Streaming sports from 3 networks

ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros Discovery have reached agreement on a new streaming platform for live sports content, the companies said this week.

The platform would combine the sports offerings of the three networks in one product offering content from the US’ top leagues and is planned to be launched this year.

The networks said they had “reached an understanding on principal terms to form a new joint venture to build an innovative new platform to house a compelling streaming sports service”.

The companies said that the formation of the package is subject to them reaching “definitive agreements”.

The product is targeted at those who prefer to subscribe to streaming services rather than traditional cable TV packages.

“The platform would aggregate content to offer fans an extensive, dynamic line-up of sports content aiming to provide a new and differentiated experience to serve sports fans, particularly those outside of the traditional pay TV bundle,” they said.

Consumers would be able to bundle the product with existing broader streaming offerings from Disney+, Hulu and Max.

The new platform would provide access to ESPN's existing streaming platform ESPN+, as well as the main channels from ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros.

It would include games from the NFL, NBA and Major League Baseball, NASCAR, UFC, college sports, PGA Tour golf and international soccer, including the 2026 World Cup, which will be broadcast on Fox.

“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,” said Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company.

“The full suite of ESPN channels will be available to consumers alongside the sports programming of other industry leaders.”