ESPN [depuis 1979] / ESPN+ [depuis 2019]

Aujourd'hui, et jusqu'au 12 mars, commence les 1er X-games européen, à Tignes.

En association avec Canal +, les jeux olympique des sport extrêmes débarque sur le vieux continent.

Toutes les infos sont disponible sur les différents sites :
http://www.xgames.com
https://www.youtube.com/xgames
http://www.itunes.com/xgames
http://www.twitter.com/espnxgames
http://www.espn.com/action
http://winterxgameseurope.canalplus.fr/
https://facebook.com/xgames
http://www.deezer.com/xgames/

Qui y sera ? qui regardera ? et vous en pensé quoi ?

Le géant de la télévision sportive américaine, ESPN, filiale de Disney, serait rentré en discussions avec Orange autour de la reprise potentielle d’Orange Sports.

Alors que la Ligue de Football Professionnel a finalement renoncé à s’emparer d’Orange Sports, malgré des conditions avantageuses, l’avenir de cette dernière semblait plus qu’incertain. De quoi poser quelques soucis à Stéphane Richard, DG d’Orange, bien déterminé à se débarrasser de ce canal peu rentable...

Selon Le Point, ESPN se serait pourtant rapprochée d’Orange. Les deux sociétés n’en sont actuellement qu’aux pourparlers, et il serait prématuré de parler d’un accord pour l’instant, mais Orange semble bien croire en l’intérêt du groupe américain.

De son côté, ESPN prend des pincettes et souhaite s’assurer qu’une éventuelle reprise ne sera pas perçue comme un acte de concurrence frontale, notamment par Canal+. TF1, de son côté (détenteur d’Eurosport, notamment) n’y voit pas de danger, estimant qu’« une mauvaise affaire reste une mauvaise affaire »...


Source : freenews

Moi, je serais Canal ou TF1, je commencerais à trembler. Car si ESPN reprend bien Orange Sport, c'est la porte ouverte à une entrée en France et en Europe pour cette chaîne de sport, à la réputation mondialement reconnu.

ceci dis ESPN est déjà integré en france sur canal satelitte via ESPN classic sports et ESPN America.
donc je ne voit là qu'un developpement pour être vu par les spectateur d'orange.

Sauf que là, c'est en anglais.

Avec un rachat d'Orange Sport, ça permettrait d'avoir un ESPN en VF

La chaîne Orange Sports pourrait rentrer dans le giron Disney d'ici fin 2011 et prendre la marque ESPN (leader mondial des TV sportives)

Citation :

Orange Sports: Le rachat en bonne voie
Trois candidats principaux sont en lice pour racheter Orange Sports, a indiqué au JDD.fr un porte-parole d'Orange. Il s'agit du réseau américain de télévisions ESPN, propriété de Disney, de TF1 et de la Ligue de football professionnel (LFP). Les mêmes repreneurs potentiels qu'annoncé en octobre, mais, cette fois, précise le porte-parole, les négociations sont "avancées".

Les candidats se bousculent au portillon pour racheter Orange Sports, qui perdrait pourtant 150 millions d'euros par an et compte seulement quelque 340.000 abonnés. Le directeur général de France Télécom, Stéphane Richard, a indiqué mercredi, en marge de la conférence "Le Web'10" (qui réunit chaque année 2.500 entrepreneurs, professionnels, bloggeurs et passionnés d’Internet d’une soixantaine de nationalités), que le réseau de télévisions spécialisées sur le sport ESPN, propriété de Disney, était intéressé par l'acquisition d'Orange Sports, tout comme Eurosport (TF1) et la Ligue de football professionnelle (LFP).

D'après un porte-parole d'Orange, joint par leJDD.fr, les négociations sont "avancées". "Nous les avons rencontrés et certains nous ont écrit", a-t-il précisé. Des avancées très attendues puisque, depuis l'arrivée de Stéphane Richard en décembre 2009, la stratégie de France Télécom est de développer ses partenariats, comme celui avec le site de musique Deezer, tout en cherchant à vendre sa chaîne sportive, ainsi qu'Orange Ciné Séries. Concernant cette dernière, le dossier avance plus vite, avec Canal Plus, ainsi que les fonds d'investissement Parsifal et Searchlight.

[...]

Orange Sports ne devrait, d'après le porte-parole, pas être rachetée avant fin 2010. Pour le moment, impossible d'avoir aucune indication sur la date de rachat. Contactés par leJDD.fr, ni TF1 ni la LFP, en pleines négociations, n'ont souhaité faire de commentaires.

source : http://www.lejdd.fr/Medias/Television/Actualite/ESPN-TF1-et-la-LFP-veulent-racheter-Orange-Sports-240929/


Ce serait la 3eme chaîne à porter la marque ESPN en France, après ESPN Classic et ESPN America.

Petit à petit, on y vient !
Je ne suis pas du tout passionné de sport mais ce serait une bonne chose que ce label s'implante de manière plus affirmée en France.
ESPN est le seul label Disney a ne pas être vraiment présent dans notre pays.

Et BAM ! Disney rachète une participation de BAMtech pour 1 milliard de dollars !

http://www.lesechos.fr/tech-medias/medias/0211197109377-disney-parie-1-milliard-sur-le-streaming-sportif-payant-2019963.php#

Disney pourra y lancer une plateforme de streaming pour sa branche sportive !

The Walt Disney Company frappe un gros coup en récupérant les droits pour la diffusion de plus de mille matchs par saison de la League nationale de hockey (NHL) pour les sept prochaines années !

Avec ce contrat, Disney sera en mesure de proposer chaque saison plus de la moitié des matchs de la ligue incluant des séries éliminatoires ainsi que quatre séries finales de la coupe Stanley, l'apothéose annuel de la saison de la ligue de hockey sur glace la plus prestigieuse qui joue cette année sa 103ème saison.

Les matchs acquis seront partagés sur les réseaux ABC et ESPN et sur les plateformes de streaming ESPN+ et Hulu (sur laquelle certaines rencontres et événements sportifs ESPN+ sont accessibles depuis hier).  

On note que les droits télévisés couvrent également les marchés d'Amérique latine, des Caraïbes et une partie de l'Europe.

