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San Francisco Chronicle
07-08-2025
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
Here's what you need to know about ESPN's new steaming service and its deals with the NFL and WWE
ESPN's much-discussed streaming service finally has its launch date. The network announced Wednesday that its direct-to-consumer service and enhanced app will debut Aug. 21. The announcement coincided with Disney's quarterly earning report. This week's expanded deals with the NFL and a new partnership with WWE provides ESPN the more inventory and offerings, which it hopes will bolster the company in a landscape that is divided among cable, satellite and streaming. Will the ESPN service result in more subscribers? According to Nielsen, streaming usage surpassed broadcast and cable combined in U.S. television usage for the first time. Streaming was at 44.8% compared to linear's 44.2%. When Nielsen started keeping track in May 2021 linear was at 64% compared to streaming's 26%. The ESPN DTC will start out with around 25 million subscribers as those currently getting ESPN+ will migrate to the new platform. Many of those though are cable and satellite subscribers who get the service through deals with their provider. ESPN is hoping that more cord cutters will pay up to $29.95 per month since it will offer all the ESPN networks — ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+ and ACCNX — as well as being able to bundle NFL Network and NFL RedZone through a deal with NFL+ Premium. Trying to determine how many of the DTC service subscribers are cord cutters will be more difficult though. Disney announced during its earnings call Wednesday that it will stop releasing ESPN streaming subscriber metrics beginning next quarter. ESPN was in nearly 100 million households in 2013. Over the past 12 years due to cord cutting and streaming, that number has dropped to 60 million. Over the next two years, that is expected to decrease to fewer than 50 million. What do the NFL and WWE deals mean for ESPN's market footprint? Live sports remains valuable property, but the NFL is the beachfront house. For taking over NFL Network, which had also been steadily losing subscribers, ESPN gets three additional NFL games along with another outlet to air Monday night games when there are more than one, as well as the ability for its app users to get specialty highlights of their favorite players or teams. There will also be ways to access stats, betting and fantasy sports info on the app while watching games. The WWE premium live events (they're no longer called pay-per-views) also makes sense when ESPN takes over from Peacock next year. After all, the E in ESPN stands for entertainment. As Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria pointed out when it started carrying 'Monday Night Raw' earlier this year, the WWE has a multigenerational and loyal fan base that will flock to whoever carries the events. The WWE deal applies only to the U.S. though. Netflix has the rights for overseas. Can all of this turn around ESPN's financial outlook? It does carry some risks. ESPN had $4.3 billion in revenue last quarter, an increase of 1% from last year, but the operating profit decreased 7% to $1 billion due to increased rights fees. It is paying the NFL an average of $2.7 billion per year while the NBA 11-year deal that begins this upcoming season averages $2.6 billion per year. The five-year WWE deal will average $325 million per year. This also comes at a time when the network opted out of its $550 million contract with Major League Baseball beginning next year and appears to be out of the running for Formula One rights. ESPN pays $75 million to $90 million per year under its three-year deal, but Liberty Media, which owns F1, is seeking at least $120 million for the next contract, which begins in 2026. ESPN needs more than cable and satellite subscriber affiliate fees, which is also why it is launching a DTC product to gain more revenue. The past two years, it was been involved in prolonged negotiations with DirecTV and Spectrum before reaching deals. If cable and satellite subscribers already get ESPN+, they will automatically migrate to the new service. For cord cutters, there is an offer where they can get the ESPN unlimited plan with Disney+ and Hulu for $29.99/month for the first 12 months. ___
Winnipeg Free Press
07-08-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Here's what you need to know about ESPN's new steaming service and its deals with the NFL and WWE
