ESPN is finally launching its standalone streaming service, aptly named ESPN, after years of anticipation. The new service will debut in early fall, offering various subscription options to cater to different needs and budgets. This marks a significant shift in how sports fans can access ESPN’s content, breaking away from the traditional cable or live streaming TV subscriptions that have been the only way to get the full ESPN experience until now.
The flagship offering, dubbed the "ultimate" version of ESPN, will provide comprehensive access to everything ESPN has to offer. This includes all of ESPN’s linear networks, such as ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ESPNEWS, and ESPN Deportes. Furthermore, the "ultimate" tier will include all ESPN broadcasts on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX. This means subscribers will have access to a vast library of live sports events, studio shows, and original programming.
The "ultimate" tier will also include ESPN’s signature shows like SportsCenter, Get Up, First Take, NFL Live, The Pat McAfee Show, Pardon the Interruption, College GameDay, and NBA Today. This comprehensive package aims to provide the most complete ESPN experience possible, catering to die-hard sports fans who want access to all of ESPN’s content.
However, this comprehensive access comes at a price. The "ultimate" version of ESPN will cost $29.99 per month or $299.99 per year. While this may seem steep, it is in line with expectations, considering the breadth of content offered. It positions ESPN as a premium streaming service for sports enthusiasts willing to pay for comprehensive access.
For those seeking more affordable options, ESPN will also be available in bundles with Disney+ and Hulu. A bundle including ESPN, Disney+, and Hulu with ads will cost $35.99 per month. Alternatively, a bundle with ad-free Disney+ and Hulu will be available for $44.99 per month. These bundles offer a more diversified entertainment package, combining sports with Disney’s family-friendly content and Hulu’s extensive library of movies and TV shows.
Disney is also offering a special introductory deal for the with-ads version of the Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN bundle, priced at $29.99 for the first 12 months. This offer aims to attract new subscribers with a discounted rate, providing a compelling entry point for those interested in exploring the bundled offerings.
The launch of the new ESPN streaming service marks a significant change from the existing ESPN+ service. ESPN+ has always offered a limited selection of ESPN’s content, often leaving subscribers disappointed when they discovered that key shows like SportsCenter and Monday Night Football were not included. This limitation has been a point of frustration for many ESPN+ subscribers.
As part of the transition, ESPN+ will be rebranded as "select" ESPN. The "select" tier will cost $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year. Bundles including "select" ESPN with ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu will cost $16.99 per month, while bundles with the ad-free versions of the latter two streamers will cost $26.99 per month.
Existing ESPN+ subscribers will be automatically migrated to the "select" version of the new ESPN streaming service. This means the old ESPN+ as it exists today will effectively cease to exist. The "select" tier will likely offer a similar level of content to the current ESPN+, focusing on niche sports, college events, and original programming, rather than the core content available on ESPN’s linear networks.
The timing of the ESPN streaming service launch coincides with Fox’s announcement of its own new streamer, Fox One. The Fox service will offer a range of content, including sports, and is also scheduled to launch in the fall. This sets the stage for a competitive landscape in the sports streaming market, with ESPN and Fox vying for subscribers.
The arrival of a standalone streaming ESPN has been a long time coming. Disney executives first confirmed the service last year, and the development has been closely watched by sports fans and industry analysts alike. The move reflects the broader trend of cord-cutting, as consumers increasingly opt for streaming services over traditional cable subscriptions.
Previously, the only way to access the full ESPN experience was through a cable or live streaming TV service, both of which can be expensive. ESPN+ was intended to provide a more affordable alternative, but its limited content left many subscribers wanting more. The new ESPN streaming service aims to address this gap by offering a comprehensive and accessible way to watch ESPN’s content without the need for a traditional cable subscription.
The launch of ESPN’s standalone streaming service is a major development for the sports media landscape. It gives fans greater control over how they access ESPN’s content and provides a new avenue for ESPN to reach a wider audience. The success of the service will depend on its ability to deliver a high-quality streaming experience, offer compelling content, and attract subscribers with competitive pricing. The "ultimate" tier might be a great deal for serious sports fanatics while the bundles are a great value for families.
