The ESPN app has added SharePlay support with its newest update, which allows U.S. subscribers to view live sports with friends while on FaceTime. SharePlay can be used across the entire ESPN app, including ESPN+ live streams, original content and with TV Everywhere-authenticated live streams. The SharePlay update will be available for ESPN’s iPhone, iPad and Apple TV users All participants in the SharePlay session will be synced for a shared streaming experience.
“By adding SharePlay support to the ESPN app, we are bringing a live sports co-viewing experience to fans for the first time,” said Brian Marshall, vp of sports products and strategy, Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, in a statement. “We are thrilled to provide a unique opportunity for friends and family to come together to root for some of their favorite teams and players, no matter the distance between them.”
Picture-in-picture mode will allow viewers to switch from the FaceTime chat and video into the content being streamed and also to stream the content to the Apple TV. Participants in the ESPN+ SharePlay session must have an active TVE provider and/or ESPN+ subscription. In addition all devices must run on iOS 15.1 or iPadOS 15.1 to use the SharePlay app.