Citation :

The Walt Disney Company, ESPN and National Hockey League Reach Groundbreaking Long-Term Agreement

* The world’s best hockey league is coming to the industry-leading collection of linear and direct-to-consumer platforms for sports – ABC, ESPN, ESPN+ and Hulu

* The Stanley Cup Final and Stanley Cup Playoffs coming to ABC and ESPN; 100 exclusive regular-season games per season across ESPN’s networks and streaming platforms

* Streaming is a key element in the landmark agreement; exclusive national games stream live on both ESPN+ and Hulu; more than 1,000 out-of-market games available to all ESPN+ subscribers

* Deal also includes digital, highlight and international rights

The Walt Disney Company, ESPN and the National Hockey League have reached a historic and innovative seven-year television, streaming and media rights deal, taking the new partnership from the beginning of the 2021-22 season through the 2027-28 season.

The visionary, first-of-its-kind agreement brings the NHL back to Disney and ESPN platforms and illustrates the unique position of The Walt Disney Company to bring the best hockey in the world to millions across its unparalleled collection of media platforms.

It is highlighted by: exclusive coverage of the Stanley Cup Final on ABC in four of the seven years of the agreement, with the ability to simulcast/megacast on ESPN+ and additional ESPN networks; the return of live NHL action to ESPN networks with 25 exclusive national regular-season games on ABC or ESPN; 75 national regular-season games per season produced by ESPN that will stream exclusively on both ESPN+ and Hulu; half of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on ABC and ESPN each season; and coverage annually of NHL’s Face-off (opening night games), the NHL All-Star Game and Skills Challenge, plus other NHL special events each season.

Additionally, the NHL’s out-of-market streaming package, with more than 1,000 games (formerly on NHL.TV), will now be available for fans to stream only as part of an ESPN+ subscription.

The agreement also includes extensive highlight rights that will add to coverage across ESPN’s year-round news and highlights programming, and to coverage on the ESPN App and social media. International media rights – including in Latin America, the Caribbean and parts of Europe – are also part of the agreement.

“This partnership of the world’s top hockey league and the platforms of The Walt Disney Company is a big win for our fans and our game,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “Not only will this groundbreaking, seven-year deal enable the NHL to benefit from the incomparable power, reach and influence of The Walt Disney Company and ABC/ESPN, it sets a new standard in delivering our game to the most passionate and tech-savvy fans in sports in the ways they now demand and on the platforms they use.”

Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN and Sports Content said, “This agreement clearly underscores The Walt Disney Company’s leadership in the sports media landscape and serves as a blueprint for sports deals in the future. We know the power of the NHL and are thrilled to welcome it back as a significant new pillar across our platforms, and we look forward to connecting more deeply and directly with some of the sports world’s most passionate fans.”

Kareem Daniel, Chairman, Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution said, “This is the kind of innovative deal that only The Walt Disney Company and our portfolio of media platforms and businesses can bring to life. The combination of streaming leadership with ESPN+ and Hulu, along with our powerhouse ABC and ESPN networks, will bring the NHL into the homes and lives of millions of passionate fans – and help create new ones. It’s a hat trick that delivers incredible value to our partner, our business and consumers.”

Stanley Cup Final, Stanley Cup Playoffs and NHL Regular Season action return to ABC and ESPN networks

Under the new agreement, the NHL’s Stanley Cup Final and Stanley Cup Playoffs action will return to the ABC and ESPN networks – including exclusive coverage of the Stanley Cup Final in four of the seven years of the deal – beginning with the 2021-22 season.

Additionally, in each season of the agreement, ESPN and ABC will have live, exclusive coverage of one Conference Final series and half of all First Round and Second Round games from the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Throughout the regular season, 25 games from the NHL schedule will be carried live, exclusively on ABC or ESPN.

Live game coverage, plus studio, surround and original programming plans across all of The Walt Disney Company’s networks and streaming platforms will be announced in the coming months, including a new weekly studio show during the NHL season on ABC, ESPN or ESPN2.

NHL Streaming on ESPN+ and Hulu

Beginning with the start of the 2021-22 season in October, ESPN+ will stream more than 1,000 live NHL games per season, including 75 national games per season produced by ESPN and streamed exclusively on both ESPN+ and Hulu, a first. Additionally, ESPN+ subscribers get truly incredible value with more than 1,000 out-of-market games now available digitally only on the industry-leading sports streaming service – making it a must-have for hockey fans. ESPN+, which topped 12.1 million subscribers by the end of 2020, nearly doubling in a year, also features “In the Crease” an exclusive original highlights show, hosted by ESPN’s Linda Cohn and Barry Melrose each NHL gameday throughout the season.

The new agreement also showcases that Hulu is a truly distinctive streaming product and marks the first major sports agreement to include exclusive, live sports rights on Hulu – bringing the NHL to Hulu’s 39.4 million subscription video on-demand (SVOD) customers. The 75 games available to ESPN+ subscribers will be available to Hulu SVOD subscribers at no added cost as part of their subscription.

The agreement also comes as Disney is launching “ESPN+ on Hulu,” which will give Hulu subscribers with access to the service’s on-demand streaming library the choice to sign up for, and view, ESPN+ – including thousands of live events, and acclaimed original shows, series and documentaries – directly in the Hulu environment.

The combination highlights the value and growth of both services and The Disney Bundle (which offers consumers Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu, all for $13.99 or $19.99 per month*).

The NHL first appeared on ESPN on Dec. 19, 1979, only about three months after the network went on air. ESPN’s coverage recorded milestones both on and off the ice the in the first nine seasons, including being the first U.S. network to produce an NHL All-Star Game in 1986. After a four-year absence, the league returned to the network in 1992 and aired for the first time on ESPN2 the following season, just days after the channel’s debut. In the years that followed, the NHL played a key role in the expansion of ESPN2, leading to ESPN and ESPN2 celebrating their 1,000th NHL telecast on March 8, 1998. Over the years, ESPN introduced its innovative production elements to hockey coverage, including electronic cut-ins (1980), MaskCam (1998), SkyCam (1998) and more. The network’s most recent TV rights deal with the league concluded in 2005.

Live daily out-of-market game coverage and the “In the Crease” daily studio show have been carried on ESPN+ since 2018. Additionally, Disney (and BAMTech, prior to its acquisition by Disney) has been a technology and streaming partner for the NHL since 2015.

ESPN - 10 mars 2021.

https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2021/03/the-walt-disney-company-espn-and-national-hockey-league-reach-groundbreaking-long-term-agreement/

Citation :

NHL deal with ESPN, Disney takes hockey into the future TV, streaming platforms will help grow game, give fans more options

The news should be music to the ears of hockey fans, like the old "NHL on ESPN" theme song.

The NHL will be back on ESPN for the first time since 2004.

