In a significant development in the sports entertainment industry, ESPN, FOX, and Warner Bros. Discovery have announced a groundbreaking joint venture to launch a new streaming sports service.
This collaboration aims to revolutionise the way fans engage with sports content by amalgamating a vast array of sports offerings into a single, comprehensive platform.
Slated for launch in the fall of 2024, this service promises to cater to a wide spectrum of sports enthusiasts with content ranging from NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL, NASCAR, College Sports, UFC, PGA TOUR Golf, Grand Slam Tennis, to the FIFA World Cup and more.
However, a notable omission from this extensive lineup is the inclusion of wrestling content, specifically All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
AEW News: The Exclusion of AEW
Despite the wide range of sports covered, the absence of AEW from the announcement has raised eyebrows, especially considering AEW’s affiliation with Warner Bros. Discovery.
AEW, a prominent wrestling promotion, has its flagship shows, AEW Dynamite on TBS, and AEW Collision and AEW Rampage on TNT, all of which are part of the Warner Bros. Discovery network.
This exclusion is particularly striking given the service’s aim to provide a diverse and comprehensive sports viewing experience.
Details of the Joint Venture
The joint venture between ESPN, FOX, and Warner Bros. Discovery represents a significant shift in the sports broadcasting landscape.
Each entity holds an equal one-third stake in the project, with equal board representation and a strategy to license sports content on a non-exclusive basis.
The service will introduce a new brand and be managed by an independent team, focusing on delivering a seamless and enriched sports viewing experience. Subscribers will have access to a plethora of linear sports networks and ESPN+, with options to bundle this service with Disney+, Hulu, and/or Max.
The initiative is designed to aggregate sports content into a single platform, offering an alternative to traditional pay-TV bundles. It aims to cater to the evolving preferences of sports fans who demand more flexibility and variety in their viewing options.
AEW News: Implications for Wrestling Fans
The exclusion of AEW from this new streaming service highlights the ongoing challenges and dynamics within the sports entertainment industry, particularly in wrestling.
While the service will undoubtedly appeal to a broad audience with its diverse sports offerings, wrestling fans, especially those following AEW, may feel overlooked.
FAQ
- What is the new streaming service announced by ESPN, FOX, and Warner Bros. Discovery?
- A collaborative streaming sports service set to launch in fall 2024, offering a wide range of sports content.
- Why is AEW not included in the new streaming service?
- The announcement did not specifically mention wrestling content, leaving AEW out of the lineup despite its connection to Warner Bros. Discovery.
- What content will the new streaming service offer?
- NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL, NASCAR, College Sports, UFC, PGA TOUR Golf, Grand Slam Tennis, the FIFA World Cup, Cycling, and more.
- Can subscribers bundle this service with other streaming platforms?
- Yes, there will be options to bundle the service with Disney+, Hulu, and/or Max.
- What does this mean for AEW fans?
- AEW fans may need to look for alternative ways to stream AEW content, as it won’t be included in this new service.
