ESPN Plus undergoes significant transformation - here's a rundown of the updates
ESPN Launches New Streaming Service: A Comprehensive Offering for Sports Fans
ESPN has announced the launch of its new direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming service, simply named ESPN. Scheduled to debut on August 21, 2022, the service consolidates ESPN's full suite of networks and offerings into one enhanced app[1][3].
The service offers two main pricing plans:
- ESPN Unlimited Plan: Priced at $29.99 per month (or $299.99 per year), this plan provides access to all ESPN linear networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes), ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, and premium streams like SECN+ and ACCNX. It covers about 47,000 live events annually, plus on-demand replays, studio shows, and original programming[1][2].
- ESPN Select Plan: The pricing and detailed features were mentioned alongside the Unlimited Plan but the main focus has been on the Unlimited offering. The Select Plan is typically a lower-tier option but exact features at launch are less emphasized[2].
Additional features and offers include:
- Bundles with Disney+ and Hulu at a special introductory price of $29.99/month for the first 12 months, combining ESPN Unlimited with these streaming services[1][3].
- The app includes personalized features and functionality to enhance user experience across multiple sports including NFL, college football, tennis, soccer, WNBA, NBA, NHL, UFC, WWE, and more[1].
- ESPN+ content is absorbed into this new platform but will remain separately active for some time due to contractual reasons[1][5].
- Future content expansion includes exclusive WWE premium live events starting in 2026, such as WrestleMania and SummerSlam, under a multi-year rights deal[3].
Existing ESPN Plus subscribers will be rolled over to the cheaper tier of the new service with no change[4]. Various live TV streaming services currently have some ESPN channels, but not the ESPN Plus catalog. The ESPN platform will include all of the broadcaster's studio shows and its large library.
The new ESPN streaming service represents a shift toward combining linear and digital streaming in one platform designed for sports fans seeking a comprehensive and flexible viewing experience[1][2][3]. This is the first time that ESPN's cable channels can be streamed over the air from one service. The Unlimited Plan includes access to approximately 47,000 live events each year, compared to 32,000 on ESPN Plus.
The higher tier of the new service will be available in two bundles: one with ad-supported Disney Plus and Hulu for $35.99 per month, and another that drops the ads on those two streamers for $44.99. The cheaper tier of the new service will cost $11.99 per month and offer the same content as ESPN Plus.
This new offering marks the first time that ESPN's studio shows and large library will be available on one streaming service. The announcement of this new service follows several failed combo streamer announcements, such as Venu Sports. The new streaming service is separate from ESPN Plus.
- With the new ESPN streaming service, sports fans can now watch their favorite shows and series, including NFL, college football, tennis, soccer, WNBA, NBA, NHL, UFC, WWE, and more, all in one enhanced app.2.For those seeking a comprehensive viewing experience, the ESPN Unlimited Plan offers access to around 47,000 live events annually, along with ESPN's full suite of networks, original programming, on-demand replays, and studio shows.3.Those looking for a more budget-friendly option can opt for the ESPN Select Plan, but the exact features have not been heavily emphasized yet.4.The new ESPN streaming service will also allow subscribers to bundle with Disney+ and Hulu at a special introductory price, combining ESPN Unlimited with these streaming services for $29.99/month for the first 12 months.5.The ESPN platform will include all of the broadcaster's studio shows and its large library, making it the first time that ESPN's cable channels can be streamed over the air from one service, differentiating it from past combo streamer announcements like Venu Sports.
