You're getting downvoted but you're not far from the truth. I fail to see how ESPN couldn't just charge the consumer more than they charge the cable companies, but hand out their channels ala cart and show more sports.
Most people who currently pay for ESPN (as part of cable TV bundles) would not pay for ESPN by itself. The price for actual viewers would end up significantly higher than the current $15 rate.
So what you're saying is ESPN is doomed to a slow death as more people cut the cord and no longer subsidize ESPN viewers (who won't pay what it actually costs).