real time during a game via a partnership with Fanatics. ESPN Digital & Social platforms already reach more than 190 million unique fans every month, nearly 70% of the total number of adults in the U.S. The goal is to give fans more ways to connect with the sports they love — whether that’s simply watching, diving deeper into stats, or participating in the action.
How are you positioning ESPN’s DTC service in an ever-growing streaming landscape?
We’re launching from a position of incredible strength — both in brand and in rights. ESPN has the deepest and most diverse live sports portfolio in its history, spanning 47,000 live events across the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college sports, Tennis Majors, PGA TOUR LIVE and Golf Majors, UFC, WWE, international soccer, and more. That gives us a truly differentiated product in the streaming market. We’re not trying to be everything to everyone; we’re here to be everything to sports fans. And while making our networks available directly to consumer opens a new distribution path, the traditional cable and satellite ecosystem remains incredibly important to us. We’re committed to walking parallel paths — serving our cable partners while also making ESPN directly available to any fan who wants it. That combination sets us apart in the industry.
