Latest news with #JimmyPitaro
Bloomberg
6 hours ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
ESPN Ditches Pay-TV First Model With $30-a-Month Streaming App
About 35 million households have stopped paying for the sports cable channel ESPN over the past 15 years. Another 30 million will join them in the next decade, according to internal projections. Jimmy Pitaro has a plan to win some of them back. On Aug. 21, Pitaro, the chairman of ESPN, will introduce a new app offering thousands of live sporting events — including games from the National Football League and National Basketball Association — as well as fantasy sports and highlights. Pitaro hopes this new ESPN service, which will cost $30 a month, will be the first place any sports fan goes to watch live events, check scores or change the roster for their fantasy team.
Boston Globe
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
What we know about the deal between ESPN and the NFL, and other thoughts
Related : Yes, 2026, not this season. The deal must go through the regulatory process, which may bring complications and demands that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro can't predict at the moment. There are some rickety bridges to cross before the deal is activated. Advertisement So the status quo remains for this season. But here are a few things we know, and a few we're wondering about … ▪ Most of the questions I've received from readers since the deal was formally announced last Wednesday relates to how it will eventually affect RedZone. Turns out there are a lot of Scott Hansen fans out there, for good reason. He's been the host since this version of RedZone's advent in 2009, and its hard to imagine anyone doing the job better. Good news: Hansen won't be going anywhere — he recently signed a four-year contract extension, so go ahead and erase those fears of RedZone host Pat McAfee . Besides, while ESPN will have distribution rights for RedZone, the NFL will still produce and operate the show. While I'm always slightly skeptical that ESPN won't meddle when it acquires distribution rights to a new program (please keep your hands off of 'Inside the NBA,'' ESPN suits), it is highly unlikely that anything changes with RedZone. Advertisement ▪ Now, as far as watching RedZone, that might get tricky, depending upon how you do so now. ESPN will gain the linear rights — meaning the rights to stream or broadcast on traditional channels, such as the ones you probably get with your cable subscription. But it does not have digital rights. So for those who are not cable or YouTube TV subscribers (or subscribers to another linear package that carries ESPN), the NFL+ Premium app will be the way you can still watch RedZone. As Pitaro explained to The Athletic's Richard Deitsch this week, 'We've agreed to bundle ESPN direct-to-consumer [a standalone app that launches Aug. 21] with NFL+ Premium which includes RedZone. From our perspective, that is how our fans and customers are going to be able to access all of ESPN, plus RedZone in the NFL+ Premium app.' Perhaps this will become less complicated by the time the deal is in place. Let's hope. ▪ ESPN can and almost certainly will create other similar jump-around channels for other sports. It makes all the sense to do so for college football, but less so for something like the NBA. ▪ The NFL Network will retain seven live game broadcasts per season. But with ESPN acquiring NFL Network (rather just having a distribution deal like it will with RedZone), the announcers are likely to have at least some ESPN personalities, though I'd expect Rich Eisen to remain as a play-by-play voice given his history with both ESPN and NFL Network. ESPN will begin broadcasting his eponymous radio show in September. Advertisement ▪ As for the biggest question that cannot be answered well into the partnership: Can and will ESPN still cover the NFL unsparingly? The suggestion that ESPN abandoned journalism long ago — or at least when Bob Ley left and 'Outside the Lines' was buried — is a common one, but it's not entirely true. Don Van Natta , Seth Wickersham , and Kalyn Kahler in particular have done repeatedly exceptional work covering stories the NFL would prefer be marginalized or outright ignored. But now that the NFL will actually own a piece of ESPN, it's logical and necessary to wonder what the impact will be until the deal is in effect. Here's hoping the network's remaining ace reporters break a big story that doesn't put the league in a positive light early in this partnership, because that's the only way a clear answer will come. Related : Making the calls CBS and Fox revealed their NFL broadcaster lineups. The big change is JJ Watt joining Ian Eagle on CBS's No. 2 team, with Charles Davis moving to the No. 4 team with Andrew Catalon and Jason McCourty (and some college football broadcasts). Another former Patriots defensive back, Logan Ryan , will be an analyst on select CBS games. As far as Fox goes, yes, despite his conflict of interest as a part owner of the Raiders, Tom Brady remains on the No. 1 team with Kevin Burkhardt . Hopefully in Year 2 Brady will figure out how to be more animated than that new statue at Gillette Stadium … Fox announced Friday afternoon that Rob Gronkowski — perhaps you know him as Gronk? — will join its 'Fox NFL Sunday' pregame show full time, replacing the retired Jimmy Johnson . Host Curt Menefee and analysts Terry Bradshaw , Howie Long , and Michael Strahan all return … NBC Sports Boston announced a partnership with Shadow Lion to present 'The Quick Snap,' a podcast hosted by former Patriots David Andrews and Brian Hoyer . It will debut Sept. 3 and be available on NBC Sports Boston, NBC Sports Boston's YouTube channel, and all major podcast platforms. Advertisement Chad Finn can be reached at
