Directv Introduces MySports Streaming Service
DirecTV has entered the sports streaming market with the launch of its new service, MySports. The offering provides a wide variety of live sports content, including ESPN+, and will upgrade to ESPN's unlimited plan at no extra cost upon its launch this fall.
MySports is initially available in 24 metro areas, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, the San Francisco Bay Area, and others. DirecTV CEO Bill Morrow stated that the introduction of MySports delivers consumers greater choice, flexibility, and control.
Extensive Sports Content Aggregation
The programming within MySports and related streaming tiers includes a broad range of sports content aggregated from Disney, Fox, NBCUniversal, Paramount, Warner Bros. Discovery, and major professional and college leagues. DirecTV also offers a new multiview "Mix Channels" feature, allowing subscribers to watch multiple sports channels simultaneously on one screen.
Some examples of Mix Channels include:
- Sports Mix: ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, and NBC Sports
- League Sports Mix: MLB Network, NBA TV, NFL Network, NHL Network
A new Sunday Sports Mix launching in September will feature CBS, Fox, ESPN, and FS1. These Mix Channels are available on platforms including DirecTV Gemini devices, Roku, Fire TV, and Android TV, with Apple TV and Samsung Tizen support coming soon.
Additional Features and Offerings
MySports subscribers currently have ESPN+ and will transition automatically to the ESPN unlimited plan upon its launch, likely by late August or early fall 2025. Satellite and U-Verse subscribers will get the ESPN streaming upgrade later this fall at no additional cost.
DirecTV streaming customers with a Gemini device subscribing to the Signature package will also receive Disney+ and Hulu bundles at no additional charge, with plans to add HBO Max and Peacock ad tiers later this year.
MySports provides game-time notifications and the ability to watch now on live TV or later through unlimited cloud DVR. Consumers who sign up online for the contract-free package before Feb. 28, 2025, can receive MySports for $49.99 monthly for the first three months, a $20 monthly savings. After the free trial, MySports auto-renews monthly, and consumers can cancel anytime.
Additional networks, local stations, and ESPN+ will be included in MySports at no extra cost in the near future. The list of channels includes ACC Digital Network, Big 12, Fight Network, Fuel TV, Origin Sports, Pickleball TV, Players TV, Sports Grid, Stadium Stream, Surfer TV, Swerve Combat, T2, The Jim Rome Show, TNA, Torque by History, Waypoint TV, and Women's Sports Network.
A Response to Cord-Cutting and Subscriber Declines
DirecTV continues to deal with the impact of cord-cutting and subscriber declines, fueled by price increases and lost clout with sports fans after it lost the exclusive NFL Sunday Ticket out-of-market game package to YouTube. The introduction of MySports represents a strategic move by DirecTV to cater to the growing demand for sports streaming services and compete in a crowded market.
Cancellation of Joint Venture Venu
It was previously announced that DirecTV, along with three other media companies, were preparing to launch Venu, a joint venture focusing on live sports. However, it has been announced that Venu will not launch. The reasons for this decision are not yet clear.
[1] The Verge
[2] Variety
[3] Engadget
[4] TechRadar
[5] CNBC
