On Tuesday, ESPN revealed details about its highly anticipated direct-to-consumer streaming service, set to launch this fall. Priced at $29.99 per month, the service will also offer a bundle option for $35.99, which includes access to Disney+ and Hulu. The new service will be integrated into a fully redesigned ESPN app, creating a more user-friendly experience for sports fans.
During a press briefing held in Disney's New York office, ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro emphasized the straightforward nature of their decision. "As we explored options, we kept coming back to our four letters, ESPN," he stated. Pitaro framed the new branding as "simple, straightforward, clear," underscoring the company's commitment to its core identity.
In conjunction with the launch, ESPN will offer a promotional price of $29.99 for the bundle of all three services during the first 12 months. As part of this restructuring, ESPN+ will be rebranded as ESPN Select, maintaining its current price of $11.99 per month. Additionally, subscribers can opt for an annual plan priced at $299.99 or a no-ads option for Disney+ and Hulu available at $44.99 per month.
Pitaro reassured stakeholders that subscribers who have access to ESPN through traditional pay TV bundles will also be able to enjoy the new streaming service. He reiterated the company's "platform agnostic" approach, stating, "We are ultimately going to judge ourselves based on the totality of people subscribing to ESPN." He expressed satisfaction with the traditional pay-TV ecosystem and affirmed the company's ongoing commitment to maintaining its integrity.
ESPN also announced the return of Rich Eisen, who will bring his popular Rich Eisen Show to both Disney+ and ESPN. The streaming service will feature ESPN's complete lineup of live sports and studio shows, with additional programming partnerships expected to be revealed in the coming months.
Pitaro hinted at some of ESPN's future priorities, including plans to negotiate deals with leagues for regional sports networks, which could serve as an upsell option for subscribers. He also discussed the potential integration of AI technology within the company's offerings. "We are very much focused on AI and are working with some of our key talent right now," he noted, indicating a commitment to evolving storytelling through innovative technology.
As the launch date approaches, ESPN continues to strengthen its position in the competitive streaming landscape, ensuring that fans have access to the sports content they love in a convenient and engaging format.
