Sports

ESPN Launches New Direct-to-Consumer Service, Enhanced ESPN App

Published

4 months ago

August 21, 2025

ESPN linear networks now available direct to fans for first time ever
Enhanced ESPN App launches new features and elevated, personalized viewing experience for fans
Special Bundle Offer at Launch: Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited for $29.99/month for first 12 months

ESPN launched today its new direct-to-consumer streaming service and a set of new features on an enhanced ESPN App, making ESPN’s full suite of 12 networks and services available directly to fans for the first time ever. The unique combination of ESPN DTC within the updated ESPN App gives fans more choice and unprecedented access to all of ESPN, with an elevated viewing experience that makes watching sports more personalized, dynamic and engaging for fans than ever before. A sports fan’s dream.

The combined launch arrives in time for a prime stretch of live sports programming across ESPN networks and services, anticipating the kickoff of the college football and NFL seasons, US Open tennis, international soccer, men’s and women’s college soccer, volleyball, field hockey, and more. Plus, the start of the WNBA playoffs, PLL playoffs, and NBA and NHL seasons, as well as a WWE Premium Live Event in the next few weeks.

“This is a monumental day for all of us at ESPN, for The Walt Disney Company and, most importantly, for our fans,” said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, ESPN. “ESPN DTC and the ESPN App are a powerful combination marking a major turning point in how we serve sports fans – anytime, anywhere – for years to come. We’ve put a lot of hard work into this launch, with the full force of ESPN and Disney behind it, and we can’t wait for fans to experience all of ESPN in the ESPN App. The best part is, we’re just getting started. What we’re launching today will evolve with regular enhancements over time. As we have since 1979, we’ll continue to listen, adapt and innovate, with sports fans at the center of everything we do. There is no finish line.”

“ESPN is the preeminent digital sports platform, and this launch marks the most significant advancement of the product in years,” said Adam Smith, Chief Product & Technology Officer, Disney Entertainment & ESPN. “Even more exciting – it is only going to keep getting better. This new era kicks off at a time of incredible momentum at ESPN, and across Disney’s streaming business and products, that’s driven by an amazing partnership between storytelling and technology and a central focus on the fans.”

Visual Assets: ESPN DTC / ESPN App Photos and Video

All-New Features in the ESPN App.
In addition to ESPN DTC, the enhanced ESPN App is introducing an expansive set of new features and functionality including a personalized SportsCenter For You, a vertical video carousel for mobile devices, a synchronized two-screen experience for live games, and multiview options for connected TV devices. Fans will also be able to enjoy integrated live game stats, real-time ESPN Fantasy stats and results, live ESPN BET information, personalized in-game commerce, and more. All of these new features are available to all fans who subscribe to ESPN, whether through a traditional pay TV package or directly with an ESPN DTC subscription.

SC For You (Beta) – A personalized, daily version of SportsCenter delivering highlights, news and must-see video tailored to each fan’s favorite teams, leagues and sports interests. Powered by a combination of AI technology and ESPN storytellers, SC For You complements the iconic show and expands what the SportsCenter brand can be for fans in a new era. With AI-generated commentary derived from the voices of SportsCenter anchors Hannah Storm, Gary Striewski and Christine Williamson, along with ESPN Digital & Social commentator Omar Raja, SC For You will be available on the ESPN mobile app, ESPN.com and select connected TV devices.
ESPN Verts – A swipe-able, personalized vertical video experience that reimagines and modernizes the way fans watch video on the ESPN App on mobile devices. The new “Verts” tab on the ESPN App is part of the app’s core navigation, and Verts carousels in the main app feed let fans easily scroll through vertical short-form videos powered by a faster, more advanced personalization algorithm.
ESPN StreamCenter – A new second-screen experience that allows fans to match the ESPN App experience on their mobile device with the ESPN App on their connected TV as they watch a live event. StreamCenter eliminates information lag and spoilers by enabling fans to synchronize live games on their connected TV device with stats and automated alerts on their mobile device, while also presenting fans with Gamecast, ESPN Fantasy, ESPN BET information and more, right in the palm of their hand. Fans can even control the ESPN App live stream on their connected TV from their mobile device.
Multiview – Fans can watch up to four games simultaneously on the ESPN App on connected TV devices. ESPN first launched Multiview on select CTV devices in 2017 and is now bringing this feature to all major connected TV platforms.
Catch Up To Live – Highlights are part of ESPN’s DNA, and the new Catch Up To Live feature allows fans to watch quick-turn highlights of all the key plays they missed when joining a live game already in progress. For games where it is available, a fan can watch all the highlights – or just the ones they want – and choose to “Go Live” or “Play from Start” at any time.
Commerce by Fanatics – Through a new agreement with Fanatics and ESPN’s new interactive features on connected TV devices, fans are able to browse and shop sports merchandise and gear related to the content they watch, easily completing a purchase from their mobile device using a QR code.
ESPN on Disney+ – Last December, ESPN+ content was integrated into Disney+. Now, the full ESPN content lineup is available on Disney+ for bundle subscribers – continuing the evolution of Disney+ as an all-in-one destination where fans can watch all the award-winning entertainment, sports, news, and family programming from The Walt Disney Company. Disney+ is also introducing a new “Live” hub, letting fans easily find all the sports, news, Disney+ Streams and other content live at any moment, in one place. The Live hub is launching on select platforms initially and rolling out to all major platforms in the coming weeks.

