ESPN Launches New Streaming Service for Sports Fans

BRADENTON, Fla. — ESPN announced on May 13, 2025, that it will launch a new streaming service, simply named ESPN, for $29.99 per month this fall. The new service aims to attract sports fans who have not subscribed to traditional television.

The ESPN streaming service will provide access to live sports, including professional and college football and basketball games, as well as programming from other ESPN networks. Additionally, consumers can bundle the ESPN service with ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu for $35.99, with a promotional rate of $29.99 for the first year for early sign-ups.

ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro emphasized that this initiative seeks to streamline access to sports content. He stated, “We are providing everything ESPN has to offer directly to fans and all in one place.” The new service is particularly targeted at the nearly 60 million households that have yet to subscribe to ESPN.

Despite the anticipated excitement among sports fans, analysts express skepticism regarding the overall cost-effectiveness of multiple streaming subscriptions. Michael Pachter, a research analyst at Wedbush Securities, noted, “While this might be suitable for single users or those without cable, the expenses of several streaming services can accumulate quickly.”

The average U.S. household currently spends about $69 per month on streaming services, which is more affordable than the average cable bill of around $122. However, those seeking a comprehensive entertainment experience may still find themselves paying for multiple services.

Pitaro acknowledged the challenge of bundling different streaming options, stating, “What ends up happening is that people subscribe to individual channels but may struggle to find the right combination of services that suits their needs.”

As ESPN prepares for the upcoming launch of its streaming service, existing ESPN+ subscribers may also benefit from a smooth transition to the all-access offering, which includes more live games, including full coverage of “Monday Night Football,” which ESPN+ does not currently provide.

Effective immediately, Disney is also seeking to attract new subscribers and reduce churn in a competitive media market where sports content remains paramount. In 2024, Disney secured an 11-year deal with the NBA to broadcast games, highlighting the increasing value of live sports.