Amazon Reportedly in Talks with Disney for ESPN Streaming Service Partnership
According to a report from The Information, Amazon is currently in discussions with Disney about potentially partnering with ESPN’s upcoming streaming service. The report suggests that Amazon could offer the service through its Prime Video platform in the future. Additionally, there is speculation about Amazon acquiring a minority stake in ESPN as part of the deal.
Sources familiar with the situation believe that ESPN’s fully fledged streaming product could charge a monthly fee ranging from $20 to $35. This would differ significantly from the existing ESPN Plus service, which only offers a limited selection of sports games and related content. The new streaming service aims to provide a more comprehensive experience, similar to ESPN’s cable offering.
Disney is actively seeking multiple partnerships for its streaming service, including deals with major sports leagues such as the NFL, NBA, and MBL. The company is also looking for a distribution partner in the tech or telecoms industry, which is where Amazon comes into play.
Verizon has previously expressed interest in ESPN, and Apple was recently linked to the sports network as well. Analysts have speculated that Apple may consider acquiring ESPN within the next nine months. However, other rumors suggest the possibility of strategic partnerships between Apple or Amazon and ESPN.
While Amazon has not commented on these talks, it is clear that the company is expanding its presence in the sports sphere. Amazon recently secured the rights to Thursday Night Football for the next decade.
One notable aspect of the report is the potential pricing of the ESPN streaming service. The rumored monthly fee of $20 to $35 has sparked shock among consumers. However, it should be noted that these figures are still subject to discussion and research by Disney and ESPN executives. If significant content deals are secured with the NFL, NBA, and MBL, there is a possibility that the price could even exceed $35 per month.
Overall, while the potential partnerships between Amazon or Apple and Disney for the ESPN streaming service are intriguing, the pricing remains a concern for streaming fans. Both the pricing and partnership negotiations are still in early stages, and further developments are expected in the coming months.