Disney Supercharges Sports Streaming in Australia: ESPN Joins the Fight for Viewers!

Foxtel, Australia’s leading pay TV service, wants to reassure its subscribers that they will still have access to important American sports content. This comes after Disney announced that ESPN’s sports programming, including local and US basketball and American football, will be included in all Disney+ plans.

Previously, Australians enjoyed ESPN content through partners like Fetch TV and Foxtel/Kayo. After Disney’s announcement, many users expressed worries on social media about potentially losing access to ESPN. However, Foxtel quickly responded, confirming that their programming will remain unchanged.

“We have a long-standing relationship with Disney/ESPN, and we believe this will continue,” said a spokesperson from Foxtel Group. “Just after the Super Bowl and with exciting NBA games coming up, we’re happy to say that ESPN content will still be available on Foxtel and Kayo.”

Disney’s managing director in Australia, Kylie Watson-Wheeler, called the new offer an “innovative game-changer.” She claims it enhances the value for subscribers and allows sports fans to enjoy content anywhere at any time.

Foxtel leads the subscription TV market in Australia with over 4.6 million subscribers. Approximately a third of these use Kayo. The industry is on edge, especially following news that Foxtel has been acquired by the Saudi Arabia-backed company Dazn.

Despite the competition among streaming services, ESPN has maintained its unique position by partnering with multiple distributors. Disney CEO Bob Iger has emphasized the importance of making ESPN widely accessible, mentioning the trend of younger viewers favoring streaming content on various devices.

ESPN launched on Disney+ in Latin America in June 2024 and in the US in December. Upcoming live events include the NBA All-Star Weekend, NBL finals, MLB opening day, and playoffs for both the NBA and NHL. Additionally, ESPN creates local programs like “Around The Wicket” for cricket coverage and “Nothing But Net: Aussie Hoops.”

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