The news: Today, ESPN is rolling out its long-awaited direct-to-consumer subscription, consolidating 12 networks under one app.

• Two tiers are available: ESPN Select ($11.99/month), offering 32,000 live events annually, and ESPN Unlimited ($29.99/month), which adds access to ESPN’s linear networks, ABC sports, and 47,000 live events each year.
• Unlimited subscribers can bundle with Disney+ and Hulu for $35.99/month, with a discounted $29.99/month offer in year one.
• Features include live stats, fantasy integrations, betting tools, multiview, and a personalized SportsCenter generated by AI.

Why it matters: The launch corrects ESPN+’s limitations, which kept marquee programming like Monday Night Football and NBA games off its platform. That approach stalled growth, leaving ESPN+ at roughly 24 million subscribers and generating losses.

• By moving everything into one digital product, ESPN is betting fans will pay a premium for full access, while also building direct customer relationships at a time when linear TV subscribers continue to erode.
• The inclusion of major sports rights deals—NFL, NBA, UFC (through 2025), WWE, and college conferences—ensures ESPN can market itself as the one-stop shop for serious fans.

Our early take: ESPN’s move feels less like an experiment and more like an existential reset. By combining breadth of content with interactive tools, the network is attempting to make streaming its new anchor. The challenge will be converting cable loyalists and convincing younger fans that a $30 monthly sports subscription is worth it.

This is our immediate perspective. We’re actively developing this story throughout the day with more research and data from the EMARKETER database. Our in-depth analysis will be included in our client-only Briefings. Non-clients can click here to get a demo of our full platform and coverage.