Bob Iger, the newly reinstated CEO of Disney, has made comments suggesting that ESPN will transition to a streaming-only model in the future. During an interview with CNBC's Squawk on the Street, Iger addressed the potential of streaming, stating that it would be a "phenomenal product for the sports fan." He also noted that Disney would not rush the process, and take their time to ensure the transition is done correctly.
Disney recently reported that ESPN+ had 24.9 million subscribers at the end of 2022, up from 24.3 million the prior quarter. This demonstrates the growing popularity of streaming services, and the potential for ESPN to make the switch in the near future.
Iger also discussed his decision to re-organize the company, undoing the changes made by his predecessor Bob Chapek. He noted that the division between the creative and monetization/distribution sides of the company was a "mistake" and something that needed to be fixed.
At this time, it appears that ESPN will, eventually, switch to a streaming-only model. While no timeline has been given, Iger's comments suggest that the transition will occur in the near future. He has also mentioned the need to make sure that the changes are made correctly, and that the company takes the right steps to ensure a successful transition.