Topline
Disney revealed new information about its upgraded ESPN streaming service Tuesday, including that it will launch in the fall, cost users $29.99 monthly and the service will bear the title “ESPN.”
Disney first announced it would launch a new streaming service for ESPN in May 2023.
Key Facts
Jimmy Pitaro, chairman of ESPN at Disney, said Tuesday morning in a press briefing that this fall Disney will launch its upgraded ESPN streaming service for $29.99, or as part of a bundle with Disney’s other streaming platforms, like Disney+ and Hulu for a higher cost.
Disney currently offers ESPN+, which gives subscribers access to some live events and games, but doesn’t allow them to stream the actual ESPN channel and excludes some major events.
Pitaro said the new platform will keep the name ESPN—which he said was a “simple, straightforward, clear” decision—because “there is power in our name and there is trust in our name,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Disney first announced its plan to stream all of ESPN’s offerings in May 2023, and last April Disney CEO Bob Iger said at Disney’s annual shareholder meeting they intended to launch the new ESPN streaming platform in 2025 and offer a bundle with Disney+.
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What Are The Espn Bundles And Prices?
The unlimited package will cost $29.99 per month—or $299.99 annually—but subscribers will also be able to opt for ESPN select, which will have limited offerings closer to what is currently offered on ESPN+, for $11.99 per month or $119.99 annually. An unlimited bundle of ESPN and Disney+ and Hulu, both with ads, would cost $35.99 monthly, or $44.99 monthly without ads. As a special offer at launch, subscribers will be able to get the Disney+, Hulu, ESPN bundle with ads, for $29.99 monthly for the first 12 months.
What Will Subscribers Be Able To Access On The Streaming Service?
Subscribers of ESPN’s new streaming service will have access to all of the ESPN networks like ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ESPN Deportes and more. ESPN airs events and games from the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, WNBA, UFC, at least three major collegiate conferences, 40 NCAA championships, the College Football Playoffs, The Masters, US Open tennis and more. Subscribers will also have access to ESPN’s shows, like “SportsCenter,” “The Pat McAfee Show” and “The Rich Eisen Show,” which Disney announced is returning for the new platform.
What We Don’t Know
Exactly when the new service will launch. Disney’s press release Tuesday said the offering will launch in “early fall,” and that the specific launch date will be announced later this summer.
Key Background
ESPN launched its first streaming service, ESPN+, in 2018. Last year, when Iger gave more details on the new ESPN offering, he said it would give people who have left cable TV for streaming access to everything they would get if they were paying for a traditional cable package. ESPN stepping further into streaming is the latest attempt by a traditional cable network to keep viewers as they cut the cord. Other previously cable-only channels that have since launched streaming platforms include HBO (its streaming service was renamed Max), Showtime, Cinemax and Hallmark.
Big Number
24.1 million. That’s how many people subscribe to ESPN+, a decrease of 3% from last year, according to The Athletic.
Further Reading
ESPN’s New Standalone Streaming Service Will Be Available Through Disney+ In 2025 (Forbes)
ESPN Streaming Service Sets $29.99 Price and Bundle With Disney+ (The Hollywood Reporter)
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