Forty five years after its creation, ESPN is expanding the SportsCenter franchise, bringing the sports news show to an entirely new platform: Disney+.
ESPN says that it will launch a new Disney+ exclusive version of the franchise called SC+ beginning March 3. Weekday episodes will be hosted by Gary Striewski and Randy Scott and go live at 9 a.m. and be available for 24 hours, with weekend editions hosted by Hannah Storm and Jay Harris, who will host SC+ following their SportsCenter:AM program on ESPN.
The format will be inspired by SportsCenter’s “SC Top 10” countdown segment, with the 10 most important sports news tories of the day, paired with insight from ESPN reporters and insiders. The format is meant to be geared to a more casual, entertainment-focused audience on Disney+.
SC+ joins a selection of content from ESPN on the Disney streaming service, meant to drive engagement with users ahead of the launch of ESPN’s flagship streaming service later this year. Right now select live sporting events and shows from ESPN and the ESPN+ service are available on Disney+, though the creation of a Disney+ specific program is a new step in the direction of streaming content.
“It’s an absolute honor to take one of ESPN’s most-prestigious and historic brands in SportsCenter and infuse it with the energy and creativity afforded by Disney+,” said Mike Foss, ESPN senior VP of studio & entertainment. “SC+ endeavors to tell the best stories in sports daily in an unforgettable way. This fresh approach, combined with the expansive reach of Disney+, will resonate whether you are an ardent sports fan or looking for something new after your latest series binge.”
“ESPN has long defined excellence in sports programming, and now Disney+ subscribers will have daily access to the most exciting sports news, moments, and stories,” added Alisa Bowen, President of Disney+.
