ESPN is exploring the utilization of artificial intelligence to produce personalized “SportsCenter” shows for subscribers to its upcoming Flagship streaming service, according to the network’s CEO. The launch of this streaming service is anticipated for the fall of 2025. ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro shared this concept, along with other initiatives, during a recent news conference. One such new feature is the “Where to Watch” guide, which made its debut on ESPN.com and the ESPN app on Wednesday.
The personalized “SportsCenter” concept draws inspiration from a successful feature NBC Sports introduced on its Peacock streaming service during the Olympics. This included customized highlights packages voiced by Al Michaels to cater to individual preferences. Details on how ESPN plans to implement this idea for its signature highlights show remain scarce. The Flagship streaming service is expected to offer a mix of programming from ESPN’s primary channel and other branches, targeting viewers who have moved away from traditional cable or satellite TV subscriptions.
The “Where to Watch” tool is being promoted as a user-friendly guide for sports enthusiasts to locate broadcasts of any sporting event across ESPN platforms and beyond, encompassing broadcast, cable, regional sports networks, and streaming services. Brian Marshall, Disney Entertainment and ESPN’s vice president for sports product & technology, stated that simplifying the discovery of sports events and viewing options is crucial due to the fragmentation of sports programming across various networks and platforms.
ESPN disclosed that the tool allows fans to customize searches to highlight their preferred teams and sports. Users will be able to access events directly if they are pay television or ESPN+ subscribers. In addition, partner networks like NESN and Monumental Sports are set to be incorporated into the service. Pitaro mentioned discussions with different sports leagues and commissioners regarding ESPN streaming potentially aiding regional sports networks in delivering a specific team’s games to their fanbase.
Meanwhile, ESPN’s streaming collaboration with Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery, known as Venu Sports, which was scheduled to kick off live sports events this autumn, has hit a delay. This occurred after a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction earlier in the month, responding to a challenge by FuboTV, citing allegations of antitrust violations against Venu Sports operators. Despite this setback, Pitaro expressed ESPN’s disagreement with the court’s decision, asserting that the network is providing consumers with an additional viewing option.
Furthermore, ESPN revealed the extension of its rights agreement with the U.S. Tennis Association through 2037, ensuring continued coverage of the U.S. Open on the network, on ABC, and across streaming services.