Disney News

Category: ESPN

  • Colin Kaepernick Signs Production Deal with Disney

    Colin Kaepernick Signs Production Deal with Disney

    Colin Kaepernick has signed a first-look deal with Disney, which will include a docuseries focusing on his journey from playing for the 49ers to becoming an activist.

    The deal between Kaepernick’s production arm, Ra Vision Media, and The Walt Disney Co. was announced Monday. The partnership will focus on telling scripted and unscripted stories that explore race, social injustice and the quest for equity. It also will provide a platform to showcase the work of directors and producers of color.

    “I am excited to announce this historic partnership with Disney across all of its platforms to elevate Black and Brown directors, creators, storytellers, and producers, and to inspire the youth with compelling and authentic perspectives,” Kaepernick said in a statement. “I look forward to sharing the docuseries on my life story, in addition to many other culturally impactful projects we are developing.”

    Despite being exiled from the NFL since the 2016 season when he took a knee during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial inequality, Kaepernick still wants to play.

    A person close to the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback told The Associated Press that Kaepernick is in excellent shape and ready to play but hasn’t received any calls.

    Following the nationwide protests in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell apologized to players for not listening to them earlier, encouraged them to protest peacefully and denounced racism.

    Kaepernick, who became the face of a Nike campaign in 2018, will work closely with The Undefeated, which is expanding its portfolio across Disney, to develop stories from the perspective of communities of color.

    His deal with The Walt Disney Co. will extend across all Disney platforms, including Walt Disney Television, ESPN, Hulu, Pixar and The Undefeated.

    “During this unprecedented time, The Walt Disney Co. remains committed to creating diverse and inclusive content that resonates and matters,” said Bob Iger, Disney’s executive chairman. “Colin’s experience gives him a unique perspective on the intersection of sports, culture and race, which will undoubtedly create compelling stories that will educate, enlighten and entertain, and we look forward to working with him on this important collaboration.”

    The docuseries chronicling Kaepernick’s journey and his last five years is the first project in development.

    “Developing exceptional storytelling told through a wide array of voices is at the core of who we are at ESPN,” ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro said. “Colin has had a singular path as both an athlete and an activist, and, as the nation continues to confront racism and social injustice, it feels particularly relevant to hear Colin’s voice on his evolution and motivations.”

  • Food & Wine Tailgate Tasting Hosted by ESPN’s Monday Night Football

    Food & Wine Tailgate Tasting Hosted by ESPN’s Monday Night Football

    It’s that time of year! The days are getting shorter, kids are back to school, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is in full swing and so is Monday Night Football. Today, Disney announced the new Food & Wine Tailgate Tasting hosted by ESPN’s Monday Night Football.

    Running on select Mondays throughout the festival, the 45-minute program will pair tailgating-inspired food and beverages. Guests can enjoy a flight of three sample size food items inspired by the cities playing in the game each week along with three different beverages, while learning from culinary experts about how to prepare these dishes.

    The Food & Wine Tailgate Tasting is a complimentary program and will be offered on September 17, 24 and October 1, 8 and 15 from 4:30-5:15 p.m. in the Festival Center.

    Guests interested in attending may pick up a wristband at the Festival Center starting at 9 a.m. each Monday for that day’s seminar. All guests must be present to receive their wristbands. Both wristbands and seating at the event are available on a first come, first serve basis.

  • Disney Launches Its Sports Streaming Service ESPN+ Today

    Disney Launches Its Sports Streaming Service ESPN+ Today

    Disney has taken its first step into the world of video streaming today with the launching of its new streaming video product ESPN+.

    The new ESPN App has been completely re-imagined experience and includes the seamless integration of ESPN+, the first-ever multi-sport, direct-to-consumer premium subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International group, in partnership with ESPN.

    ESPN+ is available for a seven-day free trial, followed by a subscription fee of just $4.99 a month or $49.99 a year, with the ability to cancel at any time. During the first week of launch (April 12–18), fans are being offered a special extended 30-day free trial subscription backed by American Express.

