Fetch TV and ESPN have announced a multi-year extension to their channel distribution agreement, continuing a partnership that has been in place since 2012.

The agreement covers ESPN and ESPN2, channels known for their broad coverage of US sports, including the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL and the UFC.

Senior Vice President & Managing Director of The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand, Kylie Watson Wheeler, said the team was excited to extend its long-standing relationship with Fetch TV.

"This serves Fetch viewers with access to our comprehensive slate of ESPN programming, flagship studio shows and extensive major sport properties,” she said. "We have a huge summer of programming ahead on ESPN, including the NFL playoffs and 2024 Super Bowl. Combined with the NBA Finals, NHL, MLB, UFC, and every game of the NBL, ESPN has the world’s biggest sporting moments covered for sports fans to enjoy."

Chief Content and Commercial Officer at Fetch TV, Sam Hall, said ESPN and ESPN2 channels remain top performers on the Fetch platform.

"ESPN is the go-to media outlet for premium US sports including the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, and the ESPN channels are particularly strong during the Aussie summer months,” Hall stated.

Fetch subscribers can view ESPN channels live or on demand, and can use the 'start over' feature for the majority of linear channel programmes on TV, or on the Fetch Mobi App. Additionally, they can access the ESPN app, which is included free to ESPN subscribers via Fetch.

Fetch TV partners with leading Internet Service Providers and major retailers to provide subscribers with a box-based, internet-delivered entertainment aggregation platform for viewing on TV and mobile devices. It operates as a joint venture between Telstra (51.4%) and Astro Holdings. Currently servicing 600,000 households, Fetch will start migrating the 800,000 Telstra TV base to Fetch in 2023.

ESPN operates the ESPN and ESPN2 sports television networks in Australia and New Zealand, distributed on the Foxtel, Fetch, Kayo Sports and Sky platforms. ESPN delivers over 10,000 hours of live events and studio programming each year.