Wouldn’t it be nice to start your day off with a latte, newspaper and healthy dose of the World’s leader in Sports, ESPN from anywhere in the world? Well ladies and gentlemen, it may be closer to reality than one might have thought. Founded in 1979, the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, owned by The Walt Disney Company, in conjunction with Hearst Communications has expanded from just a cable sports channel, into the gold standard for sports networks.
As technological advances push forward, ESPN has managed to not only innovate, but adapt with the demand for streaming and broadcasting. In recent months, the network has held conversations with sports leagues and media outlets regarding launching a feature on the ESPN app and ESPN.com that will enable users to directly link to streaming live sporting events. This move would further ESPN’s position as the World’s leading provider of sports.
At the moment, it hasn’t been confirmed when the feature will go-live. All we do know is the possibility exists. To bring such a feature to life, there would need to be an agreement on behalf of ESPN’s many partners and the participating sports leagues. A tall task, but it is something that is in serious consideration. At current, ESPN holds a 30% share of all televised or streamed sports in the United States.
As with modern day streaming services, there will be a subscription model set up for users who sign up for the service through the ESPN app or website; however, for current subscribers, the service would come as a courtesy. The overall idea would of course increase the networks subscription revenue, while offering a never before offered service.
Currently, ESPN reach expands over 44 networks in 71 countries and territories across the globe. In addition, the network also includes digital, event management and radio. Known for its excellence in sports journalism, ESPN leads all sports networks with 230+ Sports Emmy Awards.
We will keep our eyes open for advancements on the possibility of live streaming sports to come. In a give it to me now market, ESPN seems to be in prime position to be the first to deliver.