The Walt Disney Co., ESPN and the NHL announced a seven-year media rights deal Wednesday that will start next season and run through 2027-28.

But this deal isn't about the past. It's about the future. It's a combination of traditional television and cutting-edge streaming that should help Disney grow its audience, help the NHL grow the game and give fans more options.

"This is a win-win-win," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said.

The NHL will still be in places fans expect. The Stanley Cup Final will be on ABC in four of the seven years of the deal. ABC and ESPN will carry one conference final series and half of the first- and second-round games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs each season, plus 25 regular-season games.

(Remember that the remainder of the media rights are to be negotiated, and NBC, in the last year of a 10-year deal as the NHL's current U.S. partner, is in the bidding. This is only part of the picture.)

But ESPN will also produce 75 national games each regular season and stream them on ESPN+ and Hulu, and it will stream more than 1,000 out-of-market games each regular season on ESPN+, replacing NHL.TV.

"Streaming really is at the heart of this deal, and this is a reflection of its role as a critical part of our future," ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said.

More than that, Pitaro said it will be a model for sports media rights deals. As the late Walter Gretzky once told his son Wayne, "Skate to where the puck is going, not where it has been."

Pitaro said when Disney and ESPN looked at the data, the NHL had the largest growth in fandom among the major professional sports leagues since 2005. Viewership among ages 18-48, a critical demographic, was up about 30 percent in 2021, according to his latest numbers. The younger demos were up double digits. These are tech-savvy folks.

"That's all music to our ears as we look to attracting the younger generation," Pitaro said. "We think NHL content, live games, are going to significantly help us."

ESPN+ already topped 12.1 million subscribers by the end of 2020, and now it's going to have 75 national NHL games each regular season, plus more than 1,000 out-of-market games. Pitaro said ESPN thinks ESPN+ will be a must-have for hockey fans.

"We love the fact that we have a significant number of games," Pitaro said. "This deal really is the first of its kind if you look at the amount of national exclusive inventory that's going to live on a direct-to-consumer platform. This hasn't been done before. And then on top of that, really the jewel, or the centerpiece, is the out-of-market games."

But wait. Those 75 national NHL games each regular season also will be available to Hulu subscription video on-demand customers at no added cost. There are already 39.4 million of them.

That showcases Hulu for Disney and assures enough oomph for the NHL.

"We wanted to make sure that those games were being widely distributed, and so the combination of ESPN+ and Hulu gives us tremendously broad distribution, approaching the level of some cable services now," Commissioner Bettman said.

Commissioner Bettman said the deal gives the NHL the best of both worlds, but those worlds are changing and will continue to evolve at a rapid pace.

"This reflected the reality of what the media world's looking like now," Commissioner Bettman said. "Everybody knows that there's cord cutting, and everybody knows that these streaming platforms are growing dramatically.

"We think at some point, probably relatively early on in this deal, there's going to be a convergence because of the explosion in the growth [of streaming] and some of the softness [in television] with cord cutting.

"For our fans, this is an opportunity for our younger fans to give them what they want on the places where they go for content."

ESPN's platforms are important places in the sports world. Not only does this deal mean games on ESPN, it means more hockey content on ESPN to support those games and the game as a whole.

"You'll really see the power of the ESPN megaphone," Pitaro said.

That's music to the NHL's ears.

"I'm well aware of their ability to promote and market and reach more sports fans than anybody else, and I think that is going to continue our growth and was an extraordinarily important part of the attractiveness of us coming together with this partnership," Commissioner Bettman said.

"I think their reach particularly for young people will continue our growth, so we enter into this deal with an expectation together that we're each doing something new. We're going to have a new partner, they're going to have a new property, and together that's going to energize both of us to in effect hopefully make both of us better and let each of us grow our fan bases and our viewership."

NHL National Hockey League - 10 mars 2021.

Citation :

NHL, Disney reach 'groundbreaking' seven-year multi-platform broadcast deal

The National Hockey League and Walt Disney Co said on Wednesday they reached what the NHL commissioner called a “groundbreaking” seven-year TV, streaming and media rights deal that will bring games to ABC, ESPN and streaming platforms.

The partnership, which will begin with the NHL’s 2021-22 season, is highlighted by exclusive coverage of the Stanley Cup Final on ABC in four of the seven years of the agreement.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed but was widely reported to be worth between $2 billion and $2.5 billion.

In total, there will be 100 exclusive regular-season games per season across ESPN’s networks and streaming platforms.

Additionally, the NHL’s out-of-market streaming package, with more than 1,000 games, will be available for fans to stream only as part of an ESPN+ subscription.

“I believe it is fair to say we were both satisfied with the arrangement that we reached and when I had this approved by the NHL owners on Monday unanimously, they were satisfied,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman told a media call to discuss the deal. “We think we have become more valuable over time.”

Bettman described the deal, which includes digital, highlight and international rights, as “groundbreaking” and one that would allow the league to benefit from the power, reach and influence of Disney.

“This is a win, win, win,” said Bettman. “A win for ESPN and the Walt Disney Company, a win for the NHL and most importantly a win for fans.”

The deal “puts us on the cutting edge of content distribution,” he added.

The NHL’s current 10-year, estimated $2 billion broadcast deal with NBC expires at the end of the 2020-21 season.

Like other North American sports leagues, the NHL has endured a difficult stretch that has seen a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has kept fans out of arenas.

A league heavily dependent on gate revenues, Bettman said last year as it was forced into quarantine bubbles in Toronto and Edmonton to complete the season that it would have been cheaper to shut doors and not play.

Under the new agreement, ESPN and ABC will have exclusive live coverage of one Conference Final series and half of all first-round and second-round playoff games in each season of the deal.

Reuters - 10 mars 2021.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-icehockey-nhl-disney-idUSKBN2B22MJ

Bob Iger, président exécutif, et Bob Chapek, président-directeur général de The Walt Disney Company ont affirmé ces derniers mois à plusieurs reprises leur volonté de centrer les investissements sur l'activité de streaming de l'entreprise, ce qui nécessite un grand apport régulier de contenu.

Si les plateformes Disney+, Hulu et Star+ ont dernièrement reçu beaucoup d'attention, la plateforme ESPN+ et les réseaux ESPN et ABC ne sont pas oubliés pour autant.

Après la Ligue nationale de hockey (NHL) la semaine dernière, The Walt Disney Company a signé un accord de longue durée avec la Ligue nationale de football américain (NFL) pour accroître la diffusion de matchs sur ESPN, ABC et ESPN+ !

