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In a massive strategic move, The Walt Disney Company officially launched the ESPN tile on Disney+ across 53 countries and territories today, April 7, 2026. This expansion, covering major regions in Europe and the Asia-Pacific (APAC), marks the largest international integration of Disney’s sports and entertainment portfolios to date.

The “One-App” Strategy

The move brings the total number of global markets with ESPN access on Disney+ to approximately 100. By placing ESPN alongside Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar, Disney is evolving its platform into a “daily habit” destination.

“Sports and live events are an essential part of our library,” said Alisa Bowen, President of Disney+. “We are excited to build on our success as we bring more of ESPN to subscribers in Europe and APAC, adding to our growing portfolio of local sports rights.”

What’s Included in the Global Launch?

Subscribers in the 53 new markets – including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong – now have access to a massive slate of ESPN content:

• Live Events: Coverage of NCAA March Madness (Men’s and Women’s), the Little League World Series, and select international soccer leagues like the Copa del Rey.
• Original Programming: Full access to the award-winning 30 for 30 documentary series and popular studio shows like SportsCenter and First Take.
• E-Sports: A new partnership with the Korean Esports Association will also see major gaming events carried on the tile.

This launch serves as the foundation for an even larger rollout. Disney has confirmed that starting with the 2026-27 seasons, live broadcasts of the NBA and NHL will be integrated into the international Disney+ app. This shift is expected to significantly reduce subscriber “churn” by offering year-round, must-see live content.

This strategic consolidation directly challenges competitors like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video by leveraging Disney’s unique ownership of both high-value franchises and premium sports rights. With ESPN now live in 100 countries via Disney+, the platform is positioned as a definitive leader in the global streaming race.