How Did ESPN Forget to Include 4K TV With Its New App?!

By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man – Follow me on X.

ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro says his company has been working on the new ESPN Unlimited app for years. And the effort certainly shows. The service includes live feeds of all ESPN networks; a huge library of on demand programming; and cool features like Multiview and interactive stats of live games. But Pitaro and his team forgot something, something that would be of great appeal to a high-end audience willing to pay the $29.99 a month subscription fee.

And that is…4K TV.

Yes, as of now, the new ESPN app does not include any programming in 4K including live sports or on demand shows. It’s not as if ESPN doesn’t produce anything in 4K; the network does college football and basketball games (including an upcoming college football game between Miami and Notre Dame on August 31) in the format which air on pay TV services. But there’s no indication that the 4K broadcasts will be available on the new app.

I asked ESPN PR last week if the new service would offer 4K programming and I’m still waiting for a response. Not a good sign.

The omission is more striking when you note that Fox’s new Fox One app will offer live sports in 4K. In fact, Fox last night sent an e-mail campaign to prospective subscribers promoting its 4K feature. Fox, which is charging $19.99 a month for Fox One, clearly realizes that people willing to spend top dollar for a streaming service are more likely to be 4K enthusiasts. (The technology, and its byproducts, has traditionally attracted wealthier consumers.) But ESPN, which is charging $29.99 a month for its new app, apparently does not.

As we reach the first full week of the ESPN Unlimited, I will hold out hope that the sports network will reverse course and decide to add 4K. Until then, we’ll have to be content with its current video resolution which is often a dinosaurish 720p HD.

Come on, ESPN, it’s time to bring new technology to your new fancy app.

Please consider making a donation to The TV Answer Man site here at the Buy Me a Coffee site. Any donation size is appreciated and will help me continue to provide these articles to you.

Have a Question? Ask The TV Answer Man!
Have a question about a favorite show, streaming service or new TV product? Send it to The TV Answer Man at swann@tvanswerman.com. Please include your first name and hometown in your message