ESPN LAUNCHES DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER STREAMING SERVICE AT $29.99, RESHAPING SPORTS 7 IN THE STREAMING WARS

ESPN will debut its highly anticipated direct-to-consumer streaming service, simply named “ESPN,” in September 2025, priced at $29.99 per month, as announced this week.

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The platform will offer access to all ESPN networks, including SEC, Big Ten, and ACC college leagues, alongside ESPN+ content, marking a historic shift from cable dependency.

For sports fans, streaming enthusiasts, and industry observers, this launch represents a pivotal moment in the streaming wars, where platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Paramount+, Hulu, and Max have battled for dominance over the past decade, with sports now emerging as a critical battleground.

The service, which also offers a $299.99 annual plan and a $35.99 monthly bundle with Disney+ and Hulu ($29.99 for the first year), aims to deliver 47,000 live events annually, enhanced by AI-driven personalization, betting integration, and a revamped ESPN app. As ESPN joins the fray, the streaming wars—once defined by scripted dramas and blockbuster films—have evolved to prioritize live sports, with Apple TV+ securing MLS and MLB rights, Max adding NHL and NBA games, and others vying for premium content.

ESPN’S STREAMING SERVICE: FEATURES AND STRATEGY

The new ESPN streaming platform will encompass all seven domestic linear networks, ESPN on ABC, and ESPN+’s 30,000 annual live events, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and college sports, alongside studio shows like SportsCenter and First Take. Priced at $29.99 monthly, it offers a standalone “unlimited” plan or a $11.99-per-month “select” plan for ESPN+ content only, with a bundle option combining ESPN, Disney+, and Hulu for $35.99 monthly ($29.99 introductory rate for the first year).

An annual subscription costs $299.99, saving roughly $60 compared to monthly payments. The service, launching in early fall, will integrate betting, statistical analysis, and a personalized “SportsCenter” using AI to tailor content to users’ favorite teams, as stated by ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro.