We now know when the next era of ESPN will officially arrive.
Ahead of Disney’s earnings call on Wednesday, the Worldwide Leader in Sports announced that its highly anticipated direct-to-consumer streaming service will launch on Thursday, August 21. The service — which will merely be called ESPN — will have an initial price point of $29.99 per month (or $299.99 per year), which will be able to be bundled with Disney+ and Hulu at the same cost for the first 12 months. Additionally, ESPN is offering its preexisting ESPN+ app with limited programming at $11.99 per month or $119.99 for the year.
The impending launch of the streaming service marks a seismic moment in the company’s history, as viewers will be able to access all of the network’s programming without a cable subscription for the first time ever. While those who already subscribe to ESPN via a cable subscription will also have access to the app and its offerings via authentication, customers will also be able to purchase the app directly, giving them the ability to view all of ESPN’s linear networks, plus access to on-demand replays, studio shows and original programming.
📢 It's official: ESPN's direct-to-consumer service & enhanced app launch August 21
All of ESPN. All in one place.
Just in time for college football, NFL, US Open, WNBA Playoffs & more
Details: https://t.co/XlwaOjGakl pic.twitter.com/P6w2Cwxi3O
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) August 6, 2025
“We are providing everything ESPN has to offer directly to fans and all in one place,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said of the streaming service in a previous statement. “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.”
Since first announcing plans to offer a DTC option, nearly every move that ESPN has made has been viewed through the lens of its streaming future. That has included its recent equity deal with the NFL to acquire properties including the NFL Network, as well as Wednesday’s announcement that ESPN will become the U.S. home of WWE’s Premium Live Events in 2026.
Even without a release date revealed, ESPN has already been heavily promoting its streaming service’s impending launch. And while the company had stated that it would be available in the Fall of 2025, as it turns out, we’re now just two weeks away from what promises to be a major milestone in sports media history.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.