DTC Launch Week: ESPN employees celebrate Launch Day

"We’ve put a lot of hard work into this launch, with the full force of ESPN and Disney behind it, and we can’t wait for fans to experience all of ESPN in the ESPN App," said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, ESPN

ESPN launched Thursday, August 21 its new direct-to-consumer streaming service and a set of new features on an enhanced ESPN App, making ESPN’s full suite of 12 networks and services available directly to fans for the first time ever. The unique combination of ESPN DTC within the updated ESPN App gives fans more choice and unprecedented access to all of ESPN, with an elevated viewing experience that makes watching sports more personalized, dynamic and engaging for fans than ever before.

“We’ve put a lot of hard work into this launch, with the full force of ESPN and Disney behind it, and we can’t wait for fans to experience all of ESPN in the ESPN App,” said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, ESPN. “The best part is, we’re just getting started.”

In the video above, meet a few of the many ESPN and Disney employees who helped fuel the DTC service and enhanced ESPN App’s rollout and messaging. In the photo gallery below, see how ESPN employees celebrated the debut.

(L-R) ESPN’s Jo Fox, Rosalyn Durant, Denise Pellegrini, Tina Thornton, Rita Ferro, Josh Krulewitz, Jimmy Zasowski, Judy Agay, Elle Duncan, Chara Lynn-Aguilar, Adam Scott, Burke Magnus, Jimmy Pitaro and App-E join familiar team mascots at the E-Train Takeover during the 2025 Direct to Consumer Launch in New York City.
(Marcus Stevens/ESPN Images)

Jon McLeod, Spencer T. Jackson and Kevin Ota produced the video

ESPN employees experimented with the enhanced ESPN App at demonstration tables. (Allen Kee/ESPN)

In Bristol, ESPN employees celebrate the launch of direct-to-consumer service. (Allen Kee/ESPN)

Employees were encouraged to wear their favorite sports jerseys to celebrate the launch of direct-to-consumer service. (Allen Kee/ESPN)

ESPN employees celebrate the launch of direct-to-consumer service. (Allen Kee/ESPN)

One employee wears the slogan of ESPN's direct-to-consumer service's ad campaign. (Allen Kee/ESPN)