ESPN launched its new direct-to-consumer streaming service on August 21, giving sports fans a way to watch ESPN content without a cable subscription. The service offers two subscription options: ESPN Unlimited at $29.99 monthly or $299.99 yearly, and ESPN Select at $11.99 monthly or $119.99 yearly.
ESPN Unlimited includes all ESPN networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, and ACC Network), plus ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX. Subscribers get access to approximately 47,000 live events annually, including NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB games, tennis and golf majors, top-tier college football and basketball, and WWE coverage starting in 2026.
The lower-priced ESPN Select plan, which replaces ESPN+, offers more than 32,000 live events yearly but excludes major leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB. Select maintains the previous ESPN+ library of content with top-tier soccer, PGA Tour, NHL, UFC, and select college sports.
Some pay-TV customers already get ESPN Unlimited at no extra cost through their current packages. These include certain plans from Charter’s Spectrum (TV Select, Select Signature, and Select Plus), Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV (streaming-only), and Fubo TV. Verizon Fios TV customers will gain access “in the coming weeks,” according to a Verizon spokesperson.
Notable providers not yet offering ESPN Unlimited include Comcast Xfinity, YouTube TV, Dish Network, Sling, and Altice USA (Optimum). Disney suggests customers contact these providers to request inclusion of ESPN Unlimited in their packages.
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The enhanced ESPN app introduces several new features available to all users whether they subscribe directly or through pay-TV. These include “SC For You,” a personalized version of SportsCenter with AI-generated commentary using voices of anchors Hannah Storm, Gary Striewski, Christine Williamson, and ESPN commentator Omar Raja. Other features include ESPN Verts (vertical video carousel), StreamCenter (a synchronized two-screen experience), multiview options, and integrations for live stats, fantasy sports, ESPN BET, and in-game shopping.
ESPN also announced two major deals in August that expand its content offerings. In one agreement, the NFL will take a 10% equity stake in ESPN. In exchange, ESPN acquires NFL Network, linear rights to RedZone, and the NFL’s fantasy platform, which will merge with ESPN’s existing fantasy football service.
Additionally, ESPN secured a deal with WWE that brings WrestleMania and other premium live events like SummerSlam and Royal Rumble to the streaming service beginning in 2026.
For those interested in bundling options, Disney offers an introductory package with Disney+, Hulu (both with ads), and ESPN Unlimited for $29.99 monthly for the first 12 months. Starting October 2, consumers can bundle ESPN and Fox One (Fox’s streaming service that includes Fox, FS1, FS2, Fox Deportes, and Big Ten Network) for $39.99 monthly. ESPN will also offer an ESPN + NFL+ bundle at $39.99 monthly beginning September 3.
Blackouts will still affect certain events. For example, five NFL games on August 23 featured blackout zones where viewers needed to watch via their local stations instead of through ESPN’s service.
The launch represents a significant shift in ESPN’s strategy to reach both traditional pay-TV customers and the growing number of cord-cutters and cord-nevers looking for direct access to sports content.
