International Dance League Secures First Media Rights Deal with ESPN
The International Dance League (IDL) has finalized a significant media deal with ESPN, set to enhance the visibility of competitive dance. Starting July 28, 2025, audiences can watch IDL events on ESPN2, complemented by streaming options on ESPN+ and the ESPN app. The inaugural season will kick off with the New York Series, followed by events in Vancouver, Sydney, and Seoul throughout August. CEO Connor Lim emphasized the passion of the dance community and the potential to reach new audiences. The IDL comprises six teams and operates similarly to conventional sports leagues, featuring regular competitions and championship events.
Key facts
- IDL signed first media rights deal with ESPN
- Events air on ESPN2 starting July 28, 2025
- Also available on ESPN+ and ESPN app
- Schedule: New York (July 28), Vancouver (Aug 10), Sydney (Aug 17), Seoul (Aug 27)
- 2026 season began in May, generated 650M+ views
- IDL has six teams from global cities
- Connor Lim is CEO and co-founder of IDL
- International distribution via ESPN and Disney+ in multiple regions
Entities
Institutions
- International Dance League
- ESPN
- ESPN2
- ESPN+
- Disney+
- Brotherhood
- Quick Style
- Jam Republic
- GRV
- Royal Family
- 1MILLION
Locations
- New York
- Vancouver
- Sydney
- Seoul
- Oslo
- Singapore
- Los Angeles
- Auckland
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Caribbean
- Mexico
- Brazil
- South America
- Philippines
- South Korea
- Japan
- Taiwan
- Hong Kong