DirecTV will offer “MySports,” a smaller package of sports channels, in the latest innovation to try to reach sports fans amid the evolution of streaming.
According to DirecTV’s announcement Tuesday, a consumer will be able to access all channels of ESPN, Fox Sports, TNT Sports, the league’s college networks and local broadcast networks, except CBS at this point, for $49.99 per month for the first three months and then $69.99 per month thereafter. This would make the annual price $779.88 for the first year and $839.88 each year thereafter.
The move is part of a big shakeup in how sports fans watch their games. Last week, Disney took a 70% stake in Fubo, which will also offer these types of “skinny bundles.”
ESPN was initially going to move forward with Venu Sports, its joint venture with Fox Sports and TNT Sports announced nearly a year ago that would have offered some sort of sports viewing package. Fubo filed litigation aimed at stopping Venu – a potential competitor – from ever starting.
But last week’s Disney-Fubo decision ended that dispute. Then other providers, including DirecTV, threatened further litigation. ESPN and the other networks ultimately decided they would be able to reach fans with “skinny bundles” even without Venu as an option, and 48 hours after the Disney-Fubo deal, ESPN and its partners shut down Come.
Ideas like “MySports” will increasingly be introduced to sports fans as networks, leagues and teams try to combat cord cutting. ESPN will have its own comprehensive direct-to-consumer product, which is expected to cost between $25 and $30 per month and will debut in August.
ESPN was once in 100 million cable homes and now has about 66 million subscribers, according to Nielsen. “MySports” intends to expand, but, currently, it will be available in 24 metropolitan markets, including New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. In total, the package includes 40 broadcast channels and networks.
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