Disney+ to Expand Live Sports Offerings for Bundle Subscribers
Disney executives said the streaming service will add more premium sports events to attract and retain subscribers.
At Disney's latest earnings briefing, the CEO and CFO announced that Disney+ will feature additional premium sports programming to strengthen its direct-to-consumer platform. They highlighted one outlet's recent record viewership during the NBA Finals and the NHL Stanley Cup Final as a catalyst. The strategy is to use live sports as a driver of fan engagement and to encourage upgrades to bundled services that include Disney+, Hulu and one outlet Unlimited.
The company plans to increase simulcasts of college football games and continue airing a journalist at one outlet pre-game show. Executives also pointed to ongoing media industry consolidation, such as Comcast's and Fox's moves, as potential advantages for Disney's bundling approach.
Why it matters
More sports on Disney+ could increase subscriber value and influence streaming market competition.
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