ESPN’s New Standalone Streaming Service Launching in Fall: Everything You Need to Know About the $29.99/Month Sports Platform
In a landmark shift for sports media, ESPN has officially announced the launch of its highly anticipated direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming service. Slated for release in early fall, the new ESPN streaming platform will mark the first time the full lineup of ESPN’s linear television networks will be available directly to fans — with no cable subscription required. The service, simply branded as “ESPN,” is designed to meet the needs of modern viewers, particularly cord-cutters and those who never subscribed to traditional cable.
Priced at $29.99 per month, ESPN’s unlimited plan promises unmatched access to the full spectrum of the network’s sports content. Chairman Jimmy Pitaro emphasized that the launch reflects the strength and recognition of the ESPN brand across generations, adding, “We are providing everything ESPN has to offer directly to fans and all in one place.”
Here’s a breakdown of what fans can expect from ESPN’s new streaming service, including subscription tiers, bundled options, exclusive features, and what this means for the future of sports broadcasting.
A Major Milestone in ESPN’s Evolution
This isn’t ESPN’s first venture into streaming—ESPN+ has been around since 2018—but the new service represents the network’s full migration into the direct-to-consumer arena. For the first time, ESPN’s linear channels — ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN Deportes, ESPNEWS, SEC Network (SECN), and ACC Network (ACCN), as well as ESPN on ABC — will be accessible through a dedicated app without requiring a traditional pay-TV login.
This move comes as the sports broadcasting industry continues to adjust to the rise of streaming platforms and the steady decline in cable TV subscribers. By giving consumers more flexibility in how they access live sports, ESPN is hoping to recapture a segment of viewers who have turned away from traditional TV in favor of on-demand services.
Two Subscription Plans: Unlimited vs. Select
The ESPN service will be available under two subscription tiers to cater to different user needs and budgets:
1. ESPN Unlimited Plan – $29.99/month or $299.99/year
This premium plan unlocks the full experience of what ESPN has to offer, including:
- All seven of ESPN’s domestic linear channels
- ESPN on ABC
- ESPN+
- ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX
- Over 47,000 live sports events annually
- On-demand replays, studio shows, and original programming
Subscribers will get access to every major sporting event covered by ESPN, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, WNBA, UFC, College Football Playoff, NCAA championships, international soccer leagues (LaLiga, Bundesliga, FA Cup), tennis Grand Slams, PGA Tour golf events, and much more.
This plan is designed for die-hard sports fans who want to experience comprehensive coverage in one place, without missing any live action or exclusive commentary.
2. ESPN Select Plan – $11.99/month or $119.99/year
For more casual viewers, the Select Plan provides access to everything available on ESPN+, such as:
- Over 32,000 live sporting events annually
- Exclusive studio shows
- ESPN original documentaries, including 30 for 30
- On-demand content and replays
The Select Plan does not include access to ESPN’s traditional linear channels but is still packed with valuable sports content for fans who prefer a more budget-friendly option.
Special Bundle Deals with Disney+ and Hulu
Understanding that many consumers already subscribe to multiple streaming platforms, ESPN is launching with attractive bundle offers that include Disney+ and Hulu. These bundles will make it easier and more cost-effective to manage multiple subscriptions under one umbrella.
Here are the options:
- ESPN Unlimited + Disney+ + Hulu (With Ads): $35.99/month
- ESPN Unlimited + Disney+ + Hulu (No Ads): $44.99/month
- Launch Offer: All three services (with ads) for just $29.99/month for the first 12 months
For families and entertainment lovers who also enjoy sports, this bundled approach provides enormous value and convenience, combining live sports with premium TV shows, movies, and kid-friendly content.
Transition for Existing Subscribers
Current ESPN+ subscribers won’t be left behind. Depending on their existing package, they will automatically be transitioned into the appropriate new tier:
- Standalone ESPN+ subscribers will become ESPN Select subscribers.
- Users subscribed to the Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ bundle will be moved to the ESPN Select bundle at no extra cost (unless they upgrade to the Unlimited plan).
This seamless integration ensures existing fans won’t lose access to their favorite content while offering an easy upgrade path for those looking to expand their viewing experience.
Enhanced ESPN App: A Hub for All Things Sports
Alongside the new streaming service, ESPN will also roll out a fully upgraded version of the ESPN App for both mobile and connected TV devices. The revamped app will serve as the digital hub for both Select and Unlimited subscribers.
The app will feature:
- Personalized SportsCenter experiences based on user preferences
- Interactive stats and data analysis tools
- Enhanced sports betting integration
- Intuitive navigation for live games, replays, and studio shows
Subscribers will be able to curate their app experience to focus on their favorite teams, leagues, and types of content—whether it’s watching a live NBA game, catching up on First Take, or analyzing the latest betting odds.
The Bigger Picture: ESPN’s Strategy in the Streaming Era
This bold step into the direct-to-consumer space reflects ESPN’s larger strategy to future-proof its content and audience reach. With an increasing number of households moving away from cable packages and toward à la carte streaming services, ESPN is ensuring its flagship brand remains accessible, competitive, and central in the sports media landscape.
For Disney, ESPN’s parent company, this move also deepens its footprint in the streaming market alongside Disney+ and Hulu. It creates a comprehensive entertainment ecosystem under one roof, reinforcing its dominance against rivals like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+.
What’s Next?
While a specific launch date has not yet been announced, ESPN has confirmed the new service will be available in early fall 2025. Additional details, including rollout features, promotional events, and device compatibility updates, will be revealed later this summer.
In the meantime, fans can look forward to a sports streaming experience unlike anything currently on the market—one that’s rich in content, flexible in pricing, and designed to deliver the future of sports viewing.
Final Thoughts
The launch of ESPN’s direct-to-consumer streaming service marks a new chapter in the evolution of how we watch sports. Whether you’re a hardcore NFL fanatic, a college basketball enthusiast, or just someone who loves great documentaries and talk shows, ESPN’s new platform offers something for everyone.
At $29.99 a month—or bundled with Disney+ and Hulu for even more value—this is shaping up to be a must-have for fans in the streaming era. Keep an eye out this fall: ESPN is going all in, and the game is changing.
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