Disney+ has announced a major expansion of its sports offering, securing the rights to stream the NCAA March Madness college basketball tournaments across Europe, South Africa, the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand.
Comprehensive Coverage
Starting from March 17 through April 7, 2026, Disney+ subscribers will gain access to all 134 matches from both the men’s and women’s NCAA Division I tournaments. This deal marks a significant shift in how ESPN distributes its international collegiate sports content, moving away from fragmented market-by-market deals to a unified home on the Disney+ platform.
- Tournament Scope: Full live coverage of both men’s and women’s championships.
- Strategic Sublicensing: In selected markets, Disney will share the rights for 63 games with DAZN, ensuring broad distribution while maintaining Disney+ as the primary streaming destination.
- Expansion of ESPN Influence: This move underscores ESPN’s role as a cornerstone for Disney’s global streaming ambitions, effectively utilizing live sports to boost subscriber value.
The “Multi-Genre” Strategy
Industry analysts view this as a clear move by Disney to leverage live sports as a key retention tool. By bundling premium college sports with its existing entertainment library, Disney+ aims to appeal to a diverse range of viewers within a single household.
“Bringing March Madness to Disney+ customers reflects our commitment to grow college basketball internationally,” said Diego Londono, SVP of Networks & Sports EMEA at The Walt Disney Company. “ESPN’s decades of experience allows us to foster greater appreciation for collegiate athletics on a global stage.”
Building on Success
This announcement follows a period of rapid growth for Disney’s sports portfolio. Having already integrated properties like the UEFA Women’s Champions League and LaLiga into its international services, the inclusion of March Madness signals Disney’s continued aggressive push into the global live sports rights market.