The Walt Disney Company versera annuellement 2,7 milliards de dollars à Ligue nationale de football américain pour ces droits de diffusion qui incluent également deux finales du championnat : Super Bowl LXI (saison 2026) et Super Bowl LXV (saison 2030).

Un retour après une longue absence, les chaines télévisées du groupe Disney ayant diffusé leur dernière finale de championnat en 2006. Les Super Bowl LXI et LXV pourraient potentiellement être diffusées en direct simultanément sur les réseaux ESPN et ABC.

Comme pour le hockey sur glace, les matchs acquis seront partagés sur les réseaux ABC et ESPN et la plateforme de streaming ESPN+.

Citation :

The Walt Disney Company, ESPN and National Football League Reach Landmark Long-Term Agreement

* More Postseason Games: Super Bowls on ABC/ESPN and Additional Playoff Telecasts

* More Exclusive National ESPN+ Content Including New Live Game Rights and NFL PrimeTime

* 35% More Regular-Season Matchups: Monday Night Football Featuring Three Weeks With Multiple Games, Plus Saturday Action

* Enhanced Schedule Quality and Flexibility

* Comprehensive Highlights, NFL Draft, Pro Bowl and More

* 10-year Agreement Begins in 2023

The Walt Disney Company, ESPN and the National Football League (NFL) have reached a wide-ranging, long-term agreement that will result in ABC/ESPN joining the Super Bowl rotation, additional playoff action, exclusive national ESPN+ matchups over the course of the agreement, significantly more regular-season contests including Monday Night Football, enhanced game quality, new schedule flexibility and more. The historic 10-year agreement, which begins with the 2023 season, was announced today by Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company, Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, ESPN and Sports Content, and Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner. (Note: Updated information about ESPN’s plans for the interim 2021 and 2022 seasons is documented at the bottom of the release.)

Statement from Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company

“This landmark agreement guarantees that ESPN’s passionate fan base will continue to have access to the best the NFL has to offer. Bringing all the considerable and unique capabilities of The Walt Disney Company and ESPN to the table opens up so many opportunities across our industry-leading direct-to-consumer, broadcast, cable, linear, social and digital outlets. Special thanks to Roger Goodell and the NFL owners for continuing to embrace new ways to appeal to their fans, especially through increasingly important platforms like ESPN+.”

Statement from Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, ESPN and Sports Content

“When ESPN and the NFL work best together, the results are transformational for sports fans and the industry.  Some of the most remarkable collaborative examples have occurred in the past 12 months and have demonstrated the extraordinary range of The Walt Disney Company that is fundamental to this agreement. There are so many exciting new components, including Super Bowls and added playoff games, new end-of-season games with playoff implications, exclusive streaming games on ESPN+, scheduling flexibility and enhancements, and much more.  It’s a wide-ranging agreement unlike any we’ve reached with the NFL, and we couldn’t be more energized about what the future holds.”

Statement from Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner

“We are thrilled to extend and expand our partnership with Disney far into the future, as ESPN will continue to host cable’s most-watched series, Monday Night Football, and ABC is returning as a Super Bowl broadcaster. We look forward to working with Disney as they use new platforms, including ESPN+, in innovative ways to reach even more NFL fans.”

Super Bowls Accentuate Expanded Postseason Offerings

ABC/ESPN will carry two Super Bowls (2026, 2030 seasons) as part of a rotation between the NFL’s media partners, marking the first time that an ESPN-NFL agreement included such Super Bowl rights. ABC last televised the Super Bowl in February 2006 (2005 NFL season). Also, ESPN will present more playoff action, adding an annual divisional round game to its schedule, which will continue to include a wild-card matchup.

ESPN+ Exclusive National Live Game Rights Strengthen Impactful NFL Streaming Content

A highlight of ESPN’s increased regular-season package will be one annual exclusive national game on ESPN+, the industry-leading sports streaming service. The game will take place internationally and will be aired live in the Sunday morning ET window. Additionally, this agreement allows ESPN the opportunity to simulcast all ESPN/ABC game telecasts on ESPN+.

Also included is rights for the return of ESPN+ NFL PrimeTime, the iconic NFL highlights show, each week on the streaming platform. NFL PrimeTime is the most-watched, non-game ESPN+ original program. Since its 2018 launch, ESPN+ has showcased a wide variety of top quality NFL content, including the highly-acclaimed Peyton’s Places, and the upcoming multi-part Man in the Arena series focusing on Tom Brady’s Super Bowl journeys. ESPN+ has grown to 12.1 million subscribers.

Monday Night Football To Include Three Weeks With Multiple Monday Games; Saturday Action Also Coming

ESPN will increase its regular-season schedule by 35% — six more games per year (from 17 to 23). It will include an ESPN game on Monday nights (including three weeks with a separate game on ABC), a Saturday doubleheader the season’s final week and the Sunday morning game on ESPN+. Monday Night Football, which has been aired on ESPN in primetime since 2006, remains cable’s most-watched series.

The added two Saturday games will take place during the final week of the regular season and will showcase matchups with playoff implications. Both of those games will be simulcast on ABC and ESPN.

Increased Quality for Game Matchups Via Added Flexibility and Team Appearances

The agreement includes new elements that will enhance the caliber of the Monday Night Football slate. First, the schedule will be more flexible than in years past with the ability for the NFL to swap a more meaningful game into the Monday Night Football slot with 12 days’ notice from Week 12 on. Additionally, top teams will appear more often, as a result of the agreement which provides ESPN the ability to showcase any four teams at least twice, leading to even more compelling games.

Comprehensive Highlights Rights, NFL Draft, Pro Bowl, Studio Shows, MegaCasts, International and More

As part of the agreement, ESPN will supplement its game coverage with the most extensive NFL content at scale across every available platform. Fueled by comprehensive NFL highlights rights, ESPN will continue to offer and/or develop NFL-branded programming (e.g. – NFL Live), pre- and post-game shows, news, analysis and highlights studio shows, storytelling vehicles, digital and social content and much more. It also includes data rights (e.g. – NFL’s Next Gen stats).

In addition, ESPN has once again secured rights to the annual Pro Bowl. Other key elements include opportunities for alternate telecasts (e.g. – MegaCasts), extending and expanding ESPN’s international rights (including areas in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, Oceania, India), ESPN Deportes and more.

ESPN has also obtained rights to NFL Drafts, an event that has been an ESPN fixture since 1980, as part of the agreement.

The rights in this new agreement provide flexibility to maximize current and potential future distribution of ESPN.

