ESPN has pulled back the curtain on its highly anticipated direct-to-consumer streaming service, offering two subscription tiers—Unlimited and Select—as the network prepares for a formal launch before the start of the 2025 football season.
According to The Sports Business Journal, the new service branded simply as “ESPN” represents the network’s most aggressive foray into the streaming marketplace to date. Designed to complement its traditional cable presence while expanding its digital reach, the platform will offer live sports, original programming, and access to ESPN’s entire suite of content.
The Unlimited plan, priced at $29.99 per month or $299.99 annually, will include access to more than 47,000 live sporting events annually. Subscribers will also receive full access to all linear ESPN networks, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, and ACC Network, as well as all ESPN+ content.
Bundling options include a Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited package starting at $35.99/month with ads, or $44.99/month without ads. A limited-time promotional offer at launch will discount the ad-supported bundle to $29.99/month for the first 12 months.
The Select plan, a continuation of the current ESPN+ experience, will cost $11.99/month or $119.99/year, and includes ESPN+ programming. Bundled options with Disney+ and Hulu will be available at $16.99/month with ads or $26.99/month without.
ESPN says all current ESPN+ subscribers, which number around 25 million, will be automatically migrated to the ESPN Select plan at no additional cost. Subscribers to the Disney Bundle that includes ESPN+ will be transitioned to the ESPN Select bundle.
For sports fans subscribing to ESPN via a traditional cable or satellite provider or multichannel video programming distributor, will have access to new app-based features and streaming functionality will come at no extra charge.
That includes updated personalization tools and improved user experience within the ESPN app.
The company is also working with distribution partners to expand reach at launch. ESPN Unlimited will be available to all DirecTV streaming and “My Sports” customers starting at launch. DirecTV satellite and U-Verse subscribers will gain access this fall via a free upgrade. Additionally, customers with DirecTV Gemini devices and the Signature package will receive complimentary access to Disney+ and Hulu.
The official announce date of the new ESPN DTC product has not been officially revealed, but several reports state that launch could come before the end of August.
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