ESPN Launches Standalone Streaming Service at $29.99/month, Just in Time for Football Season

ESPN has launched a direct-to-consumer streaming service—simply called ESPN—on August 21, 2025, priced at $29.99 per month (or $299.99 annually). This marks the first time the full suite of ESPN’s linear channels is available without requiring a traditional TV package.

What Fans Can Expect

• Live Events Access: Viewers will enjoy more than 47,000 live events per year, encompassing NFL games, tennis, college sports, and international competitions

• App Enhancements: The enhanced ESPN app introduces innovative features such as a TikTok-style “Verts” highlight feed, personalized “SportsCenter For You” with AI-generated commentary, multiview browsing, live stats, fantasy tools, and betting integration

• Legacy Subscribers Covered: Cable and satellite subscribers with current ESPN access will be able to authenticate into the new platform to enjoy its digital perks

Bundles and Promotions

• Introductory Offer: ESPN is launching with a bundle of ESPN, Disney+, and Hulu—ad-supported—for $29.99/month for the first 12 months. The price will increase to $35.99/month after the promotional period

• An annual option of $299.99 is also available.

• Expanded Rights: Starting September 20 with Wrestlepalooza, ESPN’s new platform will serve as the exclusive U.S. home for WWE’s premium live events, replacing Peacock early

Strategic Timing and Industry Context

CEO Bob Iger calls the service “a sports fan’s dream,” launching just as the new football season kicks off. The move is part of ESPN’s broader strategy to adapt to declining cable subscriptions while staying ahead in the evolving streaming landscape.