Hypebeast
6 days ago
- Business
- Hypebeast
WWE Strikes $1.6 Billion USD Deal With ESPN
Summary In a landmark agreement that reshapes the sports entertainment landscape,WWEhas finalized a multi-year deal withESPN, granting the Disney-owned company exclusive U.S. domestic streaming rights to all WWE Premium Live Events. The deal, valued at $1.6 billion USD over five years, marks a significant strategic victory for WWE and a pivotal move for ESPN's ambitious new streaming service. The agreement, which begins in 2026, will see all of WWE's marquee events—includingWrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble and Survivor Series—move exclusively to ESPN's platforms in the U.S. This marks a major shift from WWE's current partnership with NBCUniversal's Peacock, which is set to expire in March 2026. This move aligns WWE's distribution model more closely with that of the UFC, which has seen immense success under the ESPN banner. For ESPN, the deal is a cornerstone of its new direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming service, which is launching on August 21st at a price of $29.99 USD per month. WWE's 'immense, devoted and passionate fanbase' is a key draw, with ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro noting that the addition of WWE's biggest events will bolster their content portfolio and 'drive our streaming future.' The statement reads, 'WWE has an immense, devoted and passionate fan base that we're excited to super-serve on our new ESPN DTC platform. This agreement, which features the most significant WWE events of the year, bolsters our unprecedented content portfolio and helps drive our streaming future.' The deal not only grants ESPN the rights to the premium live events themselves but also the opportunity to stream pre- and post-show content, fully integrating WWE into its sports media ecosystem. Mark Shapiro, president and chief operating officer of TKO said, 'We are proud to reinforce the 'E' in ESPN at such an exciting juncture in its direct-to-consumer journey. WWE Premium Live Events are renowned for exactly the type of rich storytelling, incredible feats of athleticism and can't-miss, cultural tentpole experiences that have become synonymous with ESPN. Through our UFC relationship, we have experienced firsthand how transformational an ESPN presence can be, and we know this will be an exceptional partnership at a time of great innovation for both companies.' This partnership is part of a larger, aggressive push by ESPN to secure high-profile live event rights ahead of its new streaming service. The company recently finalized a deal with the NFL, which includes an equity stake for the league in exchange for media assets, and is reportedly in talks with Major League Baseball for a new rights package. The WWE deal, therefore, positions ESPN as a formidable force in the streaming wars, leveraging a wide range of live sports and entertainment to attract a diverse audience. While the deal is a massive financial success for WWE, it comes with a potential challenge for fans. The new ESPN streaming service will cost $29.99 USD per month, a significant increase from the $10.99 USD monthly price WWE fans currently pay for Peacock's unlimited plan. However, reports suggest that existing cable and satellite subscribers who receive ESPN as part of their package may be able to access the new WWE content at no additional cost through authentication. This development sets the stage for a new era of WWE viewing, where a single, dedicated platform becomes the exclusive home for all of the company's biggest events. Breaking News: WWE Premium Live Events are headed to@espnplatforms in the U.S. starting in — WWE (@WWE)August 6, 2025
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Disney Dropping $1.6 Billion on This Shocking New Sports Deal
Disney Dropping $1.6 Billion on This Shocking New Sports Deal originally appeared on Parade. Well, Mickey's officially gone muscle mode. On Wednesday, August 6, Disney's ESPN announced it's shelling out over $1.6 billion to become the exclusive U.S. streaming home for WWE's Premium Live Events starting in 2026. That includes WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, SummerSlam, and more—all of which will stream on ESPN's new $29.99/month service once the deal takes effect. The platform itself launches August 21, according to ESPN's official press release. The deal runs for five years and is valued at $325 million annually, marking a huge jump from WWE's previous $900 million deal with Peacock. Select events will still air on ESPN cable channels, but the full experience—including pre- and post-show coverage—will live behind the new paywall. "WWE has an immense, devoted and passionate fanbase that we're excited to super-serve on our new ESPN DTC platform," said ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro. "This agreement, which features the most-significant WWE events of the year, bolsters our unprecedented content portfolio and helps drive our streaming future.' 