ESPN Expands Commercial Streaming Reach Through EverPass Media Partnership
EverPass Media has secured a multi-year agreement with Disney’s ESPN to distribute live games and exclusive content from ESPN+ to bars, restaurants, and other commercial venues across the United States. This partnership significantly broadens EverPass’ portfolio of live sports streaming offerings for businesses.
Since its launch in 2023 as a joint venture between the NFL and RedBird Capital Partners, EverPass has positioned itself as a key provider of live sports content to commercial establishments. The company already distributes the NFL’s “Sunday Ticket” package and streams NFL games exclusive to digital platforms, such as recent matchups available only on YouTube.
Alex Kaplan, CEO of EverPass, highlighted the growing fragmentation in streaming sports content: “You have these streaming-only games on various different platforms, right? It sometimes can be tricky, even at home, to figure out where to go. Streaming is here to stay and will likely remain fragmented for consumers. Our value proposition is to aggregate that content.”
Comprehensive ESPN+ Content for Commercial Customers
Starting in October 2025, ESPN+ will be offered as a distinct package to both new and existing EverPass customers. This addition brings access to more than 2,200 live events annually, spanning college football and basketball, the NHL, international soccer, PGA Tour Live events, and other major sporting competitions.
ESPN recently launched its flagship direct-to-consumer streaming app, priced at $29.99 monthly or $299.99 annually, which bundles ESPN+ content with traditional ESPN TV programming. However, under the EverPass agreement, only ESPN+ content—ESPN’s initial streaming platform featuring exclusive games outside its linear TV networks—will be available to commercial establishments. For individual consumers, ESPN+ is accessible via the ESPN Select tier at $11.99 per month or $119.99 annually.
EverPass’ Growing Role in Sports Streaming Distribution
EverPass emerged as an alternative to DirecTV for the NFL Sunday Ticket commercial package in 2023. That year, EverPass acquired UPShow, a platform enabling commercial venues to stream live sports, enhancing its technical capabilities. Before this acquisition, EverPass licensed DirecTV to distribute Sunday Ticket to businesses, while YouTube TV secured consumer rights.
Beyond NFL content, EverPass also distributes exclusive NFL games on Comcast’s Peacock, streams Amazon Prime Video sports offerings, and provides international soccer content from Paramount+. Its commercial clients include major chains such as Buffalo Wild Wings and Dave & Buster’s.
Looking ahead, Kaplan indicated that EverPass is exploring additional media rights partnerships, potential collaborations with traditional pay-TV providers like Charter Communications, and expansion into more commercial venues. Discussions with current and prospective partners are ongoing to broaden EverPass’ content portfolio further.
FinOracleAI — Market View
The ESPN-EverPass deal strengthens EverPass’ position as a leading sports streaming distributor for commercial venues by adding a broad slate of ESPN+ live events. This expansion enhances its competitive edge against traditional pay-TV providers and fragmented streaming platforms.
Risks include ongoing fragmentation of streaming rights, which could complicate content aggregation efforts, and potential challenges in scaling distribution across diverse commercial settings.
Market participants should monitor subscriber uptake among commercial customers and any further media rights acquisitions by EverPass, which will be critical for sustained growth.
Impact: positive
