ESPN and its Premium Streaming Endeavors

Onn April 12th, ESPN will launch its new premium sports streaming service, ESPN +,  another step in major traditional broadcast companies pushing toward more direct-to-consumer content, and generating revenue from a potentially massively untapped market.

The streaming industry is risky, but already has proven to be a soluble method of selling music and movies to a larger market. Now additional a la carte streaming services marketed as cheaper alternatives to traditional cable providers are becoming even more popular.

The $4.99 a month ESPN streaming service is integrated directly into the already existing ESPN app but is missing one key component, ESPN itself. The main channel is absent from this service, instead providing users with more on-demand content, as well as access to one free game a day from MLB or NHL along with streaming other smaller-scale sports.

ESPN is surely reacting to monster revenue numbers from companies like Netflix which exceeded a modest $11 billion in revenue for Q4 2017 while also adding 24 million memberships in that quarter. A worry many streaming services experience is losing customer loyalty and the serious impact of a drop in subscriptions.  Netflix, however, is the prime example of generating the most money without losing significant numbers of subscribers.

Periodically news will release about a hike in Netflix subscription prices.  In its early years a Netflix subscription started at a humble $7.99.  Subsequently Netflix  began charging more for their monthly subscriptions. Subscriber rates did have periods of slower growth, yet the company never experienced a drop in subscriber rates. From Dec 2016 to Dec 2017, average ROI doubled for stock holders. There are now so many different streaming services available from traditional broadcast and internet media companies competing for consumer attention,  it’s clear that streaming quality content simply works for consumers in 2018.

ESPN competes with Fox Sports and CBS Sports streaming apps among several others. Without providing the main sports channel, ESPN tries to compensate. For example, the Khan vs Lo Greco boxing bout, PGA events,  tennis tournaments and a plethora of college sports are available on ESPN +  If the service garners traction it could be a big win for ESPN and its parent company Disney, and make it much easier for sports fans to cut the cord on their existing cable subscription.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

AMAG Technology
AMAG Technology: Control, Reliability, and Customer-First Supply Chain Excellence
April 2, 2025

At AMAG Technology, being customer-obsessed goes beyond a mindset—it’s built into every part of the operation. One of the company’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to manufacture its own products, offering a level of supply chain control that few competitors can match. Allan Price, Head of Global Supply Chain at AMAG, emphasizes how this…

Read More
visitor management solution
Reinventing Visitor Management Solution with Symmetry GUEST
April 2, 2025

In an age where speed and security are paramount, the traditional paper logbook is becoming a relic of the past. AMAG Technology’s Symmetry Guest system offers a modern, digital solution that redefines the way organizations welcome and manage visitors. Gone are the days of long lines and confusion at the front desk—Symmetry Guest empowers hosts…

Read More
AMAG
Driven by Customers, Defined by Innovation: Inside AMAG’s Customer-Obsessed Approach
April 2, 2025

AMAG Technology continues to strengthen its customer-obsessed culture by actively listening to both internal and external voices. As shared by Kyle Gordon, Executive Vice President of Global Sales, Marketing, & Commercial Excellence, the company is focused on improving processes, responding with speed, and driving innovation—while honoring its legacy and delivering unique value within the industry.

Read More
biotech
Biotech Moves Smarter: IDDI Powers Data-Driven Drug Innovation
April 2, 2025

As biotech innovation accelerates, small and mid-size pharmaceutical companies are becoming key players in bringing new treatments to market. Yet many of these organizations face steep challenges when navigating clinical trial design, regulatory approval, and data integrity. According to a McKinsey Global Institute report, industries like biotech could help generate up to $50 trillion…

Read More