    The innovative new app elevates the digital sports experience and becomes the premier, all-in-one digital sports platform for fans, giving them easy access to all of ESPN’s news, scores, analysis, video and audio content. With enhanced design and mobility in mind, the new ESPN app and ESPN+ are available across mobile and connected living room devices—with an optimized experience for each platform.

    “This next-generation app is ESPN’s most sophisticated and elegant digital product experience, and a central piece of our next era of innovation,” said James Pitaro, ESPN President and Co-Chair, Disney Media Networks. “No one is in a better position than ESPN to serve sports fans. With this launch, fans will find a re-imagined, easy to use and increasingly personalized experience that puts all of ESPN’s incredible content at their fingertips like never before. With the exciting introduction of ESPN+, they’ll also get more sports content than ever, with direct access to thousands of live games, incredible original programs and an unmatched on-demand library, all at a great price.”

    On mobile devices, sports fans will enjoy a highly personalized content experience that begins on the home screen, which features a dynamic feed of relevant ESPN content and coverage—including scores, news, video clips, live events, statistics and more—that balances what is important to each individual fan and the most compelling content that ESPN knows sports fans need. The mobile app also offers three tiers of video access, all powered by BAMTECH Media’s best-in-class video platform: video clips and highlights for all users; “TV Everywhere Streaming” of live and on-demand content from ESPN’s U.S. linear and digital networks for pay TV subscribers; and ESPN+, for the direct-to-consumer streaming service’s subscribers.

    Kevin Mayer, Chairman, Direct-to-Consumer and International, The Walt Disney Company, added, “The launch of ESPN+ marks a new era of innovation for The Walt Disney Company, defined by a direct and personal relationship with our consumers. This product reflects our new direct-to-consumer strategy focused on combining our incomparable brands and unmatched content with industry-leading technology to give users an unparalleled digital experience. With BAMTECH Media’s state-of-the-art video platform, ESPN+ delivers an incredible experience for fans with a rich slate of content only ESPN can deliver.”

    ESPN+, which is backed by American Express at launch, leverages BAMTECH Media’s video and commerce platform to offer fans thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks. ESPN+ delivers an unparalleled programming lineup powered by four key pillars of content that includes live sports events from MLB, NHL, MLS, college sports, Top Rank Boxing, PGA Tour golf and more; high-quality original shows and films, including the 30 for 30 documentary “The Last Knight,” the first in the award-winning series to appear exclusively on ESPN+; exclusive studio programs, such as Detail, written, produced and hosted by NBA legend Kobe Bryant; and an unmatched on-demand library that includes the entire 30 for 30 archive, the best of ESPN’s award-winning newsmagazine program, E:60, and storytelling brand, SC Featured, and The Masters films, annual recaps of 57 years of The Masters, beginning with Arnold Palmer’s 1960 victory, and going right up until 2017.

    “For the launch of ESPN+, our focus has been on applying the innovations in direct-to-consumer technology we’ve built at BAMTECH over the years to create an all-new best-in-class consumer experience that brings sports fans more of the content they love, wherever, whenever they want,” added Michael Paull, President, BAMTECH Media. “ESPN+ launches with several exciting product features, including an upgraded HD stream quality to make the action crisper and cleaner, and decreased video load time, getting fans into the live action faster.”

    ESPN+ subscribers will receive app and streaming experience enhancements such as HD streaming; functionality that allows users to pause, rewind, restart and even multitask while streaming; limited advertising throughout the entire ESPN App or website; as well as the ability to also subscribe to additional premium streaming services like MLB.TV (and NHL.TV, beginning in 2018–19), all within the ESPN app environment.

    The new ESPN App delivers a unique experience to every fan, while also enabling meaningful curation and presentation from ESPN’s unmatched storytellers, journalists and content creators. The app’s new design delivers a rich, easy-to-use interface that enhances personalization and discoverability—presenting content in a myriad of ways to customize it to each individual fan. The powerful technological platform surfaces ESPN content based on favorite teams, sports and leagues, as well as ESPN’s award-winning journalism and personalities.