ESPN's much-discussed streaming service finally has its launch date. The network announced Wednesday that its direct-to-consumer service and enhanced app will debut Aug. 21. The announcement coincided with Disney's quarterly earning report. This week's expanded deals with the NFL and a new partnership with WWE provides ESPN the more inventory and offerings, which it hopes will bolster the company in a landscape that is divided among cable, satellite and streaming. Will the ESPN service result in more subscribers? According to Nielsen, streaming usage surpassed broadcast and cable combined in U.S. television usage for the first time. Streaming was at 44.8% compared to linear's 44.2%. When Nielsen started keeping track in May 2021 linear was at 64% compared to streaming's 26%. The ESPN DTC will start out with around 25 million subscribers as those currently getting ESPN+ will migrate to the new platform. Many of those though are cable and satellite subscribers who get the service through deals with their provider. ESPN is hoping that more cord cutters will pay up to $29.95 per month since it will offer all the ESPN networks — ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+ and ACCNX — as well as being able to bundle NFL Network and NFL RedZone through a deal with NFL+ Premium. Trying to determine how many of the DTC service subscribers are cord cutters will be more difficult though. Disney announced during its earnings call Wednesday that it will stop releasing ESPN streaming subscriber metrics beginning next quarter. ESPN was in nearly 100 million households in 2013. Over the past 12 years due to cord cutting and streaming, that number has dropped to 60 million. Over the next two years, that is expected to decrease to fewer than 50 million. What do the NFL and WWE deals mean for ESPN's market footprint? Live sports remains valuable property, but the NFL is the beachfront house. For taking over NFL Network, which had also been steadily losing subscribers, ESPN gets three additional NFL games along with another outlet to air Monday night games when there are more than one, as well as the ability for its app users to get specialty highlights of their favorite players or teams. There will also be ways to access stats, betting and fantasy sports info on the app while watching games. The WWE premium live events (they're no longer called pay-per-views) also makes sense when ESPN takes over from Peacock next year. After all, the E in ESPN stands for entertainment. As Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria pointed out when it started carrying 'Monday Night Raw' earlier this year, the WWE has a multigenerational and loyal fan base that will flock to whoever carries the events. The WWE deal applies only to the U.S. though. Netflix has the rights for overseas. Can all of this turn around ESPN's financial outlook? It does carry some risks. ESPN had $4.3 billion in revenue last quarter, an increase of 1% from last year, but the operating profit decreased 7% to $1 billion due to increased rights fees. It is paying the NFL an average of $2.7 billion per year while the NBA 11-year deal that begins this upcoming season averages $2.6 billion per year. The five-year WWE deal will average $325 million per year. This also comes at a time when the network opted out of its $550 million contract with Major League Baseball beginning next year and appears to be out of the running for Formula One rights. ESPN pays $75 million to $90 million per year under its three-year deal, but Liberty Media, which owns F1, is seeking at least $120 million for the next contract, which begins in 2026. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. ESPN needs more than cable and satellite subscriber affiliate fees, which is also why it is launching a DTC product to gain more revenue. The past two years, it was been involved in prolonged negotiations with DirecTV and Spectrum before reaching deals. How can viewers get the ESPN streaming service? If cable and satellite subscribers already get ESPN+, they will automatically migrate to the new service. For cord cutters, there is an offer where they can get the ESPN unlimited plan with Disney+ and Hulu for $29.99/month for the first 12 months. ___ AP sports:
Time of India
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
ESPN's NFL Draft revamp: Must-see new shows, extra streams and exclusive updates you can't miss
A file photo of the ESPN broadcast team of (L-R) Mel Kiper, Chris Mortensen,Keyshawn Johnson and Steve Young during the 2008 NFL Draft. In a big move for NFL fans and ESPN subscribers, the two entities have reached a series of new licensing agreements that will enhance NFL experience for viewers. ESPN will continue its tradition of broadcasting the NFL Draft while adding even more NFL content to its expanding streaming service lineup, including Disney+ and ESPN's upcoming Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) service. The partnership also brings the opportunity for fans to bundle ESPN's DTC service with NFL+ Premium, that will provide access to more exclusive content. ESPN strengthens its NFL draft coverage with more exclusive streams and new options ESPN, the network which was the first to broadcast the draft in 1980, will continue to be the go-to destination for all things draft-related. Beginning in 2026, Disney+ and Hulu will join the party, offering simultaneous streams of ESPN's coverage, along with ABC and ESPN Deportes. Fans will be able to watch various draft presentations, via ESPN's DTC service and other platforms. Apart from traditional draft broadcast, ESPN will introduce an entirely new daily show that will focus on the NFL Draft, airing on ESPN2 after the Super Bowl and leading up to the draft itself. The network will continue to cover Rounds 1-3 of the draft on Thursday and Friday, with ABC simulcasting the action. On Saturday, ESPN will carry Rounds 4-7, while also offering additional alternate streams for fans. