ESPN is back in 53 countries and territories in Europe and selected Asia-Pacific markets, extending the service’s reach to around 100 markets worldwide.
The Disney owned sports channel now has a dedicated area on Disney+ offering live events, original programming, studio shows and documentaries to the Disney+ offer in the new territories. In Europe, the launch builds on Disney+’s existing sports portfolio, while in selected Asia-Pacific markets including Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong, subscribers will initially receive a curated selection of English-language ESPN programming.
Alisa Bowen, president of Disney+, said the expansion reflected the growing role of sport and live events within the platform’s wider content strategy.
Freddy Rolón, head of Global Sports & Talent Office at ESPN, said the move marked the next stage in ESPN’s push to deepen its relationship with sports fans through Disney+.
The initial package will vary by market, but Disney said the line-up will grow to thousands of live events over the next year. Programming will include NBA and NHL coverage from the 2026-27 season, alongside college sports such as NCAA championships, March Madness, college basketball, college football, the College Football Playoff and bowl games. Other content includes the Little League World Series and Savannah Bananas.
Subscribers will also be able to access ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary catalogue and selected studio programming, including football news show ESPN FC.
Disney said the launch builds on sports rights already carried on Disney+ in Europe, including the UEFA Women’s Champions League, LALIGA in the UK and Ireland, and the Copa del Rey, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and DFB Pokal in the Nordics. In APAC, the offer will also include KeSPA events such as Esports Championships Asia Jinju 2026 and the 2026 LoL KeSPA Cup.
This is the latest attempt by ESPN to genuinely launch its brand in European markets. ESPN America and ESPN Classic closed in 2013, but since 2018 operations previously known as Fox Sports have adopted the ESPN brand. ESPN also maintained a presence in the UK market through BT Sport.
ESPN content on Disney+ is already available in the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand. Separately, ESPN said it operates 50 linear networks across 130 countries and territories and remains the leading digital and social sports brand globally, averaging 517 million unique fans per month
