US Open and Mosconi coming to ESPN
- Thread starter skor
- Start date
"Fans across the US will be able to watch every session streaming live on ESPN+ on the ESPN App on mobile and connected TV devices, as well as on WNT TV."
Still a big deal.
Interesting. I've long thought the Mosconi was made for TV and ESPN. Of all pool events, it's the one to most attract some casual fans or even nonfans. Just the rowdiness and nationalistic aspect of it.
What would be great if is ESPN carried the first team match of the Mosconi on its main station of ESPN2. Just an hour of it.
In any case, this is good news, even if it's ESPN Plus. Though I subscribe to WNT.TV, I will watch via the ESPN app.
What would be great if is ESPN carried the first team match of the Mosconi on its main station of ESPN2. Just an hour of it.
In any case, this is good news, even if it's ESPN Plus. Though I subscribe to WNT.TV, I will watch via the ESPN app.
i get that sky sports or ESPN can still generate some income, but that demographic is getting old. in medium to long term they're probably better of focusing on streaming and social media
Maybe they are focusing on fishing bigger sponsors
ESPN still has 60 million subscribers in the US. Its ESPN Plus service has 25 million reportedly. And tens of millions more access ESPN in some manner or another each year.
If there is one broadcast station young people, especially men, still watch at times, it's ESPN.
Matchroom should focus on streaming and social media, of course, but ESPN+ is a major form of streaming. Better to have ESPN in your stable than not, in my view.
Yeah because now it can at least be in the background at bars and restaurants, while now nobody who isn't interested in pool is going to be exposed to pro pool at all.
good point
Took long enough.
Think he'll cut a flip off the table?
I wonder who the commentators will be. Will they be our regulars, e.g., Karl Boyes, Jeremy Jones, Scott Frost, and Phil Yates, or will ESPN bring in its own broadcast team?
The players also have to remember they're on mainstream television. We've all heard the occasional outburst on live streams over the years, but cursing on camera won't be a good look for a national audience.
Just as important, the broadcasts need to showcase the players' personalities. Great sports coverage isn't just about the competition; it's about giving viewers someone to connect with and root for.
I had never paid attention to Norway's national soccer team, much less soccer, until the recent FIFA World Cup 2026. Now I'm watching every match because of Erling Haaland, those flowing blond locks, his larger-than-life presence, and the Norwegian fans chanting, "Ro, Ro, Ro, Ro." That's how you create new fans. Norway has a tough one coming up, facing Brazil on July 5th. I'm now a virtual soccer railbird, thanks to the coverage on TV. I'd never heard of Erling before, until now.
Pool has plenty of talented, charismatic players. WNT through ESPN has a real opportunity to introduce them to a much larger audience and leave viewers wanting more. My picks for bios and/or personality are Joshua for his dedication since childhood, Shane overcoming a handicap and going to the top, Soufi's journey to Europe from Syria, Kaci just because his presence is striking with his Albanian game face like he taking no prisoners, Alex Pagulayan because of his charisma on and off the table, Oscar Dominguez and his rich history in the pool world via his dad and Hard Times. I could go on and on.
The players also have to remember they're on mainstream television. We've all heard the occasional outburst on live streams over the years, but cursing on camera won't be a good look for a national audience.
Just as important, the broadcasts need to showcase the players' personalities. Great sports coverage isn't just about the competition; it's about giving viewers someone to connect with and root for.
I had never paid attention to Norway's national soccer team, much less soccer, until the recent FIFA World Cup 2026. Now I'm watching every match because of Erling Haaland, those flowing blond locks, his larger-than-life presence, and the Norwegian fans chanting, "Ro, Ro, Ro, Ro." That's how you create new fans. Norway has a tough one coming up, facing Brazil on July 5th. I'm now a virtual soccer railbird, thanks to the coverage on TV. I'd never heard of Erling before, until now.
Pool has plenty of talented, charismatic players. WNT through ESPN has a real opportunity to introduce them to a much larger audience and leave viewers wanting more. My picks for bios and/or personality are Joshua for his dedication since childhood, Shane overcoming a handicap and going to the top, Soufi's journey to Europe from Syria, Kaci just because his presence is striking with his Albanian game face like he taking no prisoners, Alex Pagulayan because of his charisma on and off the table, Oscar Dominguez and his rich history in the pool world via his dad and Hard Times. I could go on and on.
uk_9_ball_convert
Active member
that's a massive factor for growth, if your not interested in pool you aren't going to buy a streaming service to watch it, but if it's on a service you already have there is a chance you turn it on and think I actually like this, only way to get new fans.
I first watched 9 ball when it was something nobody in the UK had really heard of as it was on Sky Sports and the fact it had snooker players in it grabbed my attention (wasn't great for Europes chances of winning, but in terms of drawing audiences having snooker players represent Europe was a masterstroke of marketing).