ESPN to launch subscription streaming service following BAMTech purchase
The Walt Disney Company on Tuesday announced a $1 billion deal that buys a 33 percent share of BAMTech, a video streaming company whose technology will be used to launch an ESPN streaming service in the near future.
As part of the deal, BAMTech, a creation of Major League Baseball's Advanced Media division, becomes a key partner in Disney's plan to roll out streaming services across its various brands, including ABC and ESPN. If all goes well, Disney has the option to acquire majority ownership rights.
BAMTech specializes in delivering a variety of content through direct-to-consumer products, namely video streaming. Aside from MLB, BAMTech's client list includes HBO NOW, the National Hockey League, the PGA TOUR, WWE Network and more.
In the near term, it appears BAMTech's assets will be applied to an ESPN-branded multi-sport subscription streaming service offering users coverage of live regional, national and international sports events.
"Our investment in BAMTech gives us the technology infrastructure we need to quickly scale and monetize our streaming capabilities at ESPN and across our company," said Disney CEO Robert Iger. "We look forward to working closely with BAMTech as we explore new ways to deliver the unmatched content of The Walt Disney Company across a variety of platforms."
In July, ESPN was rumored to announce a web-based TV streaming package as a sampler to a full-fledged online service, the latter of which would presumably feature content mirroring its cable lineup. The network has been slow to invest in streaming, as doing so might put lucrative cable and satellite deals in jeopardy. Currently, the company fields a free-to-stream app called WatchESPN, though access requires a verified cable account.
ESPN's forthcoming streaming service, while a step up from WatchESPN, will lack marquee shows like SportsCenter and Monday Night Football at launch.
Apple was also said to be in talks with ESPN to add content to an over-the-top service built on so-called "skinny" bundles, or affordable channel packages. The Cupertino tech giant has since put its OTT efforts on hold and is instead redirecting focus to a TV guide for app content.
As part of the deal, BAMTech, a creation of Major League Baseball's Advanced Media division, becomes a key partner in Disney's plan to roll out streaming services across its various brands, including ABC and ESPN. If all goes well, Disney has the option to acquire majority ownership rights.
BAMTech specializes in delivering a variety of content through direct-to-consumer products, namely video streaming. Aside from MLB, BAMTech's client list includes HBO NOW, the National Hockey League, the PGA TOUR, WWE Network and more.
In the near term, it appears BAMTech's assets will be applied to an ESPN-branded multi-sport subscription streaming service offering users coverage of live regional, national and international sports events.
"Our investment in BAMTech gives us the technology infrastructure we need to quickly scale and monetize our streaming capabilities at ESPN and across our company," said Disney CEO Robert Iger. "We look forward to working closely with BAMTech as we explore new ways to deliver the unmatched content of The Walt Disney Company across a variety of platforms."
In July, ESPN was rumored to announce a web-based TV streaming package as a sampler to a full-fledged online service, the latter of which would presumably feature content mirroring its cable lineup. The network has been slow to invest in streaming, as doing so might put lucrative cable and satellite deals in jeopardy. Currently, the company fields a free-to-stream app called WatchESPN, though access requires a verified cable account.
ESPN's forthcoming streaming service, while a step up from WatchESPN, will lack marquee shows like SportsCenter and Monday Night Football at launch.
Apple was also said to be in talks with ESPN to add content to an over-the-top service built on so-called "skinny" bundles, or affordable channel packages. The Cupertino tech giant has since put its OTT efforts on hold and is instead redirecting focus to a TV guide for app content.
Comments
Example, TBS has one single program I enjoy, as does TNT. SyFy little to nothing but my wife likes it. The History channel has some but much of that too I don't have much interest in. Still I'd want it. I'd want PBS and the Science Channel too even tho there's not too much even there that I really would like to view. But there is some. Local news of course is problematic without an antenna, tho my local Fox affiliate is now included with Sling. By the time you add up $5-$10 for 20 or so à la carte channels you're going to bump up to that $100 plus anyway. The content providers aren't going to give away programming so we aren't going to see the savings we think we will. On the contrary I expect it to cost even more to see what we want.
When I logged in to check (I couldn't remember, darn chemo-brain) I noticed they were promoting this one, but I didn't get into the details. Looks like it might be worth for you to take a look at it.
https://www.tivo.com/shop/ota-detail
From what I'm reading from you Sling plus Tivo covers your viewing wants, tho you won't be able to record Sling content. That's something that NO 3rd party provider will probably be permitted to do, copyright stuff and all. As far as warranty if that concerns you buy the extra 3-year extended warranty like you presumably did with your Apple TV which didn't have more than a year either. And won't record shows either. And doesn't offer multiple tuners. If your Apple TV was $199 how much do you think they would want for your mythical Apple DVR with Tivo capabilities?
Nor do I pay another $15 mo for the "TV Guide" service. It's included for "life" with my Tivo. There's zero ongoing fees. So far that Tivo has cost me a total of $300 since I bought it last year. By this time next year it will average out to $12/mo , and by three years it will have cost me a measly $8/mo. Cheap, right? Between multi-device Sling and multi-tuner Tivo $28/mo sounds pretty good to me.
I totally understand wanting an Apple system for all your TV, recording, and streaming content viewership. You and millions of others would appreciate one. But don't make up reasons that TIVO isn't a viable solution for a whole lot of folks looking to cut the cord. You were the one who asked me about it.
Between getting my recordable local network broadcasts (approx 20 English-speaking stations), Hulu, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video via Tivo and cable-only channels on the cheap from Sling what's not to like?
Your quote, post #18: "My plan would be to get an antenna for the broadcast channels (Fox, NBC, ABC, CBS) and SlingTV for ESPN and TNT."