It seems like every time you turn around, there’s another new streaming service that you have to subscribe to. When will it ever be enough? Apparently, not any time soon, as ESPN’s new streaming service will soon be available for sports fans to subscribe to. This has us asking, though, what makes this streaming service different from ESPN+ or watching any of ESPN’s channels on television? Well, the company is promising a lot with their new service, but you’ll have to pay a pretty penny for it.
Introducing ESPN’s New Streaming Service
Recently, ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro announced that the network would be launching a direct-to-consumer streaming service in the early fall. According to a statement released by ESPN, Pitaro said, “We are providing everything ESPN has to offer directly to fans and all in one place. 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,” Pitaro said.
ESPN’s new streaming service will allow subscribers to have access to all seven of ESPN’s domestic linear networks, ESPN on ABC, as well as other streaming options, ESPN announced. There will be thousands of live events, replays, as well as original programming.
The company also reported that the ESPN App will be significantly upgraded to enhance betting features, statistics, and personalized “SportsCenter.”
A Hefty Price
While all of that sounds really nice, ESPN’s new streaming service is going to cost you a pretty penny if you’d like to subscribe to it.
According to CNBC, there are a number of options you can pick from when it comes to subscribing to ESPN’s new streaming service. If you’d like to subscribe to ESPN only, that will cost you $29.99 a month, or you have the option for an annual subscription at $299.99 annually.
There will also be an option to bundle it with Disney+ and Hulu, where you will be able to stream all three services for $35.99 a month. As an incentive, CNBC reported that users who sign up for ESPN’s new streaming service, which launches in the fall, will be able to bundle all three for just $29.99 for the first year; a huge deal because it will basically be getting Disney+ and Hulu for free.
We already have ESPN+, which will continue to be accessible as a less expensive option for those who don’t want everything ESPN’s new streaming service has to offer. Right now, ESPN+ is just $11.99 per month, and you can also bundle it with Disney+ and Hulu for $16.99 a month with commercials.
According to CNBC, if you still have regular television and already have the ESPN channels, you’ll automatically be able to use the app by signing in with your cable provider.
For the die-hard sports fans, this new streaming service seems like a no-brainer. With so many new upgrades and with the ability to stream pretty much any and every sport possible, it seems like it might be worth the hefty price tag.
