ESPN launched a new direct consumer service this month. The service provides significant enhancements in ESPN's streaming and application experience. Here are the key facts to know:
New flow plan details
When will ESPN be launched directly to consumers?
The service will bring the full suite of ESPN networks and services directly to fans starting August 21.
How do I subscribe to ESPN directly to consumers?
Fans can sign up for a new service here.
What plans does ESPN offer directly to consumers?
Fans can choose from two plans:
ESPN Unlimited Plan
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Access all linear networks of ESPN – ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN DEVORTES, SEC NETWERS, ACC networks – except ESPN, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+ and ACCNX on ABC
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There are 47,000 live events every year, replays on demand, studio programs, original programs and more
ESPN Selection Plan
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Access all content available on ESPN+
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There are over 32,000 live sports events every year, a proprietary exclusive studio program, on-demand replays, famous original content and more
How much does each plan cost?
ESPN Unlimited Plan: $29.99 per month or $299.99 per year
ESPN Selection Plan: $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year
Special offers for Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited Bundle (advertised on Disney+ and Hulu) are $29.99 per month.
What are available in ESPN Unlimited Plans vs ESPN Select Plans only?
ESPN Unlimited Program subscribers have access to the playoffs of all ESPN networks including ESPN+ including NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, tennis and golf majors, top college football and basketball, WWE and all of these and more.
ESPN Featured Program subscribers only have access to ESPN+, Top Football, PGA Tour, NHL, UFC, and a variety of college sports, tennis, PLL, UFL and other leagues.
As part of the pay TV package, can you access ESPN Unlimited?
Hulu+ Live TV, DirectV (streaming only), Fubo TV and Spectrum TV customers may have already made the ESPN Unlimited Plan part of their pay TV packages and will be in future situations. To activate your ESPN program or learn more, visit the ESPN Fan Support Activation FAQ.
Will both plans include advertising?
Like linear TV, both programs have advertisements in live events and studio shows. Both Disney+ and Hulu’s bundling options are available on these platforms or without ads.
New application plan details
How will ESPN direct to consumers affect the overall ESPN application experience?
Enhanced ESPN app integrates game statistics, betting information, fantasy sports, business, multi-view options and personalization The SportsCenter for you. Whether they subscribe directly or via pay TV, all fans who watch sports on the ESPN app will get new features.
If I already use an existing ESPN application, do I need to use ESPN to download anything else directly to the consumer?
All features will be available in mobile devices and existing ESPN applications on connected TVs.
ESPN's impact on existing plans directly to consumers
If I'm an ESPN+ subscriber, can I still access 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 consumers affect existing Disney+/HULU/ESPN+ bundled users?
Existing Disney+/hulu/espn+ bundled users will become Disney+/hulu/espn+ subscribers choose Bundle and continue to receive the same content through the ESPN and Disney+ apps.
Can subscribers still get ESPN with direct-to-consumer cable bundles?
ESPN will continue to be distributed through paid TV providers. Paid TV subscribers will access enhanced features in the ESPN app through their pay TV subscription.
Next step
What other developments will this new ESPN directly to consumer services affect in the future?
Two landmark deals were announced in August, which will expand ESPN's media footprint and further enhance the entertainment experience for sports fans.
In one transaction, the NFL will receive a 10% stake in the Arena Network, and ESPN will acquire linear rights to the NFL Network and other NFL media assets, including the league’s popular Redzone channel. ESPN will also acquire NFL's fantasy products and merge them into existing platforms, making ESPN Fantasy Football the official NFL game. Through this deal, the NFL network will be integrated into ESPN's new direct consumer streaming product, and it will continue to be available at pay TV providers.
Additionally, starting in 2026, a new agreement between World Wrestle Entertainment and ESPN will make WrestleMania part of ESPN’s direct-to-consumer streaming service. The deal includes two nights of events such as Wrestlemania and Summerslam, as well as other WWE Premium Live Everts, including Royal Rumble, Royal Rumble, Survivor Series and Money in Bank in Bank Bank Bank.
Should you know about the upcoming power outage fans?
Five NFL games on August 23 will have power outages as indicated by the dark areas in the map below. Audiences in these areas can see the game through their applicable local radio stations.
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