Disney’s ESPN is working to make a stand-alone version of its flagship TV channel available as a streaming service in two to three years, or once its cable TV reach falls below 50M households, people familiar with the plans told The Wall Street Journal’s Jessica Toonkel and Isabella Simonetti. Disney CEO Bob Iger announced last month that the sports network was seeking a strategic partner and was open to selling an equity stake and the network has talked to sport leagues, including Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, National Football League and the National Hockey League, the report noted. Talks with potential partners and investors have touched on several roles ESPN can play in the streaming industry, from carrying local broadcasts for pro sports teams to serving as an industrywide hub to stream any live game, people familiar with the matter told The Journal.
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