    The new ESPN App, which is presented at launch by Audi, delivers a dynamic and comprehensive sports streaming experience on digital living room devices, as well—including a dedicated ESPN+ section surfacing the best live, upcoming, on-demand and library content available to subscribers; as well as access to ESPN’s entire library of available on-demand content.

    The ESPN App with ESPN+ launches today on the following devices and platforms, with more to follow:

    • Amazon: Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, Fire TV smart TVs and Fire Tablets (4th generation and newer)
    • Apple: iPhone, iPad and Apple TV. The ESPN App with ESPN+ will also be supported in the Apple TV App on iPhone, iPad and Apple TV.
    • Google: Android phones, Android TV and Chromecast
  • E-Sports Deal Brings EA’s ‘Madden NFL’ To Disney XD And ESPN

    E-Sports Deal Brings EA’s ‘Madden NFL’ To Disney XD And ESPN

    A new deal between Disney, Electronic Arts and the NFL is bringing e-sports tournaments for the popular Madden franchise to Disney XD and ESPN2.

    The deal gives Disney and ESPN exclusive broadcasts of the coming EA Sports Madden NFL 18 Championship Series. The parties characterized the deal as the first “long-term multi-event competitive gaming agreement” struck with ESPN.

    “Through this collaboration with ESPN and Disney XD, we’ll provide ongoing coverage for fans worldwide across a variety of ESPN and Disney platforms, but also digitally through our own Madden streaming and social channels,” said Todd Sitrin, senior VP and GM of the Competitive Gaming Division at EA.

    The Madden NFL Ultimate League kicks off Friday, February 2 and continues through the NFL Draft on April 28th. The competition features 16 of the best “Madden NFL 18” in head to head action.

    The “Madden NFL 18″ Club Championship tournament is expected to run on the same day as the Pro Bowl, Friday, January 26. Starting on Saturday, January 27, fans can watch ESPNEWS to see the quarterfinal match ups. Then fans can follow the Club Championship Final on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes on Thursday, February 1, live from the Super Bowl Experience in Minneapolis.

    Also Disney XD and the ESPN App will become the weekly home to “Madden NFL 18” competitive gaming content. It will be bringing the latest action from the Madden NFL Ultimate League each week. The Madden NFL Ultimate League champion will be crowned at the Madden Bowl, live from the 2018 NFL Draft on ESPN2.

    Also ESPN2 will broadcast an Ultimate League Episodic Series beginning in April. The show will follow the best players in the Ultimate League on Tuesdays at 9pm ET and runs through May 1. You will also be able to find episodes on demand on the ESPN App.

    E-sports are ever-increasing in popularity especially among young audiences like the tween market Disney XD is aiming for. So popular in fact consideration is even being given to adding competitive gaming to the 2024 Olympics.

  • NFL Pro Bowl Week at Walt Disney World Resort

    NFL Pro Bowl Week at Walt Disney World Resort

    The Super Bowl teams are set for the biggest game of the year and that means the Pro Bowl isn’t too far away. Walt Disney World Resort will be kicking off NFL Pro Bowl Week and there are plenty of ways to catch the action.

    All of the key Pro Bowl Week activities take place at our ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and many are free and open to the public, including the team practices. The AFC and NFC teams are training Wednesday starting at 10:30 and Thursday-Saturday starting at 11:30 am.

    Fans can also cheer on their favorite players from the AFC and NFC as they go against each other in unique competitions at the 2018 Pro Bowl Skills Showdown. Tickets are limited – register here.

    ESPN Pro Bowl

    In addition to watching the players practice, fans can test their own football skills the NFL Pro Bowl Experience – a free, interactive fan zone with fun activities for the whole family. Open daily at 10 a.m. starting Wednesday, the NFL Pro Bowl Experience gives fans the opportunity to get even closer to the action with new football-related activities, immersive exhibits and sponsor activations.

