Advanced Television

Disney takes BAMtech stake; plans ESPN OTT

August 10, 2016

The Walt Disney Company is acquiring a 33 per cent stake in BAMTech, a technology services and video streaming company previously formed by Major League Baseball (MLB).  As part of the transaction, BAMTech was separated from MLB’s broader digital business, MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM).

Under the terms of the transaction, Disney will pay $1 billion in two installments, now and in January 2017, and has the option to acquire majority ownership in the coming

As part of the transaction, BAMTech will become a key partner for Disney in the delivery and support of streaming video and other digital products from Disney|ABC Television Group and ESPN, as well as future digital initiatives across the Company.

“Our investment in BAMTech gives us the technology infrastructure we need to quickly scale and monetise our streaming capabilities at ESPN and across our company,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company.  “We look forward to working closely with BAMTech as we explore new ways to deliver the unmatched content of The Walt Disney Company across a variety of platforms.”

BAMTech will collaborate with ESPN to launch and distribute a new ESPN-branded multi-sport subscription streaming service in the future. The direct-to-consumer service will feature content provided by both BAMTech and ESPN, and include live regional, national and international sporting events. Current content on ESPN’s linear networks will not appear on the new subscription streaming service. More details about the new service will be announced in the months ahead.

“Bringing a multi-sport service directly to fans is an exciting opportunity that capitalises on BAMTech’s premier digital distribution platform and continues ESPN’s heritage of embracing technology to create new ways to connect fans with sports,” said John Skipper, ESPN President and Co-Chair, Disney Media Networks. “As WatchESPN continues to grow and add value to the multichannel video subscription, this new service will be an outstanding complement.”

Following Disney’s acquisition of a stake in BAMTech, the NHL received a minority interest in BAMTech, as the result of a previous agreement.

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