• by Wayne Friedman , March 3, 2023

ESPN, the self-described  “worldwide leader in sports,” wants to be a distribution "hub" leader for all sports streamers -- including competitors -- directing users with a guide for live sports games, according to CNBC.

The business premise would be that sports fans would go to the ESPN+ streamer or an ESPN website to find any live sports game/contest, which they could then access via an app or streaming platform.

ESPN would be acting, in part, like a sports streaming distributor for other services.

For new users of a sports streamer, a service would pay ESPN a percentage of a new user’s subscription fee when signing up a streaming service.

For existing subscribers of Apple TV+, for example, who are trying to find particular game on Apple TV+'s “Friday Night Baseball” series, the service would be free.

This would help TV sports fans avoid confusion and help them determine which games are on what streaming platforms, regional sports networks, or on linear TV stations.

ESPN has already had talks with some major professional sports leagues and some media networks and platforms.

CNBC says executives at regional sports networks are particularly interested in the plan in terms of looking for ways to stimulate subscriber growth. Two financially troubled RSNs -- Diamond Sports Group and AT&T SportsNet -- could benefit greatly from this currently.

ESPN’s plan comes as Walt Disney is looking to find a new approach to boost ESPN revenues, and its streaming platform ESPN+, beyond just focusing on major business objectives in gaining new subscribers.

An ESPN spokesperson declined to comment.