Welcome to Extreme Investor Network, your one-stop-shop for all things related to business news and financial insights. Today, we have some exciting news from the world of sports and streaming entertainment that you don’t want to miss.
The Women’s National Basketball Association regular season is kicking off, and all eyes are on breakout star Caitlin Clark as she gears up for her debut as point guard for the Indiana Fever. Clark, the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer for both men’s and women’s basketball, recently drew a record 18.9 million viewers to the Women’s March Madness National Championship game. Her popularity is undeniable, as shown by the 2.45 million viewers who tuned in to watch her get drafted as the No. 1 pick.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Disney+ is getting in on the action by live streaming the game, marking the service’s first live sports event. This move is part of Disney’s strategy to increase viewership through sports streaming. In fact, the entertainment giant is on the verge of turning a profit in its streaming unit for the first time, as reported in its fiscal second quarter.
Looking ahead, Disney is planning to launch a full direct-to-consumer streaming product in fall 2025, allowing consumers to subscribe to ESPN without cable. Additionally, Disney is teaming up with Warner Bros. Discovery and Fox Corp. to offer a sports streaming service set to launch this fall. These partnerships signal a shift in how fans consume sports content in the digital age.
As for the WNBA, the league’s existing media rights deal is set to expire in 2025. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is optimistic about the future, expecting the new deal to double in value to around $120 million. This growth is crucial for the league’s continued success and expansion.
Experts like Patrick Rishe, director of the Sports Business Program at Washington University’s Olin Business School, see Clark’s debut as a potential “watershed moment for the league.” The decision to stream the game on Disney+ is strategic, targeting the league’s key demographic of families and younger viewers who prefer streaming platforms.
In conclusion, the intersection of sports and streaming is constantly evolving, and the debut of Caitlin Clark on Disney+ marks a significant moment in the industry. Stay tuned to Extreme Investor Network for more updates on this exciting blend of sports, entertainment, and business news.