Let’s face it, sports streaming is pretty confusing. You used to only need a few channels to watch all of your favorite teams’ games. Now, you need many channels, some regional sports networks, and even streaming services like Peacock, Paramount Plus, and Amazon Prime Video. Well, ESPN is aiming to make that easier.
Today, ESPN launched a new feature in its app called “Where to Watch,” and it’s a super simple feature. Now, in the ESPN app, you’ll see a new icon next to the search icon. This shows a TV with what looks like listings. When you tap on that, it’ll show upcoming games for your favorite teams and where you can watch them. For example, I’m in the Detroit area and I’m begrudgingly a Tigers fan, so when I tap on Where to Watch, it shows me today’s Tigers game is at 6:40 PM and I can watch it on Bally Sports Detroit, Bally Sports West or on MLB.TV.
That’s not all, when you tap on the game, a pop up shows up with shortcuts to each channel or app. While the game is being broadcast, you’ll be able to jump right into that app or channel if you have a streaming TV service. It really can’t get any simpler. You can also search for leagues and teams, to see what games or events are on what services.
One step closer to ESPN being the hub of all live sports
ESPN knows that it doesn’t have the wallet to be able to broadcast all sporting events, but it can still be a hub for all live sports streaming. Back in March, ESPN said this, and even said that this feature could help its competitors. The company talked about a feature that would link users directly to where a live sporting event is streaming. And boom, that feature launched today.
ESPN is also in the works to relaunch ESPN+ as a new standalone service, that would be almost a carbon copy of the ESPN suite of channels on cable. Versus what ESPN Plus is currently, which is mostly sports that no other channel wanted. Some exciting times ahead for ESPN and its parent-company, Disney.
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