The Most and Best Live Sports.
Designed to give fans more choice and flexibility, ESPN DTC will offer two plans, including an Unlimited plan for $29.99/month that gives fans access to all 12 of ESPN’s linear networks and services – ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes – in addition to ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX.

This extraordinary access will serve fans with more than 47,000 live events each year, plus on-demand replays, original programming, and more.

ESPN’s unmatched rights portfolio at launch includes recently announced agreements with the NFL and WWE; NBA; NHL; MLB; WNBA; UFC; UFL; SEC; ACC; Big 12; College Football Playoff; 40 NCAA championships including the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship; LaLiga, Bundesliga, NWSL, and FA Cup soccer; Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open tennis; The Masters, PGA Championship, PGA TOUR, and TGL golf; Little League World Series baseball and softball; Premier Lacrosse League; and more.

ESPN’s leading studio shows and original programming include the iconic SportsCenter, Get Up, First Take, NFL Live, The Pat McAfee Show, Pardon the Interruption, College GameDay, NBA Today, Inside the NBA, The Rich Eisen Show, and others, along with a deep, on-demand library featuring 30 for 30 films, ESPN Originals, and more.

More Options to Get All of ESPN.
Bundling options available for fans include a special offer at launch for the ESPN DTC Unlimited plan with Disney+ and Hulu for $29.99/month for the first 12 months. Fans with subscriptions to the Disney+, Hulu and ESPN bundles will be able to watch ESPN content within Disney+ seamlessly alongside Disney and Hulu entertainment and family programming. Also, Hulu + Live TV plans include access to the full ESPN Unlimited experience within the ESPN app.

Also, the recently announced ESPN DTC and Fox One bundle will be available on October 2 for $39.99/month, and an ESPN DTC bundle with NFL+ Premium that includes NFL Redzone for $39.99 will begin on September 3.

Fans can visit stream.espn.com for more information on ESPN DTC options and pricing.

Star-Powered, Multi-Platform Marketing.
ESPN has launched a comprehensive, multi-platform marketing campaign, headlined by “Coach” John Cena and powered by bold brand collaborations with Complex, Lyft, Samsung, and more. From subway takeovers and pop-up fan experiences to high-impact giveaways and attention-grabbing out-of-home activations, this campaign is built to immerse fans in ESPN like never before.

In recognition of the launch of ESPN DTC and the enhanced ESPN App, Thursday, August 21, has been proclaimed “National ESPN App Day” by the National Day Archives.

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Badgers news: 5 players enter transfer portal after loss to Kentucky

Published

4 minutes ago

December 20, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The Wisconsin Badgers suffered a tough loss to the Kentucky Wildcats in the NCAA National Semifinal on Thursday, ending their season after an incredible postseason run.

One day later, five different players announced their intentions to enter the transfer portal: Freshman setter Addy Horner, sophomore outside hitter Trinity Shadd-Ceres, freshman libero Aniya Warren, sophomore libero Maile Chan, and redshirt freshman middle blocker Tosia Serafinowska.

Horner, a native of Illinois, was considered the No. 1 setter in her class and the No. 2 player in her state coming out of high school last year by PrepDig. She stepped up during a big middle-of-the-season run when Charlie Fuerbringer was out due to injury. But, with the star sophomore still at Wisconsin for the next two years, it makes sense that Horner will look for other opportunities.

Shadd-Ceres played in four matches as a freshman. She saw action in nine games this year, including Wisconsin’s final three matches in the NCAA Tournament, recording three kills against Texas and one against Kentucky, subbing in late in both matches.

Warren was ranked the No. 1 libero in the Class of 2025, and her recruitment had a number of turns before she ended up at Wisconsin. She had seen time in the rotation early in the season and finished playing in 16 sets across nine games.

Chan, considered the No. 1 libero from the state of Oregon in her class, played in 25 matches across two seasons at Wisconsin. With freshman Kristen Simon entrenched at the libero spot to end the year, both Chan and Warren are heading elsewhere.

