ESPN Developing Personalized SportsCenter for Upcoming Streaming Service
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Your own personalized "SportsCenter"? ESPN working on that for an upcoming streaming service
BRISTOL, Conn. -- ESPN is looking at using artificial intelligence to create personalized "SportsCenter" shows for subscribers to its Flagship streaming service that is expected to launch in fall 2025, the network's chief executive said Wednesday. The idea is one of several in the works that were discussed at a news conference by ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro, including a "Where to Watch" guide that debuted on Wednesday on ESPN.com and the ESPN app. The personalized "SportsCenter" would be reminiscent of a popular wrinkle that NBC Sports offered through its Peacock streaming service during the Olympics, where the voice of broadcaster Al Michaels was used to create highlights packages tailored to individual interests. ESPN had few other details of how it is working to do something similar for its signature highlights show. The Flagship streaming service is expected to include much of the programming on ESPN's main channel and some other offshoots, marketed to people who have abandoned cable or satellite TV subscriptions. The "Where to Watch" feature is billed as an easy-to-use guide for sports fans to find where to watch any sports event on ESPN platforms and beyond, including broadcast, cable and regional sports networks and streaming services. "Simplifying discovery of sporting events and where a fan can watch has become increasingly important as sports viewing has become fragmented across networks and platforms," said Brian Marshall, vice president for sports product & technology for Disney Entertainment and ESPN. ESPN said it is designed for fans to customize searches to prioritize their favorite teams and sports. Fans will be able to use the service to click to events, if they are pay television or ESPN+ subscribers. Some partner networks, including NESN and Monumental Sports, will also be included. Pitaro said that ESPN has talked to various leagues and commissioners about how ESPN streaming can be a potential solution for troubled regional sports networks in getting a specific team's games to its fans. "We want to be at least part of the solution here," Pitaro said. Venu Sports, ESPN's streaming partnership with Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery that was set to begin offering live sports events this fall has been put on hold after a federal judge earlier this month granted a preliminary injunction after a challenge by FuboTV. Venu Sports operators have been accused of violating antitrust laws. "We respectfully disagree with the court decision," Pitaro said, adding ESPN believes it is giving another option to consumers. ESPN also announced Wednesday that it has extended a rights agreement with the U.S. Tennis Association that would keep U.S. Open coverage on the network, on ABC and streaming services through 2037.
[2]
Your own personalized 'SportsCenter'? ESPN working on that for upcoming streaming service
BRISTOL, Conn. -- ESPN is looking at using artificial intelligence to create personalized "SportsCenter" shows for subscribers to its Flagship streaming service that is expected to launch in fall 2025, the network's chief executive said Wednesday. The idea is one of several in the works that were discussed at a news conference by ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro, including a "Where to Watch" guide that debuted on Wednesday on ESPN.com and the ESPN app. The personalized "SportsCenter" would be reminiscent of a popular wrinkle that NBC Sports offered through its Peacock streaming service during the Olympics, where the voice of broadcaster Al Michaels was used to create highlights packages tailored to individual interests. ESPN had few other details of how it is working to do something similar for its signature highlights show. The Flagship streaming service is expected to include much of the programming on ESPN's main channel and some other offshoots, marketed to people who have abandoned cable or satellite TV subscriptions. The "Where to Watch" feature is billed as an easy-to-use guide for sports fans to find where to watch any sports event on ESPN platforms and beyond, including broadcast, cable and regional sports networks and streaming services. "Simplifying discovery of sporting events and where a fan can watch has become increasingly important as sports viewing has become fragmented across networks and platforms," said Brian Marshall, vice president for sports product and technology for Disney Entertainment and ESPN. ESPN said it is designed for fans to customize searches to prioritize their favorite teams and sports. Fans will be able to use the service to click to events, if they are pay television or ESPN subscribers. Some partner networks, including NESN and Monumental Sports, will also be included. Pitaro said that ESPN has talked to various leagues and commissioners about how ESPN streaming can be a potential solution for troubled regional sports networks in getting a specific team's games to its fans. "We want to be at least part of the solution here," Pitaro said. Venu Sports, ESPN's streaming partnership with Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery that was set to begin offering live sports events this fall has been put on hold after a federal judge earlier this month granted a preliminary injunction after a challenge by FuboTV. Venu Sports operators have been accused of violating antitrust laws. "We respectfully disagree with the court decision," Pitaro said, adding ESPN believes it is giving another option to consumers. ESPN also announced Wednesday that it has extended a rights agreement with the U.S. Tennis Association that would keep U.S. Open coverage on the network, on ABC and streaming services through 2037. sports: /sports
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ESPN is working on a customizable version of its flagship SportsCenter program for a future streaming service, aiming to revolutionize sports content delivery with AI-powered personalization.
ESPN's Innovative Streaming Plans
ESPN, the sports broadcasting giant, is set to revolutionize the way fans consume sports content with its upcoming streaming service. The network is developing a personalized version of its iconic SportsCenter program, leveraging artificial intelligence to tailor content to individual viewers' preferences 1.
AI-Powered Personalization
The new streaming service will utilize AI technology to create a customized SportsCenter experience for each user. This innovative approach will allow viewers to receive highlights and news updates specifically focused on their favorite teams, players, and sports 2. The AI system will analyze user preferences and viewing habits to deliver a tailored content feed, ensuring that fans never miss out on the sports news that matters most to them.
Expanding Digital Presence
This move is part of ESPN's broader strategy to expand its digital presence and adapt to changing viewer habits. With the rise of streaming platforms and on-demand content, the network aims to stay ahead of the curve by offering a more personalized and flexible viewing experience 1.
Potential Launch and Accessibility
While the exact launch date for the new streaming service has not been announced, industry insiders speculate that it could be available as early as next year. The personalized SportsCenter is expected to be a key feature of this new platform, potentially accessible through various devices including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs 2.
Impact on Traditional Broadcasting
As ESPN ventures further into the streaming world, questions arise about the future of traditional sports broadcasting. The network has stated that it remains committed to its cable channels and live sports coverage. However, this new personalized streaming service represents a significant shift in how sports content is delivered and consumed 1.
Fan Engagement and Data Collection
The personalized SportsCenter concept also opens up new possibilities for fan engagement and data collection. By analyzing viewing patterns and preferences, ESPN could gain valuable insights into audience behavior, potentially influencing future content creation and advertising strategies 2.
Industry Implications
ESPN's move towards personalized streaming content could set a new standard in the sports media industry. Other networks and streaming platforms may follow suit, leading to a more customized and interactive sports viewing experience across the board. This shift could potentially reshape how sports fans interact with and consume content in the digital age 1.
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