With the rapid shift toward digital entertainment, the much-anticipated ESPN streaming service has finally arrived. Sports fans now have a direct way to access ESPN’s entire lineup of games, shows, and exclusive events, all without needing a traditional cable subscription. This article breaks down everything you need to know about the new ESPN streaming service, from pricing and features to bundling options and what sets it apart from other sports streaming platforms.
The ESPN streaming service is a direct-to-consumer platform launched by ESPN and its parent company, Disney. This new service grants subscribers access to ESPN’s full roster, including ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU, and the college league networks. For the first time, viewers can enjoy ESPN’s comprehensive sports coverage—including major leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and exclusive college championships—without the constraints of cable or satellite bundles.
As officially reported by CNBC, the standalone ESPN streaming service is priced at $29.99 per month. This price point gives fans full access to all ESPN programming. For viewers interested in more content, ESPN offers a bundle with Disney+ and Hulu for $35.99 per month after the first year. The bundle is a cost-effective choice for families or anyone interested in a broader range of entertainment, combining live sports, movies, and TV shows across three major platforms.
According to The Athletic, the ESPN streaming service goes beyond just live games. Subscribers get:
Additionally, ESPN will continue to offer ESPN+ as a standalone service at $11.99 per month. This makes it possible for viewers to tailor their sports viewing based on their interests and budget.
With cord-cutting on the rise, traditional cable bundles have seen a steady decline. The ESPN streaming service is designed to address modern viewing habits by giving fans direct, flexible access to their favorite sports content. As highlighted in a Wall Street Journal report, ESPN’s pivot is seen as one of the most significant industry shifts in decades, aiming to stop subscriber losses and set a new standard for digital sports streaming.
While the core ESPN channel lineup remains available via cable, satellite, and digital TV platforms like YouTube TV and Fubo, the new streaming service ensures that sports fans won’t miss out—regardless of how they choose to watch.
In the first 12 months, the new ESPN streaming service, Disney+, and Hulu are available as a bundle for $29.99. After the initial period, the trio is offered for $35.99 monthly. This approach mirrors traditional cable bundles but offers enhanced flexibility and tailored content. Eventually, Disney may further streamline its offerings, but the current bundle already represents a breakthrough for both sports fans and general entertainment viewers.
If you’re an avid sports fan looking to cut the cord—or simply want the freedom to watch live sports without being tied to a cable contract—the ESPN streaming service is an attractive solution. It brings together ESPN’s unmatched sports programming, seamless streaming, and flexible bundles to meet a range of viewing preferences.
For more on pricing, feature updates, and how ESPN is shaping the future of sports streaming, check out The Athletic’s coverage and the full pricing breakdown from CNBC.
The ESPN streaming service signals a new era for sports broadcasting—one where viewers have more choices and flexibility than ever before. As digital platforms continue to grow, ESPN’s commitment to innovation ensures that fans are always at the center of the action.