For the first time, Disney’s flagship streaming service has become profitable.
Tl;dr
- Sports shows from ESPN will appear on Disney+ this year.
- Selective access to live games and studio programs will be available.
- New sports-based streaming service to launch with Fox Sports and Warner Bros.
- Disney+ achieved its first profitable quarter since its creation.
The long-awaited merger of Disney+ and ESPN
It is with some excitement that sports fans in the United States will welcome the upcoming arrival of live sports content from ESPN on the Disney+ platform. As announced by Disney CEO Bob Iger during an investor call, the move comes off a promising start for Hulu programming on the company’s flagship streaming service.
ESPN’s ambitious project on Disney
“By the end of this year, we will add an ESPN tile to Disney+, giving all U.S. subscribers access to select live matches and studio programming through the Disney+ app,” Iger said. He also emphasized that this initiative is the first step in bringing ESPN to the Disney+ audience. This is being done in preparation for the launch of their enhanced ESPN streaming service planned for fall 2025.
Partnership with Fox Sports and Warner Bros. Discovery
Alongside this announcement, Disney is also working in collaboration with Fox Sports and Warner Bros. Discovery on another sports streaming service planned for this year. This ambitious project will offer games from the NFL, MLB, NHL and NBA.
First profitable quarter for Disney+
As surprising as it may seem, Disney+ had its first profitable quarter after four and a half years of existence. The service, which was forecast to lose $100 million in the first three months of 2024, yet recorded a profit of $47 million. This unexpected success was undoubtedly helped by the broadcast of Taylor Swift’s concert film, Eras Tour, released on the platform in March.
