ESPN, Disney Media Networks joining with FuboTV

On Wednesday, FuboTV took one step closer to serving as the ultimate sports-centric television streaming service.

ESPN announced that the Worldwide Leader and other Disney networks will join FuboTV's lineup this summer: 

"Beginning this summer, customers who subscribe to fuboTV’s fubo Standard base package will have access to ABC, ABC News Live, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, Freeform, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, in-market for SEC Network and ACC Network, FX, FXX and National Geographic. 

"Additional networks will also be available on fuboTV’s other packages, including out-of-market for SEC Network and ACC Network, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, FXM, Fox Life, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Mundo, and BabyTV. The deal includes both live television and VOD (video on demand).

The press release offered no official date for when Fubo customers can watch ESPN products. 

Fubo was a soccer lover's dream even before Wednesday's news since the service provides NBC Sports Network, Fox and affiliated properties, beIN Sport networks, multiple Univision Deportes stations, and, before Wednesday, English broadcasts for Champions League fixtures. 

Turner Sports has reportedly opted out of its deal with UEFA, but the top European club knockout tournaments may nevertheless remain on Fubo, depending on which entity claims those rights before CBS takes them over for the 2021-22 campaign. 

One issue still plaguing Fubo customers early into the summer is that Fox Regional Sports stations were removed from the service at the start of the new year. Those channels remain unavailable. 

It's also assumed Fubo prices will rise as soon as ESPN channels are accessible. No increased prices were confirmed on Wednesday. 

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic likely will affect future rates, not to mention how much current Fubo customers will be willing to pay.