Hold onto your remotes, Disney fans! Starting today, ESPN unveils a fresh and dynamic opening animation on connected TV devices, signaling an exciting new era for the iconic sports network. This new look, rich in vibrant colors and dynamic sounds, is designed to capture the heart-pounding excitement that ESPN viewers know and love.

“When designing this, we aimed to convey that ESPN is more than just a network—it’s a vibrant connection to the emotion of sports,” said Donny Guy, VP of Product Design for Sports and ESPN. Fans accessing ESPN through their TVs will now be greeted by a bold new animation, one that retains the brand’s classic elements while injecting a modern twist that reflects its innovative spirit.

The creative minds behind this transformation—ESPN’s Creative Studio, led by Sr. Creative Director Heather Donahue and Coordinating Director of Music Claude Mitchell—drew inspiration from other Disney digital platforms like Disney+, Marvel, Star Wars, and Hulu. This collaboration resulted in a new animation that feels distinctly ESPN but also part of the larger Disney family.

Of course, no ESPN rebranding would be complete without paying homage to its legendary “DaDaDa, DaDaDa” jingle. “The ‘Ping’ grabs the viewer’s attention, and the ‘DaDaDa’ brings them in for a premium ESPN experience,” explained Mitchell. After experimenting with over 40 iterations, the team landed on a design that’s both versatile and deeply familiar to longtime fans.

With this new opening animation, ESPN is primed to continue its legacy as the preeminent digital platform for sports fans, offering a consistent and engaging experience across all platforms, from mobile apps to on-air promotions. As ESPN pushes toward a future with its flagship direct-to-consumer platform, this animation marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

We’d love to hear what you think of this fresh ESPN look! Share your thoughts in the comments and interact with fellow Disney and sports enthusiasts. Don’t forget to share the excitement with your friends!

Source: The Walt Disney Company