ESPN announced in mid-May that it will be launching a new direct-to-consumer streaming service for sports fans this fall, which is great news for audiences who want to be able to watch their favorite sports in one place. ESPN’s chairman, Jimmy Pitaro, explained that the streamlined service is meant to help “fans cut through the clutter,” but it begs one big question: Doesn’t ESPN already have a streaming service with ESPN+? And how will the new platform, which will simply be called ESPN, differ from ESPN+? For some subscribers, there will be no difference at all; for others, it will be a pricier but more comprehensive viewing experience. It all depends on which tier of the service you subscribe to. Here’s what you need to know about ESPN’s new streaming service.
What is included in ESPN’s new streaming service?
ESPN announced this week that it will be launching a new streaming service, also called ESPN. This service will be divided into two tiers: the ESPN Unlimited package and the ESPN Select package.
ESPN Unlimited, as the name suggests, will include access to all of ESPN’s linear networks: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNews and ESPN Deportes, plus access to programming on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+ and ACCNX. It’s effectively “cable ESPN, but via streaming.” That means fans will get coverage of more than 47,000 live events each year, on-demand replays, original programming and more.
ESPN Select is essentially the new name for ESPN+. The service will still provide exclusive access to many events, and will simulcast certain sports that air on other channels and offer PPV access to UFC fights, but will not feature the robust programming of Unlimited.
ESPN+ has thousands of exclusive live events, original studio shows and acclaimed series that aren’t on the ESPN networks. ESPN+ allows subscribers to purchase UFC PPV events and access an extensive archive of on-demand content (including the entire 30 For 30 library, select ESPN Films, game replays and more). Whether you purchase a standalone plan, add-on or Disney Bundle plan, the service provides access to thousands of sports events for $11.99/month or $119.99/year.
Existing ESPN+ subscribers will notice their plans change to ESPN Select when the new service launches in September.
$11.99/month at ESPN+
Can I get ESPN for free?
If you subscribe to ESPN via most cable, satellite or streaming packages, you can already authenticate in the ESPN app. This ability will carry over to the new ESPN offering, so you’ll continue to have access to the full range of streaming ESPN channels, as well as any of the new app features. In other words, whether you subscribe to ESPN via cable or the new ESPN Unlimited streaming product, you’ll have access to the same programming and options online.
At the moment, there is no information about whether the new ESPN plan will offer a free trial period.
What does the new ESPN streaming service cost?
Thanks to bundling options within the wider family of Disney streaming apps, you’ll be able to get ESPN at several price levels:
ESPN Unlimited as a standalone plan for $29.99/month or $299.99 for the year, no cable subscription required. Remember, that includes access to every ESPN broadcast network as well as all content that’s currently streamed on the ESPN+ service.
ESPN Unlimited can be bundled with Disney+ and Hulu starting at $35.99/month (with ads on Disney+/Hulu) or $44.99/month (no ads on Disney+/Hulu). Subscribers can get a special limited-time deal when the platform launches and pay $29.99/month for the first 12 months for a Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited bundle (with ads on Disney+/Hulu).
ESPN Select (basically just a new name for ESPN+) will still cost $11.99/month or $119.99/annually. A Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Select bundle will cost $16.99/month (with ads on Disney+/Hulu) or $26.99/month (no ads on Disney+/Hulu).
When is the new ESPN streaming service available?
The launch date for the new ESPN service is September 2025. Keep that timing in mind if you plan to sign up and take advantage of the special pricing available at the platform’s launch.
How do I enroll in the new ESPN streaming service?
If you’re a subscriber to ESPN+ (either with a standalone subscription or as part of a Disney+/Hulu bundle), you don’t have to lift a finger — you will automatically be enrolled in the new Select plan at no additional cost. Standalone ESPN+ subscribers get the ESPN Select plan, and Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ bundle subscribers get the ESPN Select bundle. If you want to upgrade, you can do so when the platform launches.
If you want to subscribe to the Unlimited plan, you can do so when the plan launches by signing in on either ESPN.com, the ESPN App on mobile and connected TV devices.
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