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Pieces of Clothing you Can be Too Old for Learn More Undo ESPN's new direct-to-consumer service adds more NFL content and interactive features for fans | Find out what they are But ESPN's agreement with the NFL isn't limited to just the draft. The new deal also brings a lot more of NFL programming to ESPN's DTC service and Disney+, providing fans with new interactive features. This content lineup will include select out-of-market NFL preseason games for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, allowing fans to follow teams they don't usually get to see on otherwise traditional broadcasts. ESPN will also bundle NFL+ Premium with its own DTC service, offering viewers access to the NFL Network, NFL RedZone and other exclusive NFL content, including SportsCenter For You, a tailored highlight show. One exciting feature for viewers is ESPN's multiview option in the ESPN app, which will allow fans to watch multiple NFL games or shows simultaneously. Fans will be able to flip between traditional Monday Night Football broadcasts or switch to Peyton and Eli Manning's popular alternative commentary. Also read : Jared Allen's pants rip during signature sack celebration at Hall of Fame event, breaks the internet | Watch As ESPN and the NFL continue to strengthen their partnership, fans will get even more ways to enjoy the NFL season. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
USA Today
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
When do new episodes of ‘Dexter: Resurrection' release? Date, time, more
Michael C. Hall is back as Dexter Morgan for "Dexter: Resurrection," which is up and running as Season 1 premiered earlier this month. The "Dexter" revival series features other Hollywood stars earning sinister tabloid monikers, including "How I Met Your Mother" star Neil Patrick Harris and "Modern Family" star Eric Stonestreet. The serial killers are summoned to New York for a MurderCon-style meetup with Charley (Uma Thurman), the head of security for mysterious billionaire Leon Prater (Peter Dinklage), per the trailer released May 31. "They don't all live in New York City, but let's say they've been invited there; it's a gathering," said "Dexter" creator and executive producer Clyde Phillips, who stocks the revival show with new uber-villains. "This season is a unique launching pad for however many years this series will be going." Here's what to know about Season 1 of "Dexter: Resurrection.' How to watch 'Dexter: Resurrection' Season 1 New episodes of Season 1 of "Dexter: Resurrection" will premiere on Paramount+ Premium on Fridays at 3:01 a.m. ET. Paramount+ offers two flexible plans to fit your streaming needs. Paramount+ Essential is just $7.99 per month and gives you access to thousands of episodes, movies and live NFL on CBS (with limited ads). Paramount+ Premium is $12.99 per month and includes everything in the Essential plan plus Showtime originals, blockbuster movies and live TV with fewer ads. What is the 'Dexter: Resurrection' Season 1 episode schedule? Here is the full list of episode release dates for Season 1 of "Dexter: Resurrection:" Watch the 'Dexter: Resurrection' Season 1 trailer Contributing: Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY. Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at and follow him on X @fern_cerv_. We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn't influence our coverage. Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
Express Tribune
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Paramount+ rebrands as Paramount+ Premium, droping 'Showtime' name
Paramount Global has officially rebranded its top-tier streaming package, removing 'Showtime' from its name. As of June 23, the service formerly known as Paramount+ With Showtime will now be called Paramount+ Premium, though pricing and programming remain unchanged. The package still costs $12.99 per month or $119.99 per year and continues to include all Showtime content. This move comes more than a year after Showtime was fully integrated into Paramount+ in 2023, which led to the shutdown of Showtime's standalone streaming app in early 2024. Despite the name change, Showtime programming like Dexter: Original Sin, The Chi, and Yellowjackets remains a core part of the offering. The rebrand also comes as part of a broader strategy to clarify the tiered service model: Paramount+ Premium (ad-free, with live CBS feeds) and Paramount+ Essential (ad-supported), which is priced at $7.99 per month or $59.99 per year. In a statement on its customer support page, Paramount explained, 'Since we recently introduced a sampling of Showtime programming to the Essential plan, the Premium plan name reflects the broad and diverse offerings across both plan tiers.' The company added that Showtime content is still prominently featured on the platform. The name change, however, only applies to the streaming service. The linear cable channel will continue to be called Paramount+ With Showtime, potentially creating some confusion for viewers. The rebrand follows a similar move by Warner Bros. Discovery, which recently announced plans to revert its Max streaming service back to HBO Max in an effort to emphasize its core identity. Paramount emphasized that existing users might still see the old plan name temporarily, depending on their device, but their benefits will remain the same.
