TechDraft
ESPN lifts streaming prices in first move since standalone launch
The sports network is raising rates for its Select and Unlimited tiers, with changes taking effect in September.
Event
ESPN raises streaming subscription prices
ESPN is increasing the cost of all its streaming subscription plans, effective 17 September 2026. The Unlimited tier will rise from $30 to $32 per month, while the Select tier will increase from $13 to $14 per month. Annual plans for both tiers are also rising by $20. Bundles including ad-supported Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Select will increase from $20 to $22 per month, and the ad-free version will rise from $30 to $33. Bundles containing ESPN Unlimited are currently exempt from the increase. This marks the first price hike for the platform since its launch last year.
2 published stories · artificial-intelligence · source reliability 67%
Background
Why this event matters
ESPN is implementing its first price increase since the standalone streaming platform launched last year. The changes affect both standalone tiers and specific Disney+ bundles, aligning with broader industry trends where competitors like Netflix and Peacock have also raised rates. Notably, 80 per cent of ESPN Unlimited subscribers currently access the service through Disney+/Hulu bundles, making the exemption of Unlimited-inclusive bundles a significant strategic detail.
event-brief
ESPN raises streaming subscription prices
ESPN is implementing its first price increase since the standalone streaming platform launched last year. The changes affect both standalone tiers and specific Disney+ bundles, aligning with broader industry trends where competitors like Netflix and Peacock have also raised rates
Reporting trail
Engadget | https://www.engadget.com/2242821/espn-is-raising-prices-on-most-of-its-streaming-subscriptions | published 2026-08-24T16:49:00.000Z | primary sourceThe Verge | https://www.theverge.com/streaming/983794/espn-disney-plus-bundles-price-increase | published 2026-08-24T15:06:24.000Z | primary source
Fact cards
entity brief
ESPN raises streaming subscription prices: key people and institutions
Key entities: ESPN, Disney+, Hulu, Sports Media Watch, Disney Plus.
faq brief
ESPN raises streaming subscription prices: key questions
How much will the ESPN Unlimited monthly plan cost? It will increase from $30 to $32 per month. Which bundles are exempt from the price rise? Bundles containing ESPN Unlimited are currently exempt. How much will the ad-supported Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Select bundle cost? It will
source brief
ESPN raises streaming subscription prices: reporting sources
Engadget | https://www.engadget.com/2242821/espn-is-raising-prices-on-most-of-its-streaming-subscriptions | published 2026-08-24T16:49:00.000Z | primary source | The Verge | https://www.theverge.com/streaming/983794/espn-disney-plus-bundles-price-increase | published 2026-08-24T1
timeline brief
ESPN raises streaming subscription prices: timeline
2025: ESPN streaming platform launches (described as "last year" relative to August 2026). 2026-08-24: Engadget reports on the upcoming price changes. 2026-09-17: New subscription prices take effect.
Timeline
2025
ESPN streaming platform launches (described as "last year" relative to August 2026).
2026-08-24
Engadget reports on the upcoming price changes.
2026-09-17
New subscription prices take effect.
FAQ
How much will the ESPN Unlimited monthly plan cost?
It will increase from $30 to $32 per month.
Which bundles are exempt from the price rise?
Bundles containing ESPN Unlimited are currently exempt.
How much will the ad-supported Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Select bundle cost?
It will rise from $20 to $22 per month.
When do the new prices take effect?
17 September 2026.
How much will the ESPN Select plan cost after the increase?
The monthly rate will rise from $12.99 to $13.99, and the annual rate will increase from $129.99 to $139.99.
What is the new price for the ESPN Unlimited plan?
The monthly rate will increase from $29.99 to $31.99, and the annual rate will rise from $299.99 to $319.99.
Will Disney Plus bundles with ESPN Unlimited change price?
No, bundles with the ESPN Unlimited plan remain unchanged.
When did ESPN launch its standalone streaming service?
ESPN rolled out its standalone streaming subscription in August 2025.