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**Summary:**
ESPN Chair James Pitaro discussed the company’s new streaming service, its recent NFL deal, and strategies for engagement. Key features of the streaming service include personalized SportsCenter feeds, StreamCenter, and expanded NFL rights. The NFL deal grants ESPN control of NFL Network, RedZone, and the NFL’s fantasy business. Pitaro emphasized ESPN’s investment in social media and personalization as crucial for reaching younger fans and driving business growth. He acknowledged the rising cost of sports rights but noted the disciplined approach of big tech players. Pitaro views the streaming service launch as a long-term project.
**News Article:**
**ESPN Bets Big on Personalization and NFL Partnership in Streaming Push**
**Los Angeles, CA –** ESPN is doubling down on personalization and its partnership with the NFL as it navigates the competitive sports streaming landscape. Speaking at the Bank of America media conference, ESPN Chair James Pitaro outlined the company’s strategy for its newly launched streaming service, emphasizing personalized features and the significant benefits of a recent deal with the NFL.
The new ESPN streaming app, launched August 22nd for $29.99 a month, aims to deliver a tailored experience to sports fans. Key features include “SportsCenter for you,” an AI-driven personalized SportsCenter feed, the StreamCenter feature allowing phone-controlled smart TV viewing, and multi-cast options.
Pitaro also highlighted a search function allowing users to find team schedules even on rival platforms, a feature he championed despite internal debate. “I felt like – going back to our brand and our mission of serving the sports fan – this was directly connected to our mission.”
A landmark agreement with the NFL, announced in August, sees the league take a 10% equity stake in ESPN in exchange for control of NFL Network, RedZone, and the league’s fantasy business. ESPN will also gain linear rights to the popular RedZone network. “There’s opportunity to potentially expand RedZone, which is an amazing product, an amazing brand, potentially expanding it to other sports, other leagues,” Pitaro stated.
ESPN plans to leverage the NFL deal to bolster its advertising and sponsorship opportunities.
Pitaro stressed ESPN’s ongoing commitment to social media, seeing it as essential for reaching younger audiences. “We ultimately debated that and aligned on this idea of being where the fan is, especially the younger fan.”
Addressing the rising cost of sports rights, Pitaro acknowledged the unsustainable nature of current growth but expressed relief at the measured approach taken by major tech companies in bidding wars.
Pitaro made it clear that the launch of the new ESPN app is only the first step in a long-term initiative, not a sprint. He said the company is extremely proud of the product and the features, but the company is just getting started.
The new ESPN streaming service offers access to all 12 ESPN networks, WWE events, and a wide array of live sports content. The company has also partnered with Fox’s new streaming service, Fox One, and NFL+ Premium.
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