New Disney-Verizon Carriage Deal Gives FiOs Subs ESPN Goal Line, ESPN 3D, ESPN Streaming

Verizon and the Disney and ESPN Media Networks Group (DEMN) reached a new long-term, carriage agreement with Verizon that will give Verizon FiOS subscribers access to new services, including ESPN Goal Line and ESPN 3D, as well as mobile programming and live online streaming of several ESPN networks.

“We’re very excited to begin offering our FiOS subscribers this new variety of ESPN and Disney programming,” says Terry Denson, Verizon VP for content strategy and acquisition.  “We continue to meet the goal of providing our customers with the newest programming available on every platform, whether it’s on the TV screen, online or on mobile devices.”

ESPN Goal Line, the network’s college football highlight channel, will be available to FiOS TV customers as of October 9.  ESPN Goal Line, which has already been picked up by Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks, provides live look-ins of game action, focusing on scoring drives and up-to-the minute commentary from ESPN analysts. ESPN Buzzer Beater, a similar service for college basketball, will be available when the NCAA basketball season kicks off.

ESPN 3D is scheduled to launch for Verizon FiOS TV subscribers in 2011. It is already available to Comcast, AT&T U-verse, and DirecTV subscribers.

New authenticated services will allow Verizon’s FiOS TV customers to watch ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN Goal Line and ESPN Buzzer Beater streaming live online on and on Internet devices like tablets.  FiOS TV customers will be able to access the programming via ESPN’s websites as well as the FiOS TV Online website in the coming months. The agreement also means that FiOS customers will continue to have access to ESPN3.com, ESPN’s broadband network.

The new deal also gives Verizon FiOS subscribers access to the Disney Junior network and Verizon Wireless’ V CAST will feature select content from Disney XD and ABC Family later this year.

“This new agreement represents the ever-evolving landscape of the media industry,” says David Preschlack, EVP, affiliate sales and marketing, DEMN. “Gone are the days of linear channel distribution only – we are tasked with helping our affiliates grow their businesses on multiple platforms, and this deal reflects that.  With new broadband and on-demand services, Verizon FiOS TV subscribers will have better access than ever to our vast array of content.”