The sports streaming service, scheduled to launch in fall 2024, will bring together the companies’ sports network portfolios and some of their direct-to-consumer (DTC) sports services.
Pete Distad, an experienced media, sports, and technology leader, has been named CEO of the new sports streaming service, a joint venture formed by ESPN, FOX, and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).
Distad, who most recently served as an executive at Apple for a decade after six years at Hulu, will assume oversight of all aspects of the joint venture, including overall strategy, distribution, marketing, sales, and more.
Distad worked at Apple from 2013 to 2023, where he was responsible for the business, operations, and global distribution of video, sports, and Apple TV+. There he launched the new Apple TV in 2015 and later led the teams that launched and expanded the Apple TV app, Apple TV+, and MLS Season Pass. He initially joined the company to lead product marketing for Apple TV.
His experience at Hulu (2007-2013) included serving as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Distribution on the executive team. He was part of Hulu’s original launch team, overseeing customer acquisition and retention, distribution, and marketing.
Before Hulu, Distad held various technology and management consulting positions at McKinsey & Company, Calence (now Insight), and Andersen Consulting (now Accenture).
“This is an incredible opportunity to create and develop a differentiated product that serves passionate U.S. sports fans outside of the traditional pay-TV package,” Distad said. “I am excited to be able to bring together the industry-leading sports content portfolios of these three companies to deliver a new premium service,” he said.
ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery added the following joint statement, “Pete is an accomplished leader and innovator with extensive experience launching and growing new video services. We are confident that he and his team will create a highly engaging, fan-centric product for our target market.”
New platform from ESPN, FOX, and WBD
The innovative new platform, announced in February, will bring together the companies’ sports network portfolios and some of their direct-to-consumer (DTC) sports services, including content from major professional sports leagues and college sports. The creation of the paid service is subject to the negotiation of definitive agreements between the parties.
Sports streaming, scheduled to launch in the fall of 2024, will be made directly available to consumers through a new app. Subscribers will also be able to bundle the product with Disney+, Hulu, and/or Max.
Further details, such as name, pricing, and additional staff will be announced at a later date.
