ESPN hikes streaming prices in first move since standalone launch
The sports network is raising monthly and annual rates for its Select and Unlimited tiers, with changes taking effect in September.
ESPN is set to increase the cost of its streaming subscription plans, marking the first price adjustment since the network launched its standalone service in August 2025. The changes, which take effect on 17 September 2026, will see the ad-supported Select tier rise from $12.99 to $13.99 per month.
The ad-free Unlimited plan will also see a significant increase, climbing from $29.99 to $31.99 per month. For subscribers preferring annual billing, the Select plan will rise from $129.99 to $139.99, while the annual Unlimited tier will increase from $299.99 to $319.99.
The price hikes will also ripple through Disney Plus bundles. While bundles that include the ESPN Unlimited plan remain unchanged, those featuring the Select tier are set to go up in price. This distinction is notable given that Axios reported approximately 80 per cent of Unlimited subscribers signed up through the bundle with Disney Plus and Hulu.
This move follows Disney’s broader decision to raise prices across its streaming bundles last year. For ESPN, the increase comes as it continues to refine its digital offering, having recently updated its mobile app with a TikTok-style video feed and a personalised version of SportsCenter.
The network has also rolled out multiview capabilities on major smart TV platforms, aiming to enhance the viewing experience for its growing subscriber base. The pricing changes were first identified on an ESPN support page, as reported by Sports Media Watch.
With the standalone service now a year old, the price rise reflects ESPN’s effort to monetise its direct-to-consumer audience while navigating the competitive landscape of streaming sports.
