Chief competitor Fox Sports 1 is not expected to launch until mid-August, but ESPN is already rapidly losing viewers.
Ratings show that the 24/7 sports network saw a double-digit drop in Q2 and saw an 8% drop in day viewership and a 12% drop in prime time audience comparing July 2013 to July 2012.
While the network did not feature the NBA Draft or College World Series this July as it had the previous year, many conservative viewers have turned off the network due to its embrace of liberal viewpoints and the impending return of left-wing pundit Keith Olbermann.
The launch of Fox Sports 1 could make matters worse for the major network. Seeking to compete in the market, Fox Sports 1 will launch August 17 and will feature major personalities on commentary shows with live broadcasts of NCAA, Nascar, MLB, UFC, and major soccer events.