Seeking to improve how it serves sports fans, Disney on Tuesday revealed that ESPN will launch on Disney+ in Europe and select markets in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region immediately, making the service available to subscribers in 53 countries and territories across the regions. Asian regions getting the new offer include Japan, Korea and Hong Kong.
With this expansion, ESPN now reaches fans through Disney+ in nearly 100 markets around the world, the company said. While ESPN’s initial sports offering will vary by market and grow to “thousands of live events over the next year,” it will include NBA, NHL (starting with the 2026-27 season), NCAA events, and the College Football Playoffs, in addition to ESPN’s 30 for 30 Disney+ and ESPN, he said.
In Europe, the move builds on Disney+’s growing portfolio of sports content, while in select markets in the Asia-Pacific region, a selection of ESPN’s English-language sports programming will become available on Disney+ in the initial phase.
“Sports and live events are a core part of our Disney+ content library, and we’re excited to build on the success we’ve already had with sports fans as we bring more ESPN to Disney+ subscribers in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region,” said Alyssa Bowen, President of Disney+. “This launch adds to our growing portfolio of local sports rights around the world.”
Added Freddy Rolón, ESPN’s Chief Sports and Global Talent Desk: “This expansion represents an exciting next step for ESPN and Disney+ in our commitment to sports fans. ESPN has a long tradition of delivering world-class content to sports fans, and the continued growth on Disney+ allows us to expand our reach and provide greater reach and deeper connections with fans everywhere.”
Among the studio’s select shows coming to Disney+ as part of Tuesday’s expansion move are: ESPN FCESPN’s global soccer news and information program.
“This builds on our sports offerings on Disney+ already available in Europe, including the UEFA Women’s Champions League, LALIGA in the UK and Ireland, the Copa del Rey, the UEFA Europa League, the UEFA Conference League and the German Cup in the Nordics,” Disney+ said. “The show will also feature key KeSPA events, including the 2026 Asia Jinju Esports Championship, and the 2026 LoL KeSPA Cup in Asia Pacific markets.”
In addition to its Disney+ presence, ESPN has 50 linear networks that reach fans across 130 countries and territories.
