ESPN Standalone Service

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ESPN is launching a direct to consumer streaming service. This will definitely hurt any hold over customers with Satellite and/or Cable as sports seemed to be the last thing people kept it for. It will be $29.99 a month and can be bundled with Hulu & Disney+

 

Mainstreet

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I want the local channels in any package. This is where I get the Suns and Cardinals.
 
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I want the local channels in any package. This is where I get the Suns and Cardinals.

Being in Tempe I can pick up all the local channels with an antenna easily. Now that Suns games are on Channel 3 I don't need cable. I know I'd need to find ways to watch a dozen games or so a year but I may subscribe to this because I miss Sportscenter. One thing I've noticed since I ditched cable is it's harder to follow multiple sports or have varying interest levels since I can't flip channels and stumble across it. That's caused me to lose an interest in UFC and baseball as a result.

It depends on how many of the ESPN documentaries they move to this new service also. If they make all that was on ESPN+ available then I'll definitely be more inclined to try this.

I'm curious how often I'll need it though since NBC and Amazon will both be airing NBA content.
 

Mainstreet

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Being in Tempe I can pick up all the local channels with an antenna easily. Now that Suns games are on Channel 3 I don't need cable. I know I'd need to find ways to watch a dozen games or so a year but I may subscribe to this because I miss Sportscenter. One thing I've noticed since I ditched cable is it's harder to follow multiple sports or have varying interest levels since I can't flip channels and stumble across it. That's caused me to lose an interest in UFC and baseball as a result.

It depends on how many of the ESPN documentaries they move to this new service also. If they make all that was on ESPN+ available then I'll definitely be more inclined to try this.

I'm curious how often I'll need it though since NBC and Amazon will both be airing NBA content.

I can't receive the local channels by an antenna where I live so this likely leaves me out of the equation.

Getting the right channels/programs have become tricky business.
 
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I can't receive the local channels by an antenna where I live so this likely leaves me out of the equation.

Getting the right channels/programs have become tricky business.

I know the Suns offer a service for their games but I'm pretty sure Ch 3 offers more than the Suns now so ultimately it wouldn't be worth it for you. I'm surprised over the air channels don't offer a cheap or free streaming feed as that would get more eyes on them.
 

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I know the Suns offer a service for their games but I'm pretty sure Ch 3 offers more than the Suns now so ultimately it wouldn't be worth it for you. I'm surprised over the air channels don't offer a cheap or free streaming feed as that would get more eyes on them.

It must be too expensive for the streaming services.

Even DirecTV has offered me a discount if I give up local channels.
 

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I have directv stream sports package which includes espn+. I don't know if I'll all add this espn stand alone service. Maybe/Maybe not.
 

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Access for Cable Subscribers

A second, crucial detail from Sherman’s report addresses the large portion of the audience that subscribes to ESPN through a traditional cable or satellite provider. “And cable subs will automatically get the ESPN d-to-c product thru authentication,” he stated. This indicates that viewers who already receive ESPN as part of their existing cable package would likely be able to access the new WWE streaming content without paying the additional $29.99 monthly fee, similar to how the current ESPN app allows authenticated access.
 

Superbone

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$30 bucks a month just for ESPN sounds ridiculous to me unless I'm missing something. Paramount+ and Max are more like $12 a month.
 
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$30 bucks a month just for ESPN sounds ridiculous to me unless I'm missing something. Paramount+ and Max are more like $12 a month.

I agree. ESPN Is arguably the network that keeps people subscribing to cable though so I can see charging a premium but $30 is too much. $20 would be the max I'd consider. You pay $30+ for sling, which has ESPN.
 

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I am thinking it would have to be a LOT of sports, and include NFL games, NBA, MMA, etc. It would have to be a huge source of sports for me to want to sign up for it.
 
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I am thinking it would have to be a LOT of sports, and include NFL games, NBA, MMA, etc. It would have to be a huge source of sports for me to want to sign up for it.

Do you have cable/satellite now? This seems.to be for those without either or already cut the cord but want ESPN.

The price point is high for only ESPN. I used to subscribe to SlingTV during the playoffs because it gave me all the ESPN, NBA TV, and TNT games. TNT lost their NBA rights so this new deal would make some sense for me but the price point is a bit much. $19.99 wouldn't be that bad. It depends on if there is a bundle with Disney+ and Hulu at.this point.
 

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Jumping through loops to watch TV is a clown show - I pay an Xtra $180 a month over the cost of my internet thru Cox to watch TV. It sucks but much better than logging in and out of streaming services. I just tell my remote to go to Hulu or ESPN+ or Youtube and it does it. I DVR stuff etc.... I mean really what do you save? plus you have to keep track of subscriptions and logins etc???
 

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Jumping through loops to watch TV is a clown show - I pay an Xtra $180 a month over the cost of my internet thru Cox to watch TV. It sucks but much better than logging in and out of streaming services. I just tell my remote to go to Hulu or ESPN+ or Youtube and it does it. I DVR stuff etc.... I mean really what do you save? plus you have to keep track of subscriptions and logins etc???

Since you live in Phoenix, it sounds like an antenna would get you the Suns and Cardinals for free.

I understand your frustration, though. This is why I still have DirecTV.
 

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Just wait until Paramount + new price comes out
 
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Just wait until Paramount + new price comes out

Got to pay Matt Stone and Tray Parker their remaining $1,440,000,000 somehow. 2 down and 48 to go.

I imagine ESPN will offer some introductory package. Pairing with Hulu and Disney makes sense and would be mods enticing. I had ESPN+ but they didn't offer. Much basketball content. I'm curious whar.UFC is offered as as well.
 

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It's weird. When ESPN first came on the scene I watched it a lot. Now I rarely turn it on.
 

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I agree. ESPN Is arguably the network that keeps people subscribing to cable though so I can see charging a premium but $30 is too much. $20 would be the max I'd consider. You pay $30+ for sling, which has ESPN.

Via email, DirecTV insists that ESPN Unlimited is a part of my television package at no additional charge. I think it normally costs around $30.

After calling them to double-check, I activated the service today. Not sure what it includes beyond ESPNU.
 
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Via email, DirecTV insists that ESPN Unlimited is a part of my television package at no additional charge. I think it normally costs around $30.

After calling them to double-check, I activated the service today. Not sure what it includes beyond ESPNU.

Download the app. Should allow you to watch the games on there if you have a tablet or cell with the app. Could be nice when you're running around.

I believe you'll have access to ESPN+ articles also. That is a nice bonus.
 

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Download the app. Should allow you to watch the games on there if you have a tablet or cell with the app. Could be nice when you're running around.

I believe you'll have access to ESPN+ articles also. That is a nice bonus.

I might give the App a try, although I don't think you are going to catch me running around. :)
 
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I might give the App a try, although I don't think you are going to catch me running around. :)

No foot race? One day, sir. ;)

There's some really good documentaries on there. I believe the whole 30 for 30 series. I loved the Shaq & Penny episode where they talked about the Magic's start while drafting each and their early success. I feel for Penny. He always seemed a good guy with bad luck, not unlike Grant Hill.
 
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