ESPN is launching a new direct-to-consumer service this month. The service will offer major enhancements within ESPN's streaming and app experiences. Here are key facts to know:
New streaming plan details
When will ESPN direct-to-consumer launch?
The service will bring the full suite of ESPN networks and services directly to fans starting on August 21.
How can I subscribe to ESPN direct-to-consumer?
Fans can sign up for the new service here.
What plans will ESPN direct-to-consumer offer?
Fans can choose from two plans:
ESPN Unlimited Plan
Access to all of ESPN's linear networks -- ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network -- in addition to ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+ and ACCNX
47,000 live events a year, on demand replays, studio shows, original programming and more
ESPN Select Plan
Access to all content available on ESPN+
More than 32,000 live sports events annually, a robust library of exclusive studio shows, on-demand replays, acclaimed original content and more
How much does each plan cost?
ESPN Unlimited Plan: $29.99 a month or $299.99 a year
ESPN Select Plan: $11.99 a month or $119.99 a year
A special offer is available for the Disney+, Hulu, ESPN unlimited bundle (with ads on Disney+ and Hulu) at $29.99 a month for the first 12 months.
What is available only on the ESPN Unlimited Plan vs. the ESPN Select Plan?
ESPN Unlimited Plan subscribers have access to all ESPN networks, including ESPN+, with events like NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, tennis and golf majors, top-tier college football and basketball, WWE and postseason coverage from all those and more.
ESPN Select Plan subscribers have access only to ESPN+, with top-tier soccer, PGA Tour, NHL, UFC and a selection of college sports, tennis, PLL, UFL and other leagues.
Do you get access to ESPN Unlimited as part of your pay-TV package?
Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV (streaming only), Fubo TV, and Spectrum TV customers may already get the ESPN Unlimited Plan as part of their pay-TV package, with more to come. To activate your ESPN plan or to learn more, please visit the ESPN Fan Support Activation FAQ.
Will both plans include advertising?
Like linear television, both plans will have ads during live events and studio shows. Bundle options with Disney+ and Hulu will be available with or without ads on those platforms.
New app plan details
How will ESPN direct-to-consumer impact the overall ESPN app experience?
The enhanced ESPN app integrates game stats, betting information, fantasy sports, commerce, multiview options and a personalized SportsCenter For You. The new features and functionality will be available to all fans who watch sports on the ESPN App, whether they subscribe directly or through pay-TV.
If I already use the existing ESPN App, do I need to download anything else with ESPN direct-to-consumer?
All features will be available within the existing ESPN App on mobile devices and connected TV.
Impact of ESPN direct-to-consumer on existing plans
If I am an ESPN+ subscriber, will I still have access to the same content?
ESPN+ will continue to be available in a variety of ways. Existing ESPN+ subscribers will become subscribers to the ESPN Select Plan.
How will ESPN direct-to-consumer impact existing Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ bundle subscribers?
Existing Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ bundle subscribers will become subscribers to a Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ Select bundle and continue to receive the same content through the ESPN and Disney+ apps.
Can subscribers still get ESPN via cable bundles with direct-to-consumer?
ESPN will continue to be distributed via pay-TV providers. Pay TV subscribers will have access to the enhanced features within the ESPN App via their pay-TV subscriptions.
Next steps
What other developments will this new ESPN direct-to-consumer service impact in the future?
Two landmark deals were announced in August that will expand ESPN's media footprint and further enhance the entertainment experience for sports fans.
In a deal that will see the NFL get a 10% equity stake in the all-sports network, ESPN will acquire the NFL Network and other National Football League media assets, including the linear rights to the league's popular RedZone channel. ESPN will also acquire the NFL's fantasy product and merge it into its existing platform, making ESPN Fantasy Football the official game of the NFL. With this deal, the NFL Network will be integrated into ESPN's new direct-to-consumer streaming product, and it will continue to be available on pay-TV providers.
Additionally, a new agreement between World Wrestling Entertainment and ESPN will allow WrestleMania to be a part of ESPN's direct-to-consumer streaming service starting in 2026. The deal includes two-night events such as WrestleMania and SummerSlam, plus other WWE premium live events including Royal Rumble, Survivor Series and Money in the Bank.
Are there any upcoming blackouts fans should be aware of?
Five NFL games on August 23 will have blackout zones, as indicated by the darkened areas in the maps below. Viewers in those areas can see the game via their applicable local station.