ESPN Plus will stream its first exclusive NFL game between the Broncos and Jaguars in London on October 30, The Verge reports.
Last year, the NFL signed a massive content distribution agreement that allowed streaming companies to broadcast NFL domestic and international games. Disney (ESPN Plus), Amazon, NBCUniversal (Peacock), Fox (Tubi), and CBS (Paramount Plus) were a part of the deal. In that agreement, the NFL gave the rights to stream one international game to Disney, and that game will go live on October 30.
“ESPN and ESPN+ will each carry an international game during the 2022 NFL season, with the first-ever exclusive NFL game on ESPN+ and the return of Monday Night Football to Mexico City. ESPN+ will feature the Denver Broncos at Jacksonville Jaguars from Wembley Stadium in London, England, at 9:30 a.m. ET on October 30 (Week 8)” ESPN noted.
Disney CEO Bob Chapek had previously stressed the importance of sports streaming for the company. He announced that Disney is bidding for the NFL Sunday Ticket. Disney products are also going to have more sports-centric features. Moreover, Chapek revealed that Disney is entering the metaverse business. While the metaverse is still a less-unknown concept, Disney seems to be serious about it. Chapek added product innovation “is a very top-of-mind thing” for them.
Betting is a new area of focus for Disney
It seems that Disney does not want to be just a streamer and wants to expand its business to new areas. In an interview with CNBC, Bob Chapek said sports betting could be a great opportunity for growth and interactivity. “While multi-platform television and streaming will continue to be the foundation of sports coverage for the immediate future, we believe the opportunity for The Walt Disney Company goes well beyond these channels,” Chapek added.
Disney also recently had an argument with YouTube TV and wanted to pull ABC, Disney, and ESPN channels out of the platform. But in the end, the two companies were able to reach an agreement.
2022-05-05 15:06:27