2021 and 2022 Seasons

The 2021 season will be the last in ESPN’s current arrangement with the NFL. ESPN and the NFL have reached a bridge agreement for 2022 – the year between when the previous agreement expires and the new 10-year extension begins. For both the 2021 and 2022 seasons, all the foundational components from the agreement expiring in 2021 will be included (e.g. – weekly Monday Night Football games), in addition to select elements from the new 10-year agreement. For example, in 2021, ESPN will be adding the two Saturday games with playoff implications on the last weekend of the regular-season. For the 2022 bridge year, ESPN will showcase the two Saturday games with playoff implications on the last weekend of the season, a Sunday morning ESPN+ game and one ABC Monday Night Football broadcast on a week there is also an ESPN Monday Night Football telecast.

ESPN and NFL

ESPN has been delivering distinctive NFL content since its first calendar year. A combination of live NFL games (since 1987) and groundbreaking studio programming have led the way. Today, ESPN’s platforms provide in-depth, year-round coverage of the league, from NFL game action to special events, to news, highlights, analysis and storytelling.

https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2021/03/the-walt-disney-company-espn-and-national-football-league-reach-landmark-long-term-agreement/

Petit événement dans le monde du hockey sur glace avec l'intégration d'une nouvelle équipe dans la Ligue nationale de hockey !

Le Kraken de Seattle a officiellement rejoint la Ligue nationale de hockey le 30 avril lorsque l'organisation a effectué le paiement final de ses frais d'expansion.

Cette 32e équipe de la Ligue nationale de hockey va entreprendre ses activités au cours de la saison 2021-22 qui débutera le 12 octobre prochain.

Le repêchage d'expansion 2021, qui aura lieu le 21 juillet, suivra les mêmes règles que le repêchage d'expansion qui a permis aux Golden Knights de Vegas de bâtir sa formation en 2017 après avoir rejoint la Ligue nationale de hockey en qualité de 31e équipe.

Le Kraken va sélectionner un joueur de chaque équipe, à l'exception des Golden Knights, pour un total de 30 joueurs (14 attaquants, neuf défenseurs et trois gardiens), en plus de joueurs supplémentaires qui pourraient être acquis en raison de violations des règles du repêchage d'expansion.

Le repêchage d'expansion 2021 de la nouvelle concession de la Ligue nationale de hockey sera retransmise en direct sur ESPN 2, la seconde chaîne du réseau américain ESPN, ce mercredi 21 juillet 2021 à 17h00 heure du Pacifique (soit jeudi à 02h00 heure de Paris).

C'est un peu passé inaperçu durant la conférence téléphonique avec les analystes financiers qui a suivi la présentation des résultats financiers du quatrième trimestre de l'exercice fiscal 2021, mais Bob Chapek, PDG de The Walt Disney Company, a déclaré que la société se développerait dans les paris sportifs via ESPN.

Depuis que la Cour suprême des États-Unis a annulé l'interdiction des paris sportifs en 2018, trente-deux États et Washington, D.C. ont légalisé le marché des paris et l'argent des parieurs coule à flot.

Les Américains ont parié 24 milliards de dollars au premier semestre 2021, ce qui se traduit par environ 2 milliards de dollars de revenus bruts.

D'ici 2030, l'industrie devrait générer 30 milliards de dollars de revenus bruts (soit quinze fois plus) sur environ 400 milliards de dollars de paris estimés, pas étonnant que Disney cherche à mettre la main sur une part du gâteau !  

Citation :

“We're also moving towards a greater presence in online sports betting, and given our reach and scale, we have the potential to partner with third-parties in this space in a very meaningful way,” Chapek said on Wednesday during the company’s fourth quarter earnings call.

“We do believe that sports betting is a very significant opportunity for the company, and it's all driven by the consumer,” says Chapek. “It's driven by the consumer, particularly the younger consumer that will replenish the sports fans over time and their desire to have gambling as part of their sports experience.”

“Disney must seriously consider getting into gambling in a bigger way, and ESPN is a perfect platform for this.”

“There’s a long way between imbedding into ESPN as a business model and licensing out.” Chapek said. “Let’s just say that our fans are really interested in sports betting. Let’s say that our partners with the leagues are interested in sports betting, so we’re interested in sports betting.”

“Gambling does not have the cachet now that it had, say 10 or 20 years ago, and we have some concerns as a company about our ability to get in it without having a brand withdrawal,” said Chapek.

“But I can tell you that given all the research that we've done recently, that that is not the case. It actually strengthens the brand of ESPN when you have a betting component, and it has no impact on the Disney brand. Therefore, to go after that demographic opportunity plus the, of course, not insignificant revenue implications, that is something that we're keenly interested in and are pursuing aggressively.”

ESPN a nommé Marsha Cooke vice-présidente et productrice exécutive des films documentaires ESPN (dont une partie vient ensuite enrichir l'offre de la plateforme de streaming Disney+).

Elle supervisera le développement, la production, la distribution et la stratégie de marque ESPN et sera responsable de la stratégie de tous les projets sous l'égide d'ESPN Films, y compris la série documentaire 30 pour 30 (30 for 30) en cours depuis 2009.

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ESPN Hires Award-Winning Executive Marsha Cooke as Vice President & Executive Producer, ESPN Films and 30 for 30

ESPN has hired award-winning news and media veteran Marsha Cooke as vice president & executive producer for ESPN Films. In her new role, she will oversee development, production, distribution, branding and strategy of all projects under the ESPN Films umbrella, including the 30 for 30 series. She will be based in New York, reporting to Brian Lockhart, senior vice president, ESPN Films and Original Content.

Said Cooke: “ESPN creates groundbreaking stories for both sports fans and non-sports fans. Quite simply, it’s essential viewing and I’m thrilled to be joining this esteemed organization.”

Cooke will be joining ESPN from VICE Media Group, where she is senior vice president of global news and special projects. In her role at VICE, Cooke developed and produced special news and entertainment projects across VMG digital and broadcast platforms, leading the youth media company in pushing the limits of broadcast news formats and playing a key role in integrating VICE’s forward-thinking values with its award-winning content.

Cooke was instrumental in leading VICE News’ first-ever live coverage of the 2020 Iowa Brown and Black Forum, the nation’s oldest and only non-partisan presidential forum dedicated exclusively to addressing issues facing communities of color. With unprecedented candidate attendance and a groundbreaking, engaging format, the program won a national news Emmy. Cooke also previously led IMPACT at VICE, where she directed social good and community engagement in order to build and strengthen VICE’s culture, partnerships, and social responsibility initiatives, with a focus on ensuring the company’s work would affect long standing change in local and global communities.

