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Since its launch, ESPN+ has raised a considerable number of questions and concerns from subscribers. The most prominent: Why doesn’t it offer live streams of ESPN broadcasts? As a frustrated subscriber myself, I am pleased to hear that these concerns have finally been addressed. On Aug. 21, ESPN is set to launch a new and improved direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming service.
Revamped to give fans more options and flexibility, ESPN DTC will now offer two separate plans: ESPN Unlimited and ESPN Select. The ESPN app itself is also getting a facelift, introducing a more personalized and dynamic viewing experience for sports fans.
The launch is timed perfectly with the start of the NFL season (go figure), as well as college football, US Open tennis, international soccer, women’s college soccer, volleyball, field hockey, and more. It also launches the same day as Fox’s first-ever streaming service, Fox One. Here’s what you need to know.
What is the new ESPN streaming service?
Previously, in order to stream ESPN’s traditional TV networks and their broadcasts, you needed a television subscription through either a cable, satellite, or digital provider. ESPN+ did not allow you to watch live NFL games on ESPN’s Monday Night Football, for instance. The revamped ESPN is going to change that.
The ESPN DTC streaming service brings the full suite of ESPN networks and services to sports fans in one subscription. This includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network — in addition to ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX. Plus, thanks to a recent acquisition deal, it will reportedly also include NFL Network and RedZone. It will cover 47,000 live events each year, plus offer on-demand replays, studio shows, original programming, and more. In other words, you’ll finally be able to stream games from ESPN and ABC live without cable or a cable alternative.
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This all-encompassing subscription will be dubbed ESPN Unlimited, while a more pared-down option will be called ESPN Select. The Select tier is basically just ESPN+, rebranded as a more affordable option to the new direct-to-consumer streaming service. It covers over 32,000 live sports events each year, plus offers a library of exclusive shows, on-demand replays, and original content. Current ESPN+ subscribers will automatically become ESPN Select subscribers when the new app launches on Aug. 21.
How much will it cost?
The ESPN Unlimited plan will cost $29.99 per month or $299.99 per year (about 17% in savings if you pay upfront), while the ESPN Select plan will remain the same as ESPN+ at $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year (also 17% in savings).
As a welcome gift, ESPN is offering the Unlimited plan bundled with Disney+ and Hulu (both with ads) for $29.99 per month for your first year. That’s the same price as a standalone subscription to ESPN Unlimited, essentially giving you Hulu and Disney+ for free.
There’s also a new ESPN Unlimited and Fox One bundle (which both launch on Aug. 21) available for $39.99 per month. Both services are usually $29.99 per month, so you’ll save about $19.98 monthly by bundling them together.
A look at ESPN’s plans.
Credit: ESPN
How to sign up
Starting on Aug. 21, you can head over to stream.ESPN.com to sign up for ESPN’s new Unlimited plan or bundle plan. If you’re already an ESPN+ subscriber, you’ll automatically become an ESPN Select subscriber. Likewise, if you’re an existing Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ bundle subscriber. You’ll automatically become a subscriber to the Disney+/Hulu/ESPN Select bundle.
