ESPN+ has increased its distribution to Xbox One and PlayStation 4. The subscription streaming network is embedded in the flagship ESPN app, which the network recently updated.
The addition of the gaming consoles adds to a lengthy inventory of compatible devices: Amazon Fire devices (TV, Stick, smart TVs, Tablets), Apple (iPhone, iPad, Apple TV), Android (phones, Android TV, Chromecast), and Roku devices. ESPN+ costs $4.99 per month or $49.99 for the year. The company reported passing one million subscribers in the first five months, a total that includes existing Insider users who also received the new service.
The OTT channel specializes in live sports, including near-daily MLB, NHL, and MLS games and a wide array of college sports. ESPN+ is also an option for international soccer (Italy’s Serie A, England’s FA Cup, Europe’s UEFA Nations League, and more), as well as fight sports, tennis, rugby, cricket, and esports. In addition, ESPN+ carries original programming, such as Detail and the archive of “30 for 30” documentaries.
SportTechie Takeaway
The marketplace for sports streaming services is getting crowded with new entrants such as ESPN+, DAZN, B/R Live, along with offerings from legacy broadcast networks CBS, NBC, and Fox. Content is king, but distribution is queen. And ESPN+ has the backing of what was once BAMTech (and now Disney’s direct-to-consumer division) to ensure that the content is distributed smoothly.