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.
ESPN is set to increase the cost of its streaming subscription plans, marking the first price adjustment since the standalone platform launched last year. According to reporting by Sports Media Watch, the changes will take effect on 17 September 2026, affecting both individual tiers and specific bundle options.
The Unlimited tier, which grants access to the streaming platform and all affiliated live broadcast feeds, will rise from $30 to $32 per month. The corresponding annual plan will increase from $300 to $320. Meanwhile, the Select tier, which includes ad-supported live events, overflow content, and original documentaries but excludes live feeds of the actual channels, will increase from $13 to $14 per month, with the annual cost rising from $130 to $140.
The price hike also extends to several Disney+ bundles. The combo subscription featuring ad-supported versions of Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Select will increase from $20 to $22 per month. The ad-free version of this bundle will rise from $30 to $33 per month. However, bundles that include ESPN Unlimited appear to be exempt from the current increase.
This exemption is likely strategic, given that it was recently revealed that 80 per cent of Unlimited subscribers access the service through Disney+ or Hulu bundles. By holding prices steady for these specific packages, ESPN may be aiming to retain a significant portion of its subscriber base during this initial pricing adjustment.
The move aligns with broader industry trends, as other modern streamers such as Peacock and Netflix have been implementing annual price increases. Analysts suggest that given the current state of the industry, ESPN could potentially raise prices again by this time next year.
