Amazon Reportedly in Talks with Disney for Involvement in ESPN’s Streaming Service
According to reports, Amazon is currently in discussions with Disney regarding its potential involvement in ESPN’s upcoming streaming service. There is a possibility that Amazon could offer the service through its Prime Video platform in the future. The report also mentions the potential for Amazon to acquire a minority stake in ESPN as part of the deal. However, it is important to approach this information with caution, as it comes from unofficial sources.
Sources familiar with the situation suggest that ESPN may charge a monthly fee ranging from $20 to $35 for its comprehensive streaming product. This would differ significantly from its existing ESPN Plus service, which offers a limited selection of sports games and related content. The new streaming service would aim to replicate ESPN’s cable offering.
Disney is reportedly seeking multiple partnerships for its streaming service, including deals with major sports leagues such as the NFL, NBA, and MBL. Additionally, the company is looking for a distribution partner in the tech or telecoms industry, which is where Amazon could potentially come into play. Verizon and Apple have also expressed interest in partnering with ESPN.
Analysts have speculated about the possibility of Apple or Amazon forming a strategic partnership with ESPN, or even acquiring the sports network outright. However, Disney is unlikely to relinquish control of ESPN. It is suggested that Amazon could secure a minority stake of up to 30% in ESPN as part of the deal.
Amazon has not commented on these rumored talks. However, the company has been expanding its presence in the sports industry, recently acquiring the rights to Thursday Night Football for the next decade.
Analysis: Concerns over Pricing
One notable aspect of this report is the potential pricing for ESPN’s streaming service. The rumored monthly fee of $20 to $35 has sparked shock among observers. It should be noted that these figures are speculative and subject to change, as Disney and ESPN executives are still determining the appropriate pricing strategy. However, if the service secures a significant amount of new content from major sports leagues, the price could potentially exceed $35 per month. This raises concerns for streaming fans who may find the cost prohibitive.
Overall, the negotiations between Amazon, Disney, and ESPN are still in the early stages. The final outcome and partnerships are yet to be determined, but the potential involvement of Amazon in ESPN’s streaming service signals further expansion into the sports sphere for the e-commerce giant.