ESPN to Offer Personalized ‘SportsCenter’ on New Streaming Service

ESPN is exploring the use of artificial intelligence to create personalized “SportsCenter” shows for subscribers, aiming for a launch in fall 2025 on its flagship streaming service, as revealed by the network’s chief executive on Wednesday.

The idea is among several initiatives discussed at a news conference by ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro, including the new “Where to Watch” guide that debuted on Wednesday on ESPN.com and the ESPN app.

The personalized “SportsCenter” would be similar to a service previously offered by NBC Sports through its Peacock streaming platform during the Olympics, where highlights were tailored to individual interests using the voice of broadcaster Al Michaels.

Details on ESPN’s approach to this personalized highlights show remain sparse. However, the flagship streaming service is expected to feature much of the programming available on ESPN’s main channel and some of its other offshoots, specifically marketed to those who have cut cable or satellite TV subscriptions.

The “Where to Watch” feature aims to help sports fans easily find where to watch any sports event across ESPN platforms and beyond, including broadcast, cable, 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,” stated Brian Marshall, vice president for sports product and technology for Disney Entertainment and ESPN.

Fans can customize searches to prioritize their favorite teams and sports and will be able to use the service to access events if they are pay television or ESPN+ subscribers. Some partner networks, including NESN and Monumental Sports, will also be part of the service.

Pitaro highlighted discussions with various leagues and commissioners about how ESPN streaming can be a potential solution for troubled regional sports networks in getting specific team games to their fans.

“We want to be at least part of the solution here,” Pitaro mentioned.

ESPN’s streaming partnership with Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery under Venu Sports, which was supposed to start offering live sports events this fall, has been put on hold due to a federal judge granting a preliminary injunction after a challenge by FuboTV. Venu Sports operators face accusations of violating antitrust laws.

“We respectfully disagree with the court decision,” Pitaro said, asserting that ESPN believes it is providing another option for consumers.

In addition, ESPN announced the extension of a rights agreement with the U.S. Tennis Association to keep U.S. Open coverage on the network, ABC, and streaming services through 2037.

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AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports

Source: AP, ESPN