NEWS: Disney Reportedly Shutting Down ESPN Classic

From new series and shows, to its own streaming service, ESPN has seen a lot of changes over the years.

©ESPN

After years of phasing out and deemphasis on the channel, Disney is reportedly shutting down ESPN Classic on January 1st, 2022.

According to Sports Business Journal, and reported by Sports Illustrated, the channel, which debuted in 1995 and mainly focused on sports history and documentaries, is being terminated after a 25 year broadcasting run.

ESPN Classic, originally the Classic Sports Network before it was acquired by ESPN, focused on classic sporting events, sports documentaries, and historical sports media such as the Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

©ESPN

Over the years, the rise of league specific networks (like the SEC Network or NBA TV) made archival material more difficult for ESPN Classic to access due to copyrights, and the original intention of the channel began to fade. ESPN also wants to make room for these league or sport specific networks that are currently on the rise. Additionally, many cable companies dropped the network entirely, or offered it as a Video On Demand service.

Still, many sports fans loved the history and nostalgia provided by ESPN Classic, and it is sure to be missed. Stay tuned to AllEars for more Disney updates!