“Marsha’s extensive production experience, creative mind, and global perspective make her a tremendous asset to our team,” said Lockhart. “As we prepare for a dramatic expansion of our storytelling scope, her strategic thinking and leadership will help guide this ambitious next phase of the 30 for 30 brand. We are delighted to welcome her to ESPN.”

Prior to VICE, Cooke spent 24 years at CBS. She was the first Black Asia Bureau Chief, responsible for coverage across the continent, producing stories for various CBS News shows and she served as VP of news services, in charge of the Newspath newsgathering group serving 200 CBS affiliates nationwide and broadcasters around the world. Before that, Cooke was executive editor of content at CBSN, the 24-hour digital streaming news network, where she led the unit’s push into original documentaries and helped guide breaking news coverage, and also was a senior broadcast producer for “CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley.”

During her time at CBS, Cooke was the recipient of a News & Documentary Emmy Award and a Gracie Award. She is a graduate of Temple University, where she is also a recipient of the Lew Klein Media Award, an inductee of the Alumni Hall of Fame and the university’s Gallery of Success. She was featured in O Magazine in 2019. She is on the board of Solutions Journalism, Capital B, The City, an online, nonprofit newsroom, the Alliance of Women in Media and is a founding member of The Meteor.

Cooke lives in New York City where she is a voracious reader, ridiculous foodie, long-suffering NY sports fan and a proud first generation Jamaican-American.

Le câblo-opérateur américain Comcast Corporation et The Walt Disney Company annoncent le renouvellement de leur accord de distribution de contenu qui continuera ainsi de mettre la solide gamme de programmes sportifs, d'actualités, pour enfants et la famille et de divertissement en général à la disposition des clients de Xfinity TV de Comcast Corporation.

L'accord concerne les chaînes ESPN, les chaînes de marque Disney (Disney channel, ABC...), Freeform, les chaînes FX et les chaînes National Geographic.

Depuis le début de l'année, les clients de Xfinity TV ont déjà la possibilité d'accéder aux services des plateformes de streaming Disney+, Hulu et ESPN+.

De plus, Comcast Corporation distribuera la chaîne ACCN d'ESPN à ses clients Xfinity, permettant aux fans et aux adeptes de l'Atlantic Coast Conference d'accéder au réseau multiplateforme dans les semaines à venir (la chaîne de télévision américaine ACC Network lancée en 2019 est dédiée à la couverture de l'Atlantic Coast Conference regroupant 15 universités de l'est américain et 15 disciplines sportives).

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Comcast and The Walt Disney Company Announce Content Carriage Agreement

ESPN’S ACC Network to Launch in Coming Weeks

Comcast and The Walt Disney Company announced today the companies have renewed their content carriage agreement and will continue to make Disney’s robust lineup of sports, news, kids, family and general entertainment programming available to Xfinity TV customers. Additionally, Comcast will distribute the ACC Network to its Xfinity customers, allowing fans and followers of the Atlantic Coast Conference to access the multiplatform network in the coming weeks.

The multi-year agreement encompasses continued distribution of Disney’s cable channels, including the ESPN networks, the Disney branded channels, Freeform, the FX networks, and the National Geographic channels. The renewal also includes continued distribution of the SEC Network, now in its eighth season, as well as retransmission consent for the ABC Owned Television Stations in New York (ABC7/WABC-TV), Chicago (ABC7/WLS-TV), Philadelphia (6ABC/WPVI-TV), San Francisco (ABC7/KGO-TV), Houston (ABC13/KTRK-TV), Raleigh-Durham (ABC11/WTVD-TV) and Fresno (ABC30/KFSN-TV). Earlier this year, Comcast launched Disney+ and ESPN+ to Xfinity customers and those services continue to be available.

“We are very pleased to have reached this comprehensive agreement with Disney to continue providing Xfinity customers access to their content across our industry-leading platforms,” said Rebecca Heap, Senior Vice President, Consumer Products & Propositions, Comcast Cable.

“We’re very happy to extend our longstanding relationship with Comcast and continue to provide their Xfinity customers with Disney’s best-in-class programming,” said Sean Breen, Executive Vice President, Platform Distribution, Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution. “In addition to our news, sports and general entertainment offerings, the launch of the ACC Network in the coming weeks, paired with the renewal of the SEC Network, will give Xfinity’s college sports fans long-awaited access to their favorite games.”

Xfinity delivers all the best live, on demand and streaming entertainment to customers via its X1 and Flex devices, all accessible and discoverable with the award-winning Xfinity Voice Remote. X1 and Flex customers can access Disney’s premier programming by saying the name of a Disney channel (like “Freeform” or “ESPN”) or streaming services (like “Disney+,” “Hulu” or “ESPN+”) in the voice remote, or by saying the name of a desired title from the Disney channels or streaming services.

ESPN - 30 novembre 2021.

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ESPN’s ACC Network to Launch in Comcast’s Xfinity Markets in Coming Weeks; ACC Network Achieves Full Distribution

Announced earlier today, Comcast will distribute ACC Network (ACCN) to its Xfinity customers, allowing fans and followers of the Atlantic Coast Conference to access the multiplatform network in the coming weeks. The availability of ACCN is part of Comcast and The Walt Disney Company’s content carriage agreement renewal that will continue to make Disney’s programming available to Xfinity TV customers.

With the addition of Comcast, ACCN is now fully distributed with every major satellite, telco and digital provider across the country, and available to nearly 90 million households. Further launch details in Comcast’s Xfinity markets will be available in the coming weeks.

“ACCN provides tremendous value to college sports fans, and we are excited about this agreement with Comcast, which ensures subscribers will have access to the full slate of content offered on ACCN and ACCNX,” said Ilan Ben-Hanan, Senior Vice President, Programming & Acquisitions, ESPN. “ACC fans will now have the opportunity to watch ACCN’s extensive lineup of live sporting events, studio shows and original programming in the coming weeks.”

“We are thrilled that ACC Network has reached full distribution with the addition of Comcast to our already robust lineup of providers,” said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. “ACC Network, led by Jimmy Pitaro and Burke Magnus, continues to be an outstanding partner that does a tremendous job of showcasing our student-athletes, coaches and programs. This is a milestone moment in the short history of ACCN, and we appreciate the continued leadership at Disney, ESPN and ACCN for working diligently to make this a reality.”

