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Report: ESPN Creating 2 New Shows For 'Casual Sports Fans'

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated Dec 4, 2024 12:24 PM ET

ESPN is reportedly hoping to capture the attention of more casual sports fans with its latest plan on Disney+.

Not only is the network launching a yet-to-be-named "flagship" service next fall, which will give subscribers full access to all ESPN content through the ESPN tile on Disney+, according to CNBC.

But the Worldwide leader is also set to create two new studio shows targeting folks who may not follow sports as closely on a day-to-day basis.

The first will be a daily "SportsCenter" exclusive to Disney+ subscribers, which will air live on the platform at a set time and remain on the app for on-demand viewing.

The second is said to be a women's sports show that may air weekly or several times a week. Both programs are currently in development and will be made for "a more casual sports fan."

"Our research shows there's very little overlap between people watching Disney+ and ESPN linear," ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said.

"Now when you subscribe to Disney+, you'll have access to kids and family, general entertainment if you're a Hulu subscriber, and sports," he added. "Our goal is to serve sports fans anytime, anywhere."

ESPN will also include some staples of its programming like "College GameDay," "Pardon the Interruption" on Disney+ for non-ESPN subscribers. As well as some sports-related films and "30 for 30" documentaries for whatever sports season is active at the time.

It's clear that the network is trying to reach beyond its base audience with next week's alternate "Simpsons" telecast of "Monday Night Football," which will also be available on Disney+, along with five Christmas Day NBA games.

Now the only question is whether or not it will work.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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