Walt Disney Compan's ESPN to Live Stream FIFA WC Matches ( WatchESPN.com,)


With the World Cup soccer tournament around the corner, The Walt Disney Company’s (DIS - Analyst Report) ESPN recently announced that it will cover all 64 matches live, making it the channel’s 8th such telecast in a row.

The tournament will take place from Jun 12 to Jul 13 in Brazil. Each game covered by ESPN, ESPN2, ABC News and ESPN Deportes will be accessible through the WatchESPN and ESPN3 services on computers, tablets, connected-TV devices, gaming consoles and smartphones.

While the live stream will be available on computers at WatchESPN.com, it will be accessible via the famous WatchESPN app on tablets and smartphones. On televisions, the game will be streamed via Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Xbox (only for Xbox Live Gold members).

Additionally, the cable network will provide all live telecasts in various languages, other than English and Spanish on its multi-screen sports channel, ESPN3 Surround. In addition, ESPN3 Surround will broadcast the games from two different angles, facilitated by real-time highlight reels and tactical cameras.

Moreover, all breaking news, commentaries, highlights and discussions regarding the FIFA World Cup will be found on ESPNFC.com’s modified version, which will be launched towards the end of May 2014. Also, the latest ESPN FC app will be compatible with Android and Apple Inc. (AAPL - Analyst Report) devices, and will include a segment exclusively focused for this month-long sporting event.

Alongside, ABC News will work with the channel to cover the game and provide updates on ABC News Digital and ABC News Radio. All telecasts covered by the news channel will also be up-for-viewing on the WatchABC app in certain markets via an affiliated source.

By live-streaming one of the biggest tournaments that comes after a wait of four years, Disney’s ESPN is likely to garner significant profits through significant advertising revenues and gain further popularity in the television and digital world.

Disney, a diversified worldwide entertainment company, currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Other players in the retail industry, which look attractive at current levels, include Rite Aid Corp. (RAD - Analyst Report) and Bon-Ton Stores Inc. (BONT), both carrying a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy)