ESPN has hit a new height of sheer omnipresence. It reaches far across streaming, from its Disney+ partnership to its over-the-top service with ESPN+. The network has also increased its hold in NFL, NBA, SEC and ACC live broadcasting. Up next is a consolidation of sorts, with ESPN’s direct-to-consumer (DTC) service launching Thursday, Aug. 21, along with an update to its app. Here’s what sports watchers need to know about the new subscription offering.
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What is ESPN’s DTC service?It’s basically a way to get all of ESPN’s disparate networks in one subscription. At launch, there are 12 networks under the tent:
ESPN, the main channel ABC, specifically any ESPN sports production airing on the flagship broadcaster ESPN2, the secondary channel ESPN3, digital-only games ESPN+, digital-only games ESPNU for college sports ESPNEWS for simulcasts, reruns and event overflow ESPN Deportes for Spanish-language programming SEC Network for the Southeastern Conference SEC Network+, digital-only ACC Network for the Atlantic Coast Conference ACCNX, digital-only Who is it for?This is primarily for folks who don’t he cable, satellite or a multi-channel streaming service like Fubo (a commercial partner of The Athletic) or YouTube TV. ESPN is also trying to appeal to more dedicated (or intense) nightly watchers: It has multiview options, integrated game stats, betting info, fantasy updates and the ability to shop for related gear.
What are the subscription options?The DTC service is branded as “ESPN Unlimited,” and it goes for $29.99 per month or $299.99 annually.
ESPN+ is renamed to “ESPN Select,” and it still costs $11.99/month or $119.99/year. That “Select” option does not include access to the actual linear networks (ESPN, ESPN2, etc.), which is needlessly confusing but critical to know. ESPN+ has simulcasts and digital exclusives that add up to around 32,000 live events each year, compared to the “Unlimited” plan with 47,000.
There is also an option to bundle ESPN’s “Unlimited” service with Disney+ and Hulu (both with ads) for $29.99 per month for the first 12 months.
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The network going direct-to-consumer reflects a notable shift in its longtime strategy and a reflection of rapidly evolving consumer habits.
What about those who already he ESPN on cable?Cable subscribers will be able to plug their credentials into the updated ESPN app and watch there. Right now, ESPN has agreements with the following pay-TV providers:
Fubo (Se $30) Charter DirecTV Hulu VerizonAuthentication through any other additional cable systems and multi-channel streaming services — like Comcast or YouTube TV — will not be included in the initial app but are expected to be integrated into it eventually.
How does this affect the other ESPN deals with NFL, WWE, UFC and Fox?The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand reported that ESPN traded 10 percent of its equity to the NFL, in exchange for league media assets like the NFL Network, NFL+ and NFL RedZone. ESPN “Unlimited” users will be able to bundle in NFL+ starting in September, with additional costs for RedZone access.
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ESPN also has a new contract with the WWE. It’s a five-year, $1.6 billion agreement that gives the network exclusive rights to WrestleMania, among other marquee events. All WWE premium live events on ESPN’s DTC platform (which begin in mid-September) will be accessible through the “Unlimited” DTC plan — or after being authenticated into ESPN’s app as a paying cable, satellite or streaming bundle subscriber. Like the WWE’s previous deal with NBC’s subscription service Peacock, the WWE’s “premium live events” will be ailable at no extra charge to ESPN “Unlimited” subscribers.
The remaining 2025 UFC events ailable via pay-per-view through ESPN+ will be accessible to purchase by anyone with an ESPN “Select” or “Unlimited” DTC plan. (In 2026, UFC fights will move over to Paramount+ as part of that service’s monthly subscription.)
As if there weren’t enough deals to follow, ESPN’s DTC service is also pairing with “Fox One,” Fox’s own DTC model that includes live NFL, MLB and college football broadcasts. That new service will include Fox, FS1, FS2, Fox Deportes and the Big Ten Network. Starting in October, the ESPN-Fox joint bundle runs at $39.99 per month.
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