When it comes to retransmission money, ESPN is the 800-pound gorilla.

ESPN makes more per cable/satellite than anyone, and that could soon change.

ESPN is looking to cut the cord and offer its product directly to consumers as part of a streaming service. ESPN’s streaming offering, codenamed “Flagship,” is expected to be rolled out next year and will greatly disrupt its legacy business model.

ESPN will eventually end its linear-TV operations, and that will be a huge blow to cable and satellite companies, as it is sure to lead to more cord-cutting.

This will greatly impact local TV stations as the cord-cutting will ramp up.

FTVLive has been preaching for years (decades?) that local TV stations should look into launching their own streaming service.

ESPN is looking to roll out this service in the fall of next year.

Stay tuned….