ESPN is exploring the creation of a feature on its website and app that would link users directly to a live sporting event that is being streamed.
The project is still in development, but CNBC reported that the Disney-owned sports broadcaster has already held conversations with major sports leagues and media partners to gauge their enthusiasm.
A number of business models have been considered, including one where ESPN would take a portion of subscription revenue if a customer were to sign up for a streaming service as a direct result of being referred by the website or app.
ESPN’s linear service may also alert viewers to sports about to get underway – a far cry from the traditional model where coverage of sports expands and contracts according to whether a broadcaster holds the rights itself.
Owners of regional sports networks, a US concept, have expressed optimism about such a service.
It would go some way towards solving the viewer puzzle of where their game is going to be shown, particularly where rights holders have split the coverage between more than one outlet.
