ESPN has released a teaser video for their upcoming ESPN direct-to-consumer product, which will be made available this upcoming fall. The teaser, released Thursday in line with the beginning of the NBA Finals on ABC television, showcases ESPN’s legacy brand telling its story from the humble beginnings of the network in 1979 to today.
Last month, the company announced the new service will give fans more choice, flexibility, and access to all of ESPN via the enhanced ESPN App. The plans will cost $29.99/month for the unlimited package and $11.99/month for a select option. Additionally, there will be bundling opportunities for the ESPN unlimited plan with Disney+ and Hulu, including a special offer at launch for $29.99/month for the first 12 months. An annual ESPN subscription for the unlimited DTC service will cost $299.99.
Furthermore, other options for the ESPN unlimited bundle that include Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) are priced at $35.99/month, and with no ads, $44.99/month.
Similarly, options for the ESPN+ select bundle that include Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) are $16.99/month, and with no ads, $26.99/month.
Regarding the teaser video, Tina Thornton, EVP, Creative Studio and Marketing, says, “ESPN has been at the center of sports culture for more than four decades – delivering the moments and emotions that connect generations of fans. As we gear up for this next era with our direct-to-consumer offering this fall, we can’t wait to deliver even more unforgettable moments, more heart and more ways to feel what it means to be a sports fan.”
With the release of the new DTC product, existing ESPN+ subscribers will automatically become subscribers to ESPN’s new service, based on their current subscription level. Standalone ESPN+ subscribers will receive the ESPN select plan, and Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ bundle subscribers will get the ESPN select bundle. Moreover, subscribers to the Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN bundles will be able to watch ESPN content within Disney+ seamlessly alongside Disney and Hulu entertainment and family programming.
“We are providing everything ESPN has to offer directly to fans and all in one place,” Pitaro said in May. “As we thought about the name, we kept returning to the fact that, across every generation, ESPN is the most trusted, loved and recognized name in sports, and that we should keep it simple and double down on the power of ESPN.”
In addition, the ESPN unlimited package will include all of ESPN’s linear networks – ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes – in addition to ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX.
Both bundles will receive access to content that is currently available on the ESPN+ platform, which includes live game broadcasts, original series, and on-demand replays. Furthermore, ESPN+ subscribers will automatically become ESPN Select subscribers upon the launch of the new service, and the ESPN+ service itself will be offered through the Select plan or within the Unlimited plan.
“Our straightforward approach to name and pricing will help fans cut through the clutter, and provide them compelling options to access all our content within the enhanced ESPN App,” said Pitaro in May. “It will be the ultimate sports destination for personalized experiences and features, and, on top of that, fans will be able to choose to bundle ESPN with the industry-leading Disney+ and Hulu streaming services.”
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