In the very first SportsClicker newsletter, back in Sept. 2021, the lone topic was that the full ESPN would likely go direct-to-consumer within the next five years. Our ensuing reporting targeted 2025, most definitivelylast month:

A little more news: It is looking ever likelier that ESPN, the mothership, goes direct to consumer in 2025. We have reported for a long time that it would happen by 2026 at the latest, pointing to 2025 as very possible. Disney is narrowing that down; if you are placing bets, go with 2025.

Last week, Disney CEO Bob Iger said on the company’s earnings call that he wants to bring ESPN direct-to-consumer in 2025:

“Basically, as we prepare to take ESPN in a DTC direction, we believe we have opportunities to strengthen our hand with entities that can provide technology support, marketing support or more content,” Iger said. “We’ve engaged in conversations with a number of different entities, and I can say that there’s considerable interest. I imagine we’ll have more to say in the coming months.”