Sports networks &.
networks are going to be rebranded and have their own programming, sources tell Business Insider.
The names of the brands will be announced during the network’s upfront presentation on Wednesday.
ESPN will remain the network that is most closely associated with college football.
The network’s biggest new addition will be ESPN3, which will replace the sports channel’s live game broadcasts.
ESPN also will launch a new sports app called the ESPN Sports app, and the network is expected to introduce a new “SportsCenter” show that will stream highlights of the day’s action from the studio.
The move marks the end of a two-decade run for ESPN.
The company is now the biggest sports network in the world.
“This rebranding marks a new chapter in ESPN’s evolution and aligns with our mission to deliver original programming that reflects the essence of the ESPN brand,” ESPN President John Skipper said in a statement.
ESPN is in the midst of a deal to sell its digital properties, including ESPN.com and ESPN Deportes.
Its news channels, including SportsCenter, SportsCenter Extra and ESPN2 will also be relaunched.
It’s a significant shakeup for ESPN as it tries to compete with more established networks such as Fox News Channel and NBCUniversal’s sports networks.
But the move has been met with skepticism by some in the sports industry.
The Associated Press reported that Sports Business Journal noted that while “most sports analysts” believe the move was “a positive move for the network,” some are worried that the new name might hurt the brand of its new sports content.
Sports Media Group, the parent of ESPN and ABC, and The Walt Disney Company will remain as the networks’ owners.
The deal also is expected have an effect on other sports networks, including HBO and ESPNU, which have been working to create new programming to boost the value of their platforms.