Currently, the CW is the TV partner for the NASCAR O’Reilly Series. For every event so far this season, practice and qualifying has been available for streaming via the free CW App. The race has been shown via the CW Network station.
That’s about to change.
The CW has signed a new deal with ESPN. Under the new deal, O’Reilly Series practice and qualifying will now air live on ESPN Unlimited. It will no longer be available on the CW App.
The ESPN App will become the exclusive streaming home for all CW Sports live events. However, race coverage will remain on the CW Network in addition to the ESPN app.
ESPN is planning to group NOAPS coverage into it’s ‘Unlimited’ plan. Current pricing for this plan is $29.99/month or $299.99/year.
This deal will go into action later this year.
CW comments
“Joining forces with ESPN is a monumental next step in the evolution of CW Sports,” said Brad Schwartz, President, The CW Network in the release.
“The CW now offers more than 800 hours of premium live sports per year. This agreement extends the reach of CW Sports and enables us to capture audiences across the best of broadcast and the best of streaming, ensuring fans can access live CW Sports wherever they are and on whatever device they prefer.”
“This new partnership will allow us to connect seamlessly with our audiences everywhere—from football and basketball to motorsports, professional wrestling, bowling, bull riding, and much more to come as CW Sports continues its exciting march forward.”
ESPN comments
“Bringing CW Sports to the ESPN App is another step in delivering more value, choice and flexibility for fans, expanding the range of live sports available within our streaming ecosystem,” said Rosalyn Durant, Executive Vice President, ESPN Programming & Acquisitions.
“This agreement gives fans even more live sports to watch year-round within the ESPN Unlimited plan, while extending the reach of CW Sports to new audiences. As we continue to evolve ESPN’s direct-to-consumer experience, collaborations like this allow us to better serve fans by making more of the sports they love available in one place.”
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