The Walt Disney Company has
an**unced it is acquiring a mi**rity 33 percent stake in BAMTech, a video
Streaming company previously formed by Major League Baseball, for $1 billion. Disney has the option to acquire majority ownership of BAMTech in the coming years.
Disney said it will collaborate with BAMTech to
Launch and distribute a new ESPN-branded
Multi-Sport Subscription Streaming Service in the future. The direct-to-consumer
Service will feature content provided by both BAMTech and ESPN, and include live regional, national, and international sporting events. Current content on ESPN's linear networks will **t be streamed. The deal will also support
Streaming video and digital products from ABC and Disney, and
Future digital initiatives.
Disney currently offers a free video
Streaming Service called
WatchESPN, but a cable or satellite TV
Subscription is required for authentication. The new
Multi-Sport Service would presumably allow cord-cutters to watch live games and other sporting events on the web, smartphones, and tablets for a set cost per month.
ESPN broadcasts NFL's Monday Night Football, MLB, NBA, WNBA, MLS, NCAA sports, and more.
Apple's much rumored
streaming TV service was originally expected to include content from Disney properties, but the plans were postponed late last year. Apple has a close relationship with Disney, which made the late Steve Jobs its biggest shareholder upon acquiring Pixar in 2006. Disney CEO and chairman Bob Iger has also held a seat on Apple's board of directors since 2011.
Tags:
ESPN,
Disney
Discuss this article in our forums
أكثر...