ESPN+ reached 7.9 million subscribers in Disney’s Q2 2020 earnings report, which was released today. In February, the ESPN+ reported 6.6 million subscribers at the end of 2019 and 7.6 million as of Feb. 4th. The company has amassed 5.7 million new members since March 2019.
The coronavirus pandemic made a significant impact on Disney’s businesses overall, especially ESPN since sports leagues were forced to suspend their seasons.
“While the COVID-19 pandemic has had an appreciable financial impact on a number of our businesses, we are confident in our ability to withstand this disruption and emerge from it in a strong position,” said Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company.
Much of that growth earlier this year came from a half a million new subscribers who joined to watch the McGregor UFC fight. In total, ESPN+ had 1mm PPV buys of the fight.
When sports do return, expect ESPN+’s numbers to keep growing as they continue to add live sports to the streaming service. Earlier this year, ESPN won the streaming rights to the entire PGA Tour and that matches will be shown on ESPN+.