ESPN will make available its linear channels direct-to-consumer starting in the autumn.
The Disney-owned sports network is offering an unlimited price plan at $29.99/month and a so-called ‘select’ plan for $11.99 a month.
There is also a special launch offer that brings together Disney+, Hulu, ESPN in an unlimited bundle at $29.99/month.
The more traditional distribution through cable and other operators will continue as before.
“We are providing everything ESPN has to offer directly to fans and all in one place,” said Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN Chairman. “As we thought about the name, we kept returning to the fact that, across every generation, ESPN is the most trusted, loved and recognized name in sports, and that we should keep it simple and double down on the power of ESPN.
“Our straightforward approach to name and pricing will help fans cut through the clutter, and provide them compelling options to access all our content within the enhanced ESPN App. It will be the ultimate sports destination for personalized experiences and features, and, on top of that, fans will be able to choose to bundle ESPN with the industry-leading Disney+ and Hulu streaming services.”
Existing ESPN+ subscribers will automatically become subscribers to ESPN’s new service, based on their current subscription level. Standalone ESPN+ subscribers get the ESPN select plan, and Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ bundle subscribers get the ESPN select bundle.
At launch, ESPN will introduce a series of enhancements to the ESPN App on mobile and connected TV devices. The new features and functionality will be available to all fans who watch on the ESPN App, whether they subscribe directly or through a traditional pay-TV package.