    After watching the pros, fans can get a look at the future at one of the NFL’s premier youth football events – the NFL FLAG Championships on Friday and Saturday. Fans interested in exclusive access to NFL-themed games and activities, youth football clinics and more, must register for the NFL Fan Mobile Pass.

    The Pro Bowl fun extends beyond the field, too. There’s a Pro Bowl Fun Run Series at the Track & Field Complex at ESPN Wide World of Sports on Saturday at 1 pm. The event features distances for runners of all ages and abilities, and participants will receive a finisher medallion, a race bib and a commemorative item, plus post-race refreshments. Runners can also expect to see some of their favorite Disney characters, Pro Bowl cheerleaders and mascots along the way. Spots are still available here.

    With complimentary parking at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, fans can partake in all of the exciting Pro Bowl action all week long! Fans can also head over to Disney Springs to catch the NFL Pro Bowl All-Star Pep Rally starting at 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 27. The Pep Rally will feature special entertainment, games, NFL Cheerleaders and Mascot appearances, and more!

    Those are just some of the many Pro Bowl Week activities here. To learn more ways to get in on the action or to purchase tickets for Sunday’s game at Camping World Stadium, visit http://www.nfl.com/probowl.

     

  • Former ESPN President Allegedly Out Drinking After Resignation Over Substance Abuse

    Former ESPN President Allegedly Out Drinking After Resignation Over Substance Abuse

    Only eleven days ago President of ESPN and co-chairman of the Disney Media Networks John Skipper resigned citing substance addiction and already he has been spotted out at a bar allegedly having cocktails with ESPN radio host Dan LeBatard.

    According to a report from Outkick who obtained these photos from a tipster, the bartender confirmed that “both Skipper and LeBatard had ordered and consumed martinis — Beefeater Gin was the alcohol to be exact — at the bar.”

    Take a look at the photos from inside the bar. According the report LeBatard is in a Made in Miami hat and Skipper is the grey haired man beside the martini glass at the bar.

    This comes after his shocking resignation where he claimed he had a substance abuse problem, and in a statement said, “I come to this public disclosure with embarrassment, trepidation and a feeling of having let others I care about down.” He continued, “I have struggled for many years with a substance addiction. I have decided that the most important thing I can do right now is to take care of my problem.”

    Perhaps this is just bad optics as he could just be sitting at the bar and not drinking. But this report also calls into question the substance abuse reason given for his departure stating “they were told by multiple trusted sources inside ESPN that the reason for Skipper’s resignation was because of sexual harassment issues inside the company.”

    None of those claims have been substantiated, but the events surrounding his resignation are rather surprising considering he just signed a new multi-year contract extension less than a month ago.

     

  • ESPN President John Skipper Resigns

    ESPN President John Skipper Resigns

    President of ESPN and co-chairman of the Disney Media Networks John Skipper resigned on Monday citing substance addiction. President of the company since 2012, Skipper recently signed a contract extension through 2021.

    While Disney chairman and chief executive Bob Iger seeks a replacement, George Bodenheimer, ESPN’s president from 1998 to 2011 and its executive chairman until May 2014, will take the reins for the next 90 days as acting chairman of the company.

    Skipper, 61, didn’t offer any details of the nature of his substance abuse problem, but in a statement said, “I come to this public disclosure with embarrassment, trepidation and a feeling of having let others I care about down.” He continued, “As I deal with this issue and what it means to me and my family, I ask for appropriate privacy and a little understanding.”

    To many at ESPN the announcement came as a quite a surprise after his recent contact extension. He had been trying to get the company back on track and pave the way forward amidst a rapidly decreasing number of cable subscribers and a declining interest in professional sports. Not to mention his help would have been instrumental in helping Disney integrate the various Fox sports assets they will be acquiring.

    Bob Iger, chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney Company, the parent company of ESPN, said he would join Skipper’s “many friends and colleagues across the company in wishing him well during this challenging time.”