Disney’s ESPN Streaming App Launches August 21 at $29.99/Month
Disney is preparing to debut its highly anticipated standalone ESPN streaming service—simply titled “ESPN”—on August 21, 2025, offering fans full access to all ESPN linear network content and live events for $29.99 per month or $299 annually.
ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro officially introduced the platform at Disney’s May 2025 upfront event, signaling a major departure from ESPN’s legacy cable-based model.
The launch of this service has been timed to coincide with sporting events according to a Disney press release:
“ESPN DTC coincides with the start of the college football and NFL seasons, US Open tennis, international soccer, women’s college soccer, volleyball, field hockey, and more – with the start of the WNBA playoffs, PLL playoffs, and NBA and NHL seasons, as well as UFC and WWE events just around the corner.”
Subscription Tiers & Bundle Options
Subscribers may choose between two plans:
Unlimited Plan ($29.99/month or $299/year): Includes full access to ESPN, ESPN2, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN on ABC, and ESPN Deportes, along with on-demand replays and original shows like 30 for 30.
Select Plan ($11.99/month or $119/year): Essentially the current ESPN+ offering, with fewer live events and less linear content.
Disney is also launching a bundle combining ESPN (Unlimited tier), Disney+, and Hulu:
Intro Offer: $29.99/month with ads on Disney+ and Hulu for the first 12 months.
Standard Pricing: $35.99/month with ads or $44.99/month without ads post-
promo period.
Enhanced App Features & Content Access
The upgraded ESPN Experience includes:
47,000+ live events annually across all ESPN channels
Access to studio shows, fantasy tools, betting integration via ESPN Bet, and customizable “SportsCenter”
An enhanced app interface with multiview options, stats, and immersive features for viewers
Existing ESPN+ subscribers will be automatically transitioned to the Select tier, while pay-TV customers with ESPN access will also receive the new service at no extra cost.
Strategic Expansion & Content Deals
Launching just ahead of major sports events—including the NFL, college football, and UFC—the new service positions ESPN at the center of streaming sports strategy. Disney also confirmed:
A $1.6 billion, five-year deal to make ESPN the exclusive U.S. home for WWE premium live events (e.g., WrestleMania, SummerSlam) starting in 2026.
ESPN will become the exclusive broadcaster for WWE events in the U.S., aligning with the launch of the new ESPN DTC service.
Disney additionally secured key NFL streaming assets, gaining control of NFL Network, NFL RedZone, and official fantasy platforms under a broader agreement also involving equity stakes.
Why It Matters
Provides fans a comprehensive, direct route to watch live sports without cable.
Signals a new era of ESPN-powered streaming, integrating events, analysis, fantasy, and commerce.
Competes with legacy cable and emerging digital platforms in sports coverage and fan engagement.
Introduces ESPN as a standalone brand across streaming and mobile.
Sets the stage for future content expansions like deeper WWE programming, NFL integration, and enhanced user features.
With the launch just weeks away, sports fans have plenty to look forward to. More updates and exclusive features are sure to follow as ESPN sets a new course in direct-to-consumer streaming.