Australia’s Fetch TV and ESPN extend channel distribution agreement
Australian IPTV provider Fetch TV and ESPN have officially announced a multi-year extension to their existing channel distribution agreement, encompassing ESPN and ESPN2. Since their introduction to Fetch in 2012, the ESPN channels have become a staple for sports enthusiasts.
Globally recognised for its comprehensive coverage of US sports, ESPN holds rights agreements with major leagues such as NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL and the UFC. The extended agreement ensures that Fetch viewers will continue to enjoy top-tier US live sports along with acclaimed studio commentary shows like SportsCenter, NBA Today, NFL Primetime and ESPN’s renowned 30 for 30 documentaries and special features.
“We’re excited to extend our long-standing relationship with Fetch TV, which serves Fetch viewers with access to our comprehensive slate of ESPN programming, flagship studio shows and extensive major sport properties,” enthused Kylie Watson Wheeler, Senior Vice President & Managing Director of The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand.
“We have a huge summer of programming ahead on ESPN, including the NFL playoffs and 2024 Super Bowl. Combined with the NBA Finals, NHL, MLB, UFC and every game of the NBL, ESPN has the world’s biggest sporting moments covered for sports fans to enjoy.”
Sam Hall, Chief Content and Commercial Officer at Fetch TV, expressed similar excitement about the partnership.
“We are thrilled to announce the extension of our long-running agreement with ESPN for carriage of the ESPN and ESPN2 channels, which remain top performers on the Fetch platform,” Hall said.
“ESPN is the go-to media outlet for premium US sports including the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, and the ESPN channels are particularly strong during the Aussie summer months.
“Fetch offers Australian sports fans a compelling selection of sports content including ESPN’s world leading coverage of US sport, great coverage of local and international sport available from the Free to Air networks, and additional subscription sports content from the likes of beIN Sports, Optus Sport, Stan Sport, Paramount Plus and Prime Video. It’s been a great year for Sport, and Fetch customers have had a box seat… on the couch.”
Fetch subscribers can access ESPN channels live or on demand, with the option to use ‘start over’ for most linear channel programs on TV or on the Fetch Mobi App. Additionally, subscribers can utilise the ESPN app, included free for ESPN subscribers via Fetch.
Continuing to offer compelling channel packs, Fetch includes the ESPN channels in the Vibe Pack (10 channels for $6 per month) and the Ultimate Pack (45 channels for $20 per month), providing a diverse selection of sports content for Australian audiences.
Image credit: Kelly Backus/ESPN Images