Lastly, Serafinowska is moving on with three years of eligibility left. She saw action in five games this year.

Those five outgoing transfers join seniors Mimi Colyer, Jada Cerniglia, Carter Booth, and Alicia Andrew as the players departing Wisconsin this offseason.

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All-Cape Coast Conference volleyball team for the 2025 season

Published

20 minutes ago

December 20, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Dec. 20, 2025, 7:33 a.m. ET

Coaches from Brevard County public schools have selected the 2025 All-Cape Coast Conference volleyball team.
Merritt Island High School led the selections with five players named to the team.
Four players from Edgewood High School were also voted onto the all-conference team.

The selections for the 2025 All-Cape Coast Conference volleyball team has been made by the coaches from Brevard County public schools.

18 athletes from across Brevard County received All-Cape Coast Conference honors. Here are the coaches’ selections to the 2025 All-Cape Coast Conference team:

Harper Lanza, Satellite; Amber Ives, Merritt Island; Kylee Thompson, Merritt Island; Lesleigh Amos, Astronaut; Peyton Riordan, Merritt Island; Reece Loggins, Merritt Island; Lily Wood, Titusville; Anna Ely, Edgewood; Annabelle Jones, Merritt Island; Debbie Walley, Edgewood; Erica Flagg, Edgewood; Emery Hart, Viera; Kyra Davis, Heritage; Bella Taylor, Space Coast; Janay Lin; Macy Feguson, Edgewood; Mattie Russell, Satellite; Peyton Redfern, Astronaut.

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Purdue volleyball coach Dave Shondell contract, salary, bonuses, buyout

Published

37 minutes ago

December 20, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Updated Dec. 20, 2025, 10:18 a.m. ET

WEST LAFAYETTE — It had been an emotional year for Dave Shondell, and the 67-year-old’s persistence to see his contract through led to a rejuvenated Purdue volleyball coach.

The details of the four-year contract he announced Dec. 13 following the Boilermakers’ loss to Pittsburgh in the Elite Eight were released this week. He signed the contract five days prior to announcing it. Shondell previously told IndyStar he contemplated retirement before the Boilers’ core helped him decide to continue coaching.

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Newsday’s All-Long Island boys volleyball team 2025

Published

53 minutes ago

December 20, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Newsday Player of the Year: Logan Coady, Massapequa, OH, Sr.

Coady was the engine that drove Massapequa to its first state title.

He had 22 kills, including the final point, and a block in Massapequa’s five-set win over reigning champion Penfield in the Division I final and was named the MVP of the state tournament.

Coady, who was Newsday’s Nassau Player of the Year as a junior, was the unquestioned leader of the team on and off the court.

Massapequa’s Logan Coady Credit: Adrian Kraus

“It’s a kind of leadership that is not loud and boisterous, it’s that you lead by example and that’s exactly what Logan does,” coach Elissa DiSalvo said. “The younger kids have been figuring it out just by following his example.”

Coady even had fans from opposing teams approach him after matches to ask for a picture with him.

After missing Massapequa’s loss in the 2023 Nassau quarterfinals with an illness, Coady returned to lead his team to two straight Nassau titles. Massapequa went 21-0 this season, dropping just eight sets. Coady finished with 267 kills, 111 digs, 37 blocks and 25 aces.

“I always trust the guys around me and it’s awesome not to just be a one-man army out there,” Coady said. “The spotlight might be on me, but we have people just as good as me that can put the ball away.”

Suffolk Player of the Year: Jack Cain, Eastport-South Manor, MB/RS, Sr.

Eastport-South Manor’s Jack Cain Credit: Adrian Kraus

Cain played a big role in the Sharks’ run to the 2024 Division II state title. His role only grew this year.

“He was the best middle in the county last year, but I knew he had more to offer. I wanted him to play all six rotations,” coach Bill Kropp said. “We moved him to the right side, something he’s never done. He took on the challenge and he went from being the best middle, to the best right side, to, in my opinion, the best player.”

Cain had 319 kills, 201 digs, 57 blocks and 45 aces and seven assists and led the Sharks back to the state final. Eastport-South Manor went 17-1 and lost just six sets behind Cain’s outstanding play and high energy.

“He is our emotional anchor. He’s able to pump everybody up,” Kropp said. “He’s everything you want in a player.”

FIRST TEAM

Tyler Bottcher, Eastport-South Manor, L, Sr.

He totaled 264 digs, 29 assists, five aces and had a 2.65 serve receive rating. He was the backbone of the Sharks’ defense on their run to two straight appearances in the state final.

Tyler Cope, Connetquot, L, Soph.

