PlayStation Vue picks up ESPN, Disney, ABC networks

In what seems like pretty big news for the cord-cutting community and PlayStation owners, Sony has announced that they have secured an agreement to include ESPN and Disney/ABC’s channels in the PlayStation Vue lineup.

The deal includes the Disney Channel, Disney Junior, ABC Family/Freeform, local ABC networks and a whole lot of ESPN.

A launch date for the new channels is currently TBA, but read on for the press release from all the parties involved in the agreement.

Disney and ESPN Media Networks and Sony Network Entertainment International LLC (SNEI) today announced an agreement to bring the company’s media networks to PlayStation Vue, the pioneering cloud-based live TV service. Disney will offer ESPN, ABC-owned local stations, Disney Channel, ABC Family, and more networks on PlayStation Vue with the service’s unique features, including the ability to play multiple streams from one account and a powerful, intuitive user interface. In addition, local ABC affiliate stations will also have the opportunity to opt-in to the PlayStation Vue service with their live linear programming.

“This deal demonstrates our continued commitment to offer the best content on TV to PlayStation Vue users,” said Dwayne Benefield, Vice President, Head of PlayStation Vue, at SNEI. “The addition of Disney and ESPN’s primetime programming and live marquee sports to our portfolio ensures subscribers will have access to the most popular network programming on television today. We’re also proud to be the first Internet-based pay TV service to offer Disney’s networks with the streaming features that set PlayStation Vue apart from the industry, making TV viewing a more enjoyable experience for the whole household.”

Added Justin Connolly, EVP of Affiliate Sales & Marketing, Disney and ESPN Media Networks, “PlayStation Vue provides a unique way to engage with our content and an opportunity to reach a segment of viewers who want a different kind of television experience. The addition of our content to the PlayStation Vue platform will make the offering more compelling as consumers navigate their video options.”

Users will be able to watch content from Disney and ESPN Media Networks on a pay TV service over the Internet, using the following unique features offered by PlayStation Vue.

• On Demand Offering ? PlayStation Vue will have an extensive library of video on-demand content from Disney and ESPN Media Networks, including the ability to “catch up” on content within the past three days without the need to record or tag their favorite show. ABC primetime programming also will be offered on-demand in all cities where PlayStation Vue multi-channel packages are available.
• Unmatched Viewing Experience ? PlayStation Vue makes it easy to watch more and search less with an intuitive interface that seamlessly blends live and on-demand content, offers powerful search and discovery tools, and enables viewers to rewind, pause, or fast forward content.
• Simultaneous Streaming ? With a single PlayStation Vue subscription, users can simultaneously stream content across multiple devices both in and out of the home.

Additional details, including launch timing, will be announced at a later time. Disney and ESPN Media Networks will offer the following networks on PlayStation Vue:

• ABC Owned Stations Group
• ABC Family (becoming Freeform in January)
• Disney Channel
• Disney Junior
• Disney XD
• ESPN
• ESPN2
• ESPN College Extra
• ESPNU
• ESPNEWS
• ESPN Deportes
• ESPN Classic
• ESPN Goal Line
• ESPN Buzzer Beater
• ESPN Bases Loaded
• Fusion
• Longhorn Network
• SEC-ESPN Network