Longtime cable sports network ESPN Classic is being discontinued at year's end, according to multiple media reports.
ESPN parent Disney has been informing cable and satellites carriers of the impending move, John Ourand of Sports Business Journal first reported on Thursday.
The network was launched as Classic Sports Network in 1995, and was purchased by The Worldwide Leader two years later, in 1997.
Programming initially featured classic sporting events, as well as as some original content, mostly based on quiz and trivia shows such as Stump the Schwab and the short-lived Dan Patrick-hosted Sports Jeopardy!
The network lost some of its luster with the rise of the Internet and video platforms such as YouTube, where sports fans can easily call up many of their favorite memories.
ESPN Classic has been deemphasized in recent years, with several carriers dropping it altogether, and others charging for its content on an on-demand basis.
Much of that content drew from leagues and events where ESPN has broadcast rights.
The reported move comes shortly after a similar move was announced by NBC Universal, which revealed plans earlier this year to shut its NBC Sports Network in 2022.
NBC Sports content was to moved to the USA network and the Peacock streaming service, the parent company said.
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