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 WWE President Nick Khan called it a 'pivotal moment,' while TKO President Mark Shapiro pointed to ESPN's UFC partnership as proof of how impactful this new deal could be. ESPN currently carries UFC under a $300 million annual agreement, which is set to expire later this year. This WWE move wasn't the only billion-dollar play Disney made this week. Just a day earlier, ESPN also confirmed it's acquiring NFL Network, NFL RedZone, and NFL Fantasy in exchange for giving the NFL a 10% stake in ESPN. Disney CEO Bob Iger called it a step toward delivering 'a truly differentiated streaming proposition' in a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter. Fans didn't hold back. 'It's safe to say that this sucks, hard. Many will be reluctant to cough up ~$30/month to Disney,' one person wrote on X (formerly Twitter). 'That's gonna be a hell and a nah for me. The consumer loses again,' another said. 'Whelp, looks like some of us gonna retire from watching WWE,' chimed in a third. Still, some welcomed the news. 'That's…… that's not that bad of a price tbh,' one user commented. 'If we don't get a WWE Land at a Disney Park this deal is a failure for everyone involved,' another joked. For context, this deal comes just over a year after WWE struck a separate $5 billion deal with Netflix for Raw, which will remain with the streamer. 💪 SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week 💪 Disney, meanwhile, is clearly going all-in on live sports. Alongside the WWE and NFL agreements, it's reportedly in talks with Major League Baseball and already negotiating a new UFC deal. And so far, it's working—the company reported a 29% year-over-year increase in operating income at its sports unit this quarter, reaching $1 billion. 'We're not done building,' Iger said. 'And we are excited for Disney's future.' Disney Dropping $1.6 Billion on This Shocking New Sports Deal first appeared on Parade on Aug 6, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
WWE-ESPN Billion-Dollar Deal Grows Wrestling's Global Reach More Than Ever
WWE inked a fiver-year, $1.6 billion deal with ESPN to exclusively air Premium Live Events. The deal, valued at around $325 million per year, will replace WWE's current deal with Peacock beginning in 2026. This will be 1.6x WWE's billion-dollar deal (at $200 million per year) with Peacock signed in 2021. The deal will see WWE air PLEs on ESPN's new direct-to-consumer service, with some PLEs airing on ESPN's linear TV channels. ESPN also has rights to create original WWE content. There is no word yet on where WWE's content library will air as ESPN's deal is to only broadcast WWE PLEs on its new ESPN Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) service. WWE's 5-Year Deal With ESPN | What To Know "WWE has an immense, devoted and passionate fan base that we're excited to super-serve on our new ESPN DTC platform," ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said. "This agreement, which features the most significant WWE events of the year, bolsters our unprecedented content portfolio and helps drive our streaming future." 'It's incredible. What we consider the worldwide leader of sports entertainment to be with the worldwide leader of sports and entertainment (ESPN), there's nothing bigger," said WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H. There's no bigger opportunity for us than this right now. And on top of that, to be in the Disney family so to speak, we're thrilled and can't wait to get rolling.' 'Nick [Khan] and I have been thinking about it for a long time. It is the right home for it, it's something we've been trying to work through for a long time.' In a 2021 interview, Nick Khan outlined WWE's strategy of omnipresence to reach as many viewers in as many demographics as possible. WWE's plan is to have a presence on cable TV, network TV and streaming. Through deals with USA Network (cable), the CW (network), Netflix (streaming) and now ESPN (streaming/cable), WWE remains accessible to a myriad of demographics and age groups. 'I'm not convinced that there are a group of 15-year-olds watching linear television who just don't happen to be watching us,' said Khan about reaching new fans at a young age. '[Young wrestling fans] are finding our content elsewhere, and we have to get to them before they're even 15 to make sure we have a chance to win over new fans. So when the other fans start to phase out and get older, we always have a new population coming in.' WWE NXT on the CW has sparked a 40% year-over-year increase in ratings for the network, which plans to create more WWE programming. WWE's partnership with ESPN will kick off yet another content era for WWE—its second in two years after debuting on Netflix on January 6. Similar to ESPN's plans to air live wrestling in addition to original programming, Netflix recently premiered WWE Unreal. The behind-the-scenes docu-series cracked the Netflix's Top 10 list worldwide with 2.3 million viewers for its debut. Netflix executives have been glowing with praise about their partnership with WWE. 'It's everything we could have hoped for and more,' Vice President of Netflix Sports Gabe Spitzer told Variety. 'We knew going in that we're not going to change WWE. It was more, how can we add to it in small ways, and that's what we've seen so far.' WWE's deal with ESPN, while more expensive for some viewers, will continue its global expansion as an improvement from its deal with Peacock. Peacock has 36 million subscribers per a 2025 report, while ESPN exists in 72 million homes.
