ESPN's much-discussed streaming service finally has its launch date.

The network announced Wednesday that its direct-to-consumer service and enhanced app will debut Aug. 21. The announcement coincided with Disney's quarterly earning report.

This week's expanded deals with the NFL and a new partnership with WWE provides ESPN the more inventory and offerings, which it hopes will bolster the company in a landscape that is divided among cable, satellite and streaming.

Will the ESPN service result in more subscribers?

According to Nielsen, streaming usage surpassed broadcast and cable combined in U.S. television usage for the first time. Streaming was at 44.8% compared to linear's 44.2%. When Nielsen started keeping track in May 2021 linear was at 64% compared to streaming's 26%.

The ESPN

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