Disney's push into sports streaming with new ESPN service and app is expected to drive growth and profitability, reinforced by positive analyst outlook.

Disney and Fox say two new sports-heavy streaming services that debut Thursday aren't meant to kill traditional TV. They might just do it anyway. After keeping the bulk of their sports portfolios on cable,

Lyft rides and New York City subway cars will drive the message that consumers can get ESPN without cable for the first time.

Disney Inc. (NYSE: DIS) shares rose more than 2% to $118.97 after the company officially launched its flagship ESPN streaming app, marking a major step into direct-to-consumer sports.

A new feature called “StreamCenter” will sync a user’s ESPN app and TV, allowing viewers to follow real-time stats, betting odds and shopping deals alongside a sporting event. The synced-up platforms will also enable viewers to use their mobile device as a secondary controller for the program that appears on their TV screen, the company said.

ESPN boss Jimmy Pitaro talks about balancing streaming vs. cable, the rise of sports betting, and diversity in the Trump 2.0 era.

Disney's profit and revenue climbed in its fiscal third quarter based on the strength of the entertainment company's streaming service and domestic theme parks.

ESPN Unlimited is a new and particularly comprehensive sports streaming subscription from ESPN. For context, the more limited plan previously known as ESPN+ has become ESPN Select and continues to cost $11.99/month. Subscribers to the existing Disney+ bundle with ESPN+ will see this change reflected going forward.