mrjames
Professor
Posts: 6062
Loc: Montclair, NJ
Reg: 11-21-04
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04-05-18 12:21 PM - Post#254832
In response to Go Green
This deal has been in the works for a few years now. It nearly happened right before the first wave of ESPN layoffs, but there were some disagreements about what content would be where relative to the paywall, and how the paywall would be constructed was TBD. Then, ESPN executed the layoffs and put that strategy on ice for a while.
Over the past couple seasons, you could see the two sides feeling the relationship out. ESPN added a LOT more Ivy content to WatchESPN the first year that the restrictions on handing off streams were lifted in the NeuLion arrangement. This year there were a TON of Ivy games on ESPN’s College Sports Extra linear channels and even more on WatchESPN.
The BAM Tech deal provided the platform to execute the strategy - ESPN had to begin the shift to direct-to-consumer monthly subscriptions and this would be the way to do so. For viewers like us, it should be a huge win - the whole year for the 4-month price, plus a TON of other content that might be of interest. Also, with the ESPN name attached, it’s unlikely that they’ll let any quality issues persist. I’d expect some added content over time that wouldn’t be possible without some production support from ESPN.
This is big for us. A very good thing.
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