Disney Launches ESPN App With Live Sports AI and Hulu Bundle
Disney Unveils New ESPN App to Win Back Sports Fans
Disney has launched a new ESPN app designed to win back sports fans lost during the shift from cable to streaming.
The platform, described as far more advanced than the ESPN+ service introduced in 2018, will stream more than 47,000 live events annually, covering the NFL, NBA, WNBA, NHL, college football, tennis, golf, and other sports.
Priced at $30 per month, the app will also include ad-supported versions of Disney+ and Hulu as part of an introductory package.
“Fans want more than just live games,” ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said. “They want interaction and a complete experience.”
To meet that demand, the app will feature:
Customized news feeds, including a personalized version of SportsCenter.
AI-generated narration in the voices of ESPN anchors.
“Verts” are short vertical video highlights designed for mobile viewing.
Integrated fantasy stats alongside live games.
An ESPN Bet tab showing real-time betting activity for linked accounts.
Disney CEO Bob Iger hailed the app as “a sports fan’s dream.” Analysts say it is unlikely to trigger a mass exodus from pay TV but could attract younger viewers who never subscribed to cable.
ESPN’s reach has shrunk from 100 million U.S. households in 2010 to about 61 million this year. Still, the network remains a key profit driver for Disney, contributing nearly 22% of its operating income last quarter.
Subscribers to traditional pay TV will also get full access to the app. Pitaro said ESPN’s goal is to bring all viewers onto the platform, calling it “the most holistic experience.”
The launch will be backed by a major ad campaign featuring actor John Cena, highlighting the message: “All of ESPN. All in One Place.”
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