Placing the spotlight equally on sporting talent, passion and stories, the new on-air elements will aim to bring fans closer to their sporting idols and heroes, as well as highlight moments of celebration through on-air graphics and visual elements.

ESPN says that, as it features more than just what happens on the field, the new look and feel aims to honour the sense of community and the rituals that unite sports fans across the globe.

To further authentically engage viewer passion for the world's leading sporting clubs, leagues and franchises, the new branding will showcase club colours, logos and badges on screen, as well as through refreshed bumpers with team nicknames.

The new on-air presentation has been designed to build anticipation, tell sports stories in dynamic ways that feel vibrant and expressive, while capturing both the quiet and loud moments, to connect to fans in an immersive and memorable way, says the channel.

The iconic red logo, the face of ESPN, will continue to feature across all of the brand's platforms. New sub-branding elements, such as 'LIVE' or 'MARATHON' bugs, will feature below the logo to contextualise programming when viewers tune in. this will allow fans immediate immersion without seeking more information.

Fans across Africa are encouraged to tune in to ESPN and ESPN2 to enjoy popular premier leagues including:
  • the National Basketball Association
  • the National Football League
  • the National Hockey League, and
  • the Major League Baseball (MLB).
Additionally, these channels also carry live football from:
  • the English Football League
  • the Scottish Premier Football League
  • the Dutch Eredivisie
  • the Major League Soccer,
  • the West African Football Union Cup of Nations, and
  • featured boxing events.
Premium sports documentaries and theUnited States SportsCenter also feature on the channels.

"From journeys to the stadium, to the action on the courts and fields, ESPN Africa broadcasts all the moments that audiences love to experience, watch and follow together," says Christine Service, senior vice president and general manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa.

"This new on-air branding brings this ethos closer, celebrating the whole family of sporting fans. We are excited to continue to bring our unprecedented portfolio of sporting leagues to viewers of all ages across the continent in this new, enhanced environment," concludes Service.

For more information, visit www.espn.com.