Disney has announced details on its brand new direct-to-consumer version of ESPN, which will simply be called, ESPN and it will offer two different tiers, an unlimited package that delivers the entire suite of ESPN networks and content, along with a cheaper alternative, which is currently known as ESPN+, but will be rebranded.

Designed to 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. There will also 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. It was previously announced that the direct-to-consumer offering will launch in early fall and that ESPN will continue to be available through traditional MVPDs and DMVPDs.

Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN Chairman said in a statement regarding the new platform:

“We are providing everything ESPN has to offer directly to fans and all in one place.  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. 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. 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.”

The unlimited plan will give fans access to 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, covering 47,000 live events each year, on-demand replays, studio shows, original programming, and more. ESPN’s unprecedented rights portfolio includes the NFL; NBA; NHL; MLB; WNBA; UFC; UFL; SEC; ACC; Big 12; College Football Playoff; 40 NCAA championships including the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship; LaLiga, Bundesliga, NWSL, and FA Cup soccer; Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open tennis; The Masters, PGA Championship, PGA TOUR, and TGL golf; Little League World Series baseball and softball; Premier Lacrosse League; and more. ESPN’s leading studio shows include the iconic SportsCenter, Get Up, First Take, NFL Live, The Pat McAfee Show, Pardon the Interruption, College GameDay, NBA Today, and others, along with on-demand content including 30 for 30 films, ESPN Originals, and more.

• Monthly subscription: $29.99
• Annual subscription: $299.99
• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN unlimited bundle: $35.99/month (with ads on Disney+/Hulu), $44.99/month (no ads on Disney+/Hulu*)
• Special offer at launch: Disney+, Hulu, ESPN unlimited bundle for $29.99/month for the first 12 months (with ads on Disney+/Hulu)

The select plan will provide subscribers with access to all content available on ESPN+, including more than 32,000 live sports events annually, a robust library of exclusive studio shows, on-demand replays, acclaimed original content, and more.

• Monthly subscription: $11.99
• Annual subscription: $119.99
• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN select bundle: $16.99/month (with ads on Disney+/Hulu), $26.99/month (no ads on Disney+/Hulu*)

Existing ESPN+ subscribers will automatically become subscribers to ESPN’s new service, based on their current subscription level. Standalone ESPN+ subscribers get the ESPN select plan, and Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ bundle subscribers get the ESPN select bundle.

At launch, ESPN will introduce a series of enhancements to the industry-leading ESPN App on mobile and connected TV devices. The new features and functionality will be available to all fans who watch on the ESPN App, whether they subscribe directly or through a traditional pay TV package.

Following the launch of the ESPN hub on Disney+ in the United States last year, anyone with subscriptions 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.  

Disney will be announcing more additional details on the launch of ESPN, including the specific launch date, later this summer.

Roger’s Take:  Disney is going all in on ESPN streaming with this new platform, as it sees audiences moving away from cable and by incorporating all of this ESPN content into Disney+ continues to boost that platform into a general audience streaming service, especially with so many ESPN shows also being available to all subscribers.

I think simply using the name ESPN does make a lot of sense, and it is also a great idea to take advantage of the existence of the cheaper ESPN+ streaming service and incorporate that into a cheaper tier of the ESPN streaming service, though it does continue the problem of having too many options, but no doubt that Disney hopes more people upgrade to the unlimited version.

Are you going to be subscribing to the unlimited version of ESPN?  Let me know on social media!

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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