ACCN annually televises more than 500 regular-season and tournament games from across the conference’s 27 sponsored sports, including football, baseball, softball, field hockey, volleyball, wrestling, men’s and women’s basketball, lacrosse and soccer, plus a complement of news and information shows and original programming. Together, ACCN and its digital platform, ACCNX, combine to feature more than 1,500 ACC events each year. The network is an all-access pass to nationally competitive events, expert analysis, documentaries, classic games and in-depth features on the premiere athletic and academic conference in college athletics.

ESPN - 30 novembre 2021.

J'aimerais tant voir les programmes de ESPN débarquer un jour en France, je rêve de voir la NHL & autres en France en langue française... Je verrais bien une rubrique "Sport en direct" sur Disney + ? Est-ce que le rêve est permis ???

La plupart des sports US sont déjà diffusé sur les chaînes françaises comme canal+ pour la NHL et Bein Sport pour les autres. Après le décalage horaire n'est pas génial pour nous européens.
Pour ce qui est de l'arrivée D'ESPN en France c'est peu probable, c'est un marché assez fermé et surtout très coûteux.

velney a écrit:

La plupart des sports US sont déjà diffusé sur les chaînes françaises comme canal+ pour la NHL et Bein Sport pour les autres. Après le décalage horaire n'est pas génial pour nous européens.
Pour ce qui est de l'arrivée D'ESPN en France c'est peu probable, c'est un marché assez fermé et surtout très coûteux.

En ce qui concerne la NHL, il y a juste 1 match de diffusé (pas forcément en direct), c'est trop peu pour dire que la NHL est diffusé sur le territoire français !!!!!

lepapacaribou a écrit:

velney a écrit:

La plupart des sports US sont déjà diffusé sur les chaînes françaises comme canal+ pour la NHL et Bein Sport pour les autres. Après le décalage horaire n'est pas génial pour nous européens.
Pour ce qui est de l'arrivée D'ESPN en France c'est peu probable, c'est un marché assez fermé et surtout très coûteux.

En ce qui concerne la NHL, il y a juste 1 match de diffusé (pas forcément en direct), c'est trop peu pour dire que la NHL est diffusé sur le territoire français !!!!!

Effectivement si la NHL t'intéresse particulièrement canal+ n'est pas suffisant mais malheureusement c'est le seul diffuseur officiel. Il y a bien NHL Live mais j'ignore si il faut obligatoirement un VPN. Le hockey sur glace n'est pas un sport très populaire chez les fromages qui puent  
Mais j'aime bien le système de Star+ en Amérique du Sud.

The Walt Disney Company va réorganiser ses activités tentaculaires en trois segments principaux :  Divertissement, Parcs, Expériences et Produits et ESPN qui comprend le réseau TV et le service de streaming ESPN+.

Cette décision fait suite au démantèlement de Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution créé par l’ancien PDG Bob Chapek.

Bob Iger, actuel PDG de l'entreprise, a déclaré aujourd’hui que transformer ESPN en une unité commerciale distincte ne représente en aucun cas un pas vers une vente du segment ESPN, concluant qu'une vente ne serait pas le bon choix pour The Walt Disney Company (tout en reconnaissant que la vente d'ESPN a été envisagée en son temps par son prédécesseur Bob Chapek).

Le président d’ESPN, Jimmy Pitaro, dirigera le segment ESPN.

Mercredi, lors de la présentation des résultats trimestriels, Bob Iger a également annoncé qu’il réduirait les coûts de 5,5 milliards de dollars, dont 3 milliards de dollars de contenu, hors sports.

Si le contenu sportif n'est pas touché par les réductions de coûts, Bob Iger a quand même souligné que lui et Jimmy Pitaro seraient plus sélectifs sur ce qu’ils dépenseront pour les droits sportifs, pointant les négociations à venir pour les droits de la National Basketball Association (NBA).

Bob Iger a également indiqué qu'il pensait qu'ESPN deviendrait inévitablement une entreprise axée sur le streaming.

Vinc a écrit:

The Walt Disney Company va réorganiser ses activités tentaculaires en trois segments principaux :  Divertissement, Parcs, Expériences et Produits et ESPN qui comprend le réseau TV et le service de streaming ESPN+.

Cette décision fait suite au démantèlement de Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution créé par l’ancien PDG Bob Chapek.

Bob Iger, actuel PDG de l'entreprise, a déclaré aujourd’hui que transformer ESPN en une unité commerciale distincte ne représente en aucun cas un pas vers une vente du segment ESPN, concluant qu'une vente ne serait pas le bon choix pour The Walt Disney Company (tout en reconnaissant que la vente d'ESPN a été envisagée en son temps par son prédécesseur Bob Chapek).

Le président d’ESPN, Jimmy Pitaro, dirigera le segment ESPN.

Mercredi, lors de la présentation des résultats trimestriels, Bob Iger a également annoncé qu’il réduirait les coûts de 5,5 milliards de dollars, dont 3 milliards de dollars de contenu, hors sports.

Si le contenu sportif n'est pas touché par les réductions de coûts, Bob Iger a quand même souligné que lui et Jimmy Pitaro seraient plus sélectifs sur ce qu’ils dépenseront pour les droits sportifs, pointant les négociations à venir pour les droits de la National Basketball Association (NBA).

Bob Iger a également indiqué qu'il pensait qu'ESPN deviendrait inévitablement une entreprise axée sur le streaming.

Du coup, une éventuelle chance de voir débarquer ESPN en streaming sur le terrtoire français ?

ESPN et la NFL (National Football League) seraient en pourparlers avancés sur un accord qui pourrait donner à la ligue une participation dans le géant de la télévision sportive.

Dans le cadre d'un accord potentiel, ESPN, propriété de The Walt Disney Company, prendrait le contrôle de NFL Media et la ligue recevrait des capitaux propres dans ESPN.

Pour la viabilité à long terme d'ESPN, s'aligner sur la ligue sportive la plus puissante renforcerait sa position alors que le réseau envisage de passer au consommateur direct d'ici 2025 mais il est encore possible que la date soit avancée à la fin de cette année.

Les discussions sont suffisamment avancées pour que les propriétaires des organisations (clubs) et l'Association des joueurs aient été informés des négociations.

NFL Media comprend NFL Network, NFL.com, NFL Red Zone, NFL Films et le service de streaming NFL+.

ESPN verse actuellement à la NFL environ 2,6 milliards de dollars par an pour les droits comprenant 25 matchs, mis en évidence par son programme hebdomadaire aux heures de grande écoute du lundi soir Monday Night Football.

