ESPN Insider subscribers got some unexpected news. Many subscribers have been posting an email they received from ESPN letting them know that Insider is merging with ESPN+ giving people exclusive premium written content as well as access to their new OTT service at no additional cost for current subscribers.
Posted on Reddit, this is what the email says:
We have great news! ESPN Insider is merging with ESPN+.
What does this mean?
ESPN+ is the new multi-sport, video streaming service from ESPN. In the next few weeks, Insider content will be integrated into ESPN+. So, you’ll continue to receive the same Insider coverage you’re used to, plus live sports and exclusive originals–all at no extra cost!
What you can look forward to:
Live sports: Stream thousands of live events including Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, Serie A international soccer, Top Rank Boxing and more!
ESPN Originals: Get on-demand access to ESPN originals, exclusive studio shows like The Fantasy Show, and the entire library of 30 for 30 documentaries.
Limited ads: ESPN+ subscribers get fewer ads across all ESPN digital products (ESPN.com, ESPN app).
Connectivity: Stream on the go or at home, on your smartphone, tablet, computer, and supported connected living room devices.
What you’ll continue to enjoy:
Insider’s premium content from experts like Mel Kiper, Todd McShay, Keith Law and others!
Tools to get an edge in your fantasy sports leagues, and Tournament Challenge brackets.
Continued delivery of ESPN The Magazine as a part of your subscription.
Your subscription will automatically become ESPN+ in the next few weeks and you will be renewed at next billing as an ESPN+ subscriber. See ESPN+ Subscriber Agreement for full details.
Considering both Insider and ESPN+ costs $4.99 per month, nothing changes in terms of cost, just that Insider subscribers will be getting both. ESPN NBA Draft analyst Jonathan Givony tweeted that the merge will happen on the 28th and if you do a bit of maneuvering, you may be able to save a bit of money for access.
As of August 28th, your subscription to ESPN Insider, where you can find most (if not all) of our NBA Draft content, now includes access to ESPN+, featuring quite a bit of live and original programming. If you aren't already a member, you can sign up here: https://t.co/7CVlb6pM1u
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) August 21, 2018
that's correct. You are grandfathered into the $39.99 price. I believe that new subscribers will be charged $49.99. I just checked and it looks like you can still sign up for insider at the $39.99 rate, so you should probably do that (before August 28) if you were going to anyway
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) August 21, 2018
The great value that is ESPN+ just got better with the addition to Insider.
[Reddit]