ESPN app hits $1B lifetime consumer spend milestone -data.ai

ESPN app officially surpassed $1 billion in lifetime consumer spending according to a new report by data.ai. Acquired by Disney in 1995, ESPN has proven to be a lucrative investment, with the sports network’s valuation recently soaring to an impressive $24 billion.

Launched on iOS in May 2009 and later on Google Play in June 2010, the ESPN app has garnered close to 166 million downloads, becoming a staple for sports enthusiasts worldwide. Offering a range of free sports content, including news, scores, highlights, and expert analysis, the app’s premium subscription option, ESPN+, has been the driving force behind its latest financial milestone. Priced at $10.99 per month, ESPN+ provides access to live sports events such as NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, XFL, College Sports, Golf (The Masters), and Tennis (Wimbledon, US Open, Australian Open).

The year 2023 has proven exceptionally lucrative for the ESPN app, contributing around $303 million in consumer spending, marking a substantial 26% increase compared to the same period in the previous year ($240 million). March 2023 emerged as a standout month, setting a new record for the app’s revenue. Fueled by the March Madness basketball event and the return of Major League Baseball, ESPN+ raked in approximately $35.5 million, a nearly 70% surge compared to March 2022.

Unsurprisingly, ESPN’s revenue is heavily skewed towards its American user base, with 99% of its lifetime revenue originating in the United States. In terms of downloads, the U.S. dominates with 131 million out of 166 million, followed by Mexico, Brazil, India, and Argentina.

Building on its mobile success, ESPN recently unveiled the ESPN Bet app in collaboration with gaming specialist PENN Entertainment. Launched in November in 17 states where sports gaming is legal, ESPN Bet made an impressive entry, immediately securing the top spot in iOS downloads across all apps and games. This triumph solidifies ESPN’s continued dominance in the competitive arena of mobile sports applications.

With the commencement of the 2023 NFL season, significant changes are underway in the realm of sports betting apps. Although sportsbook app downloads have slightly decreased from the previous year, there’s a notable increase in user engagement. This shift suggests a focus on retaining and satisfying the existing user base rather than acquiring new users.