ESPN s'entretiendrait également avec la NBA (National Basketball Association) et la MLB (Major League Baseball).

ESPN, Fox et Warner Bros. Discovery lanceront cette année une plateforme commune de streaming sportif.

ESPN, Fox et Warner Bros. Discovery prévoit de lancer un service commun de streaming sportif cet automne, offrant ainsi aux consommateurs une nouvelle façon d'accéder à des sports de renom en direct.

La nouvelle plateforme spécialement conçue pour les amateurs de sports, qui appartiendra à une société nouvellement créée avec sa propre équipe de direction, n'a pas encore de nom ni de prix. The Walt Disney Company, Fox et Warner Bros. Discovery détiendront chacun un tiers des parts.

Les consommateurs pourraient souscrire un abonnement directement via une nouvelle application.

Les abonnés auraient également la possibilité de regrouper le produit avec les plateformes de streaming  Disney+, Hulu et Max.

La plateforme comprendrait tous les réseaux de diffusion et de câble appartenant à Disney, Fox et Warner Bros. Discovery qui diffusent des sports, ainsi qu'ESPN+.

Cela inclut ESPN et ses réseaux frères, tels que ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, ainsi que le réseau de diffusion ABC. Les réseaux de Warner Bros. Discovery qui présentent le sport sont TNT, TBS et TruTV. Fox inclura la station de diffusion Fox ainsi que FS1, FS2 et BTN.

L'offre des sports proposés serait très large avec la NFL, la NBA, la WNBA, la MLB, la NHL, la NASCAR, les sports universitaires, l'UFC, le golf du PGA TOUR, le tennis du Grand Chelem, la Coupe du monde de la FIFA, le cyclisme et bien plus encore.

Les trois concurrents espèrent former ce service commun à une époque où les coûts des droits médiatiques sportifs augmentent alors que les téléspectateurs abandonnent le visionnage par câble traditionnel.

Le lancement de cette nouvelle plateforme n'empêchera pas ESPN d'offrir un produit complet de streaming directement au consommateur à la fin de l'année ou l'année prochaine.

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Bob Iger, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company said, “The launch of this new streaming sports service is a significant moment for Disney and ESPN, a major win for sports fans, and an important step forward for the media business. This means the full suite of ESPN channels will be available to consumers alongside the sports programming of other industry leaders as part of a differentiated sports-centric service. I’m grateful to Jimmy Pitaro and the team at ESPN, who are at the forefront of innovating on behalf of consumers to create new offerings with more choice and greater value.”

Lachlan Murdoch, Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer of FOX said, “We’re pumped to bring the FOX Sports portfolio to this new and exciting platform. We believe the service will provide passionate fans outside of the traditional bundle an array of amazing sports content all in one place.”

David Zaslav, Chief Executive Officer of Warner Bros. Discovery, said “At WBD, our ambition is always to connect our leading content and brands with as many viewers as possible, and this exciting joint venture and the unparalleled combination of marquee sports rights and access to the greatest sporting events in the world allows us to do just that. This new sports service exemplifies our ability as an industry to drive innovation and provide consumers with more choice, enjoyment and value and we’re thrilled to deliver it to sports fans.”

ESPN - 6 février 2024.

Pete Distad, un leader expérimenté dans les domaines des médias, du sport et de la technologie, a été nommé PDG du nouveau service de streaming sportif – une coentreprise formée par ESPN, FOX et Warner Bros.

Petr Distad, qui a récemment occupé le poste de cadre chez Apple pendant une décennie après six années chez Hulu, assumera la supervision de tous les aspects de la coentreprise, y compris la stratégie globale, la distribution, le marketing, les ventes et bien plus encore.

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Pete Distad Named CEO of New Sports Streaming Service

Pete Distad, an experienced leader in media, sports and technology, has been named CEO of the new sports streaming service – a joint venture formed by ESPN, FOX and Warner Bros. Discovery. Distad, who most recently served as an executive at Apple for a decade following six years at Hulu, will assume oversight of all aspects of the joint venture, including overall strategy, distribution, marketing, sales and more.

Distad worked at Apple from 2013-2023, where he was responsible for the business, operations and global distribution for Video, Sports and Apple TV+. While there, he launched the new Apple TV in 2015, and later led teams that launched and scaled the Apple TV app, Apple TV+, and MLS Season Pass. He originally joined the company to lead product marketing for the Apple TV hardware product.

His Hulu experience (2007-2013) included serving as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Distribution on the executive team. He was part of the original Hulu launch team, overseeing customer acquisition and retention, distribution and marketing.

Prior to Hulu, Distad worked in various technology and management consulting roles, including at McKinsey & Company, Calence (now Insight) and Andersen Consulting (now Accenture).

“This is an incredible opportunity to build and grow a differentiated product that will serve passionate sports fans in the US outside of the traditional pay TV bundle,” Distad said. “I’m excited to be able to pull together the industry-leading sports content portfolios from these three companies to deliver a new best-in-class service.”

ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery added the following joint statement: “Pete is an accomplished innovator and leader who has extensive experience with launching and growing new video services. We are confident he and his team will build an extremely compelling, fan-focused product for our target market.”

Upon establishment of the JV, Distad will report to its board of directors, which will include representatives selected by each of the three companies. He will be based at the to-be-established offices of the joint venture in Los Angeles, along with the independent management team he will assemble.

Sports streaming service from ESPN, FOX and XBF

The innovative new platform, announced in february, will bring together the companies’ portfolios of sports networks and certain of their direct-to-consumer (DTC) sports services – including content from all the major professional sports leagues and college sports. The formation of the pay service is subject to the negotiation of definitive agreements amongst the parties.

The sports streaming offering, scheduled to launch in the fall of 2024, will be made available directly to consumers via a new app. Subscribers would also have the ability to bundle the product, including with Disney+, Hulu and/or Max.

The platform would aggregate content to offer fans an extensive, dynamic lineup of sports content, aiming to provide a new and differentiated experience to serve sports fans, particularly those outside of the traditional pay TV bundle.

By subscribing to this focused, all-in-one premier sports service, fans would have access to the linear sports networks including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, ABC, FOX, FS1, FS2, BTN, TNT, TBS, truTV, as well as ESPN+.

The Walt Disney Company - 15 mars 2024. 

https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/pete-distad-ceo-sports-streaming-disney-fox-wbd/?fbclid=IwAR0qmARVcj8iteKalCfW6Qkg9SvgbeBBSOlCpKtdhbFsiUGblDwHRpKMRJQ