ESPN launches direct-to-consumer streaming with two plans, new app features
As college football season kicks off, ESPN has introduced a new direct-to-consumer streaming service alongside upgrades to its app, calling the offering “a sports fan’s dream.” The rollout gives viewers the option to subscribe directly to up to 12 ESPN networks, with access through ESPN’s site rather than a traditional cable or satellite subscription (though cable options remain available).
Plans and pricing
– ESPN Unlimited: Access to all of ESPN’s networks, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, plus ESPN content on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+ and ACCNX. This plan covers more than 47,000 live events each year, spanning NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, WWE, major tennis and golf tournaments, and college football and basketball.
– ESPN Select: Access to all ESPN+ content plus more than 32,000 live events annually, including NHL, PGA Tour, UFC, UFL and top-tier soccer.
Prices
– Unlimited: $29.99 per month or $299.99 per year
– Select: $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year
Bundles and cross-service options
– Disney+, Hulu and ESPN Unlimited bundle: $29.99 per month for the first 12 months, then $35.99 per month
– ESPN Unlimited + Fox One bundle: $39.99 per month, available starting Oct. 2
– NFL+ Premium bundle with NFL RedZone: $39.99 per month, available starting Sept. 3
Subscriber changes and integration
– Existing ESPN+ subscribers will automatically transition to ESPN Select.
– Subscribers to the Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ bundle will convert to Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ Select subscribers.
App enhancements
– A new SportsCenter For You section will appear in the app, featuring a daily carousel of highlights, news, and videos tailored to a fan’s interests.
– The app will also offer AI-generated commentary based on the voices of SportsCenter anchors, enhancing personalized viewing along with traditional coverage.
What this means for fans
– The service marks ESPN’s first direct-to-consumer product, giving fans a way to subscribe to a broad slate of ESPN networks and live events without a traditional cable package.
– With two tier options and varied bundles, viewers can tailor access to live sports across football, basketball, hockey, golf, tennis and more—from college to professional leagues.
– Automatic conversion for current ESPN+ and Disney/Hulu/ESPN+ bundle subscribers simplifies the transition, while new bundle deals create potential savings for those already using these services.
Additional context and considerations
– The pricing structure positions ESPN as a flexible option for cord-cutters and casual sports fans alike, offering both a comprehensive all-access tier and a more limited, cost-conscious option.
– The addition of AI-enabled commentary and a personalized SportsCenter path could enhance fan engagement by delivering more tailored, real-time content alongside live events.
– Competition in sports streaming remains intense, with consumers weighing price, breadth of live events, and the value of bundled services.
Summary
ESPN is expanding its footprint by launching a direct-to-consumer streaming tier with two plans—Unlimited and Select—reaching across a wide network lineup and tens of thousands of live events annually. Through strategic bundles with Disney, Hulu, Fox and NFL+ Premium, the service aims to offer flexible, fan-centric options while upgrading the app with personalized highlights and AI-driven commentary.
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