The anchor of Connetquot’s defense had 256 digs, 57 assists and 21 aces to lead the T-Birds to the Suffolk Division I title.

Matthew Fitzgerald, Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK, OH, Sr.

He totaled 201 kills, 31 blocks, 97 digs, nine aces and seven assists as the focal point of the Hawks’ offense.

Niall Haughney, Bay Shore, MB, Sr.

The Merrimack commit totaled 259 kills, 70 blocks, 187 digs, 23 aces and 17 assists and led the Marauders to the Suffolk Division I final.

Joseph Kim, Roslyn, OH, Jr.

He totaled 292 kills, 26 blocks, 25 assists, 141 digs and 30 aces to lead the Bulldogs to their second straight Nassau Division II title.

Colin O’Connor, Connetquot, OH, Sr.

He had 249 kills, 156 digs, 11 assists and nine aces to lead Connetquot’s balanced offense.

Arkaidiy Rivkin, Syosset, OH, Sr.

The NJIT commit was one of Nassau’s most feared hitters and a rock for Syosset’s offense the last two years.

Jack Stanley, Massapequa, MB, Sr.

At 6-6, Stanley’s presence in the middle helped spur Massapequa to a state title. He emerged as a superstar alongside Logan Coady and had 10 kills and eight blocks in the Nassau Division I final. He finished with 167 kills, 76 blocks and 25 aces.

Zach Thomas, West Islip, OH, Sr.

He racked up 395 kills, 172 digs, 39 aces, 21 assists and 13 blocks to lead the Lions to the Suffolk Division II final.

Peter Zhang, Great Neck South, S, Sr.

He totaled 677 assists, 162 digs, 45 kills, 45 blocks and 24 aces to lead the Rebels to the Nassau Division I final.

Nassau Coach of the Year: Bryan Patterson, Great Neck South

He led the Rebels to a 12-7 record and their first appearance in the Nassau Division I final.

Suffolk Coach of the Year: Mark Jensen, Bay Shore

He led Bay Shore (15-2) to the Suffolk Division I final after the Marauders went 7-7 and missed the playoffs in 2024.

SECOND TEAM

Nick Altmann, Plainview-Old Bethpage-JFK, S, Sr.

Emerson Atkins, Commack, OH, Sr.

Brayden Bannen, East Islip, OH, Jr.

Nick Dempsey, West Islip, OH/MB, Sr.

James Downey, East Islip, S, Sr.

Andrew Dragos, Eastport-South Manor, OH, Sr.

Tomer Gilady, Roslyn, OH, Sr.

Cameron Giordano, Westhampton, S/RS, Sr.

Zareb Gonzalez, Bay Shore, OH, Sr.

James Huber, Bay Shore, S, Jr.

Andrew Jennette, Oyster Bay, OH, Sr.

Bryan Kuhl, Sachem North, S, Jr.

Jake McBride, Massapequa, S, Sr.

Colin Mizuguchi, New Hyde Park, OH, Sr.

Leo Rohman, Levittown District, OH, Sr.

Benjy Rubin, Roslyn, MB, Sr.

Jack Ryan, Great Neck South, L, Sr.

Gavin Sack, Sayville, OH, Soph.

Ryan Sguigna, Connetquot, OH, Jr.

Braeden Vetro, Massapequa, L, Jr.

Matt Lindsay is a high school sports reporter who joined Newsday in 2022 after graduating from Stony Brook University.

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Sports

Abby Schnable: Familiar Final Four ending doesn’t erase Pitt volleyball’s season

Published

1 hour ago

December 20, 2025

Your Sports Nation

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At the AVCA Major League Volleyball All-America / Players of the Year Banquet presented by Nike, Eva Hudson of the University of Kentucky was recognized as a 2025 AVCA All-American First Team selection. Reflecting on the honor, Hudson shared: “A ton of shock and gratitude. I couldn’t do it without my team and coaching staff. This season took a lot of grit, and we pushed through so many ups and downs together.” Hudson credited her teammates, coaches, family, and supporters for helping make the season both meaningful and successful. Congratulations to Eva Hudson on an outstanding season and First Team All-American recognition.

Published

1 hour ago

December 20, 2025

Your Sports Nation

At the AVCA Major League Volleyball All-America / Players of the Year Banquet presented by Nike, Eva Hudson of the University of Kentucky was recognized as a 2025 AVCA All-American First Team selection. Reflecting on the honor, Hudson shared: “A ton of shock and gratitude. I couldn’t do it without my team and coaching staff. This season took a lot of grit, and we pushed through so many ups and downs together.” Hudson credited her teammates, coaches, family, and supporters for helping make the season both meaningful and successful. Congratulations to Eva Hudson on an outstanding season and First Team All-American recognition. | American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA)