ESPN Chairman James Pitaro rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange Thursday morning to celebrate the launch of its new direct-to-consumer streaming service and enhanced ESPN app.
The bell ringing coincided with the highly anticipated launch of ESPN’s flagship streaming service, which will cost $29.99 per month and include all content from the network’s linear TV channels.
The new app and streaming service, which debuted today, are part of ESPN’s aggressive push into direct-to-consumer streaming as traditional cable subscriptions continue to decline.
The timing of the launch comes ahead of the NFL and college football seasons, when viewership traditionally peaks.
Pitaro was joined at the NYSE bell ringing by ESPN executives, anchors and athletes, including Troy Aikman.
