Disney first announced last year that it would be launching its first ever direct-to-consumer video streaming service in the form of ESPN+, with pricing confirmed in February …
Variety reported last week that the streaming sports service would be launching today, and that has now been confirmed.
ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro confirmed to CNBC that ESPN+ is rolling out today at a price of $4.99/month or $49.99/year.
Disney International chairman Kevin Mayer revealed that the service will be loss-making at launch.
One show ESPN expects to be popular is a basketball analysis show called “Detail,” written, produced and hosted by Kobe Bryant, where the former basketball star breaks down NBA games played the day before.
Live events will include more than 180 MLB and NHL games, along with thousands of college sports events.
“We have been a wholesaler in the past, and now we are going to be a retailer. … We are going to be able to capture a lot of value for shareholders,” Mayer told reporters this week.
The company says that it will be monitoring customer interest in its coverage and will adjust as required, including purchasing additional rights where needed.
