NBA and NFL move to Disney+: Impact on Foxtel

Disney+ is gearing up to bring live sports content to Australia, which could shake things up for Foxtel and ESPN. Currently, Foxtel and its streaming service Kayo are where you can catch all the action from top US sports leagues like the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, college sports, and UFC, thanks to a deal with ESPN.

But with Disney’s plans to potentially start streaming major US sports on Disney+, the future of this deal is uncertain. It could mean that Kayo customers might not have access to these sports anymore. This shift poses risks for Foxtel, especially after being sold to DAZN, a British sports streaming giant, and with the impending arrival of HBO Max in the Australian market.

ESPN has been making moves, including launching an ESPN ’tile’ on Disney+ in the US and planning to roll out its standalone streaming service. While the details are still up in the air, sources suggest that Disney is eyeing Australia for live sports content to attract more subscribers.

Foxtel has signaled changes too, adding live sports to its Binge platform and relying on US sports to draw in viewers alongside local favorites like AFL and NRL. The competition is heating up, with major players like Disney, Amazon, and Netflix vying for live sports rights and audiences.

Keep an eye out for more developments, including the renewal of ESPN’s UFC contract and potential subscription services from the NBA and NFL. The streaming landscape is evolving rapidly, and it’s all about finding the best way to bring sports and entertainment to viewers like you.