The launch of ESPN’s upcoming ‘Flagship’ streaming service is poised to be a significant development in the ongoing repackaging of linear television assets. During an earnings call with investors on Wednesday, Disney CEO Bob Iger emphasized the value he sees in the forthcoming Flagship service, which is reportedly set to launch later in 2025, likely before the football season. This service will be the first standalone direct-to-consumer offering to encompass ESPN’s linear networks and will feature “multiple enhancements” to ESPN content, as noted by Brian Steinberg from Variety.
Disney CEO: ‘Flagship’ ESPN with ‘multiple enhancements’ w.some form of betting and fantasy and more personalization, will come ‘sometime in fall of this year,’ bundles w Hulu and D+ are contemplated
— Brian Steinberg (@bristei) February 5, 2025
Enhancements will focus on personalization for users engaged in fantasy sports or wagering, reinforcing Iger’s commitment to making ESPN accessible through various formats. Whether through Flagship, traditional bundles, or new sports-specific “skinny bundles,” Iger aims to meet diverse consumer preferences. As he conveyed to investors, “The goal all along with ESPN is to make it as accessible as possible, in as many ways as possible. Some will want to consume it just through an app, some as part of the more traditional expanded basic bundle, and some will migrate toward skinnier bundles or sports bundles only. We plan to capitalize on the emergence of these bundles.”
Overall, Disney’s earnings report was positive, with the company’s sports division achieving $247 million in operating income for its first fiscal quarter, a stark contrast to the $103 million loss reported in the same quarter last year. With ESPN now featured on Disney+, the reach of its sports properties has expanded significantly, and with Iger’s clear focus on personalization and bundling in the company’s sports strategy, Disney aims to leverage what is expected to be a tumultuous year of change.
