How much will ESPN’s new streaming service cost? When does it launch?
ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer streaming service will launch this fall and be known as “ESPN,” it was announced Tuesday.
Billing itself as “All of ESPN. All in One Place,” the new service will cost $29.99 per month for the unlimited package and $11.99 for a “select” option. The new ESPN streaming service can also be bundled with Disney+ and Hulu for $35.99 per month (with ads) or $44.99 per month (no ads).
“We are providing everything ESPN has to offer directly to fans and all in one place,” ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said. “As we thought about the name, we kept returning to the fact that, across every generation, ESPN is the most trusted, loved and recognized name in sports, and that we should keep it simple and double down on the power of ESPN.
“Our straightforward approach to name and pricing will help fans cut through the clutter, and provide them compelling options to access all our content within the enhanced ESPN App. It will be the ultimate sports destination for personalized experiences and features, and, on top of that, fans will be able to choose to bundle ESPN with the industry-leading Disney+ and Hulu streaming services.”
The unlimited package — also available for $299.99 per year — includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS and ESPN Deportes, in addition to ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX. Current subscribers to the Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ bundle will automatically be upgraded to the unlimited package.
The select plan — also available for $119.99 per year — includes all content currently available on ESPN+, including various live games, studio shows, on-demand replays and other original content. Current ESPN+ subscribers will be automatically upgraded to the select plan.
ESPN content will continue to be available through standard cable and satellite packages. However, such subscriptions will no longer be required to watch all of ESPN’s content as in the past.
The new ESPN streaming package replaces the ill-fated Venu Sports, which was to be a joint venture between ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery. The launch of that service was put on hold last summer and formally disbanded amid lawsuits by competitors.