The Walt Disney Company's (DIS) recent announcement of joint venture sports streaming service with Fox (FOX, FOXA) and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) dominated the company's latest earnings call. Kosner Media President John Kosner — who was also the former EVP of Digital & Print Media at ESPN — joined Yahoo Finance Live to discuss why this move benefits Disney and satisfies sports fans who "really want a bundle."

Kosner notes this push away from the traditional linear TV packages is "part of the evolution of the business." Although threatening cable, Kosner argues "there are a lot of people who still want to get their channels in a traditional way."

However, Disney now has to persuade consumers why they should "want this" bundle over cable since offerings like news channels are not included.

For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Yahoo Finance Live.

Editor's note: This article was written by Angel Smith

Video Transcript

RACHELLE AKUFFO: Well, the word sports was mentioned in Disney's first quarter earnings call 50 times. As the company managed to trim its losses in its streaming division, it now looks to solidify its place in the sports world. Announcing that its full suite of standalone ESPN channels will be available in the fall of 2025.

Now this comes after revealing a partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery and Fox for a sports streaming platform. Joining us now on this is John Kosner, Kosner Media President and former ESPN Executive Vice President of digital and print media. Thank you for joining us this morning.

So let's start by talking about the landscape that Disney is setting up here, because with this streaming deal, this will be the first time that you have your cord cutters and those who are loyal to cable will now have an alternative that really bridges both of them outside of the traditional cable bundle.

JOHN KOSNER: Yes, and the fans really want a bundle. I have a friend who's a big fan of the Arsenal Football Club who told me that he has to subscribe to seven different services to see every game. So the movement-- Disney announced two things yesterday. The movement to do the JV with Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery really addresses a consumer demand for better bundling.

They also announced, Rachelle, as you said, that they're going to launch their flagship service, a standalone ESPN streaming service in fall of 2025. So these moves reflect sports fan demand. And it's just part of the evolution of the business away from the traditional pay television bundle.