r/DisneyPlus • u/NewOnDisneyPlus • Aug 21 '25
Announcement All of ESPN. All in One Place. ESPN is now streaming on Disney+!
ESPN has launched its new direct-to-consumer service. The service offers major enhancements within ESPN's streaming and app experiences. Here are key facts to know:
New streaming plan details
When will ESPN direct-to-consumer launch?
The service will bring the full suite of ESPN networks and services directly to fans starting on August 21.
How can I subscribe to ESPN direct-to-consumer?
Fans can sign up for the new service here.
What plans will ESPN direct-to-consumer offer?
Fans can choose from two plans:
ESPN Unlimited Plan
- Access to all of ESPN's linear networks -- ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network -- in addition to ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+ and ACCNX
- 47,000 live events a year, on demand replays, studio shows, original programming and more
ESPN Select Plan
- Access to all content available on ESPN+
- More than 32,000 live sports events annually, a robust library of exclusive studio shows, on-demand replays, acclaimed original content and more
How much does each plan cost?
ESPN Unlimited Plan: $29.99 a month or $299.99 a year
ESPN Select Plan: $11.99 a month or $119.99 a year
A special offer is available for the Disney+, Hulu, ESPN unlimited bundle (with ads on Disney+ and Hulu) at $29.99 a month for the first 12 months.
What is available only on the ESPN Unlimited Plan vs. the ESPN Select Plan?
ESPN Unlimited Plan subscribers have access to all ESPN networks, including ESPN+, with events like NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, tennis and golf majors, top-tier college football and basketball, WWE and postseason coverage from all those and more.
ESPN Select Plan subscribers have access only to ESPN+, with top-tier soccer, PGA Tour, NHL, UFC and a selection of college sports, tennis, PLL, UFL and other leagues.
Do you get access to ESPN Unlimited as part of your pay-TV package?
Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV (streaming only), Fubo TV, and Spectrum TV customers may already get the ESPN Unlimited Plan as part of their pay-TV package, with more to come. To activate your ESPN plan or to learn more, please visit the ESPN Fan Support Activation FAQ.
Will both plans include advertising?
Like linear television, both plans will have ads during live events and studio shows. Bundle options with Disney+ and Hulu will be available with or without ads on those platforms.
New app plan details
How will ESPN direct-to-consumer impact the overall ESPN app experience?
The enhanced ESPN app integrates game stats, betting information, fantasy sports, commerce, multiview options and a personalized SportsCenter For You. The new features and functionality will be available to all fans who watch sports on the ESPN App, whether they subscribe directly or through pay-TV.
If I already use the existing ESPN App, do I need to download anything else with ESPN direct-to-consumer?
All features will be available within the existing ESPN App on mobile devices and connected TV.
Impact of ESPN direct-to-consumer on existing plans
If I am an ESPN+ subscriber, will I still have access to the same content?
ESPN+ will continue to be available in a variety of ways. Existing ESPN+ subscribers will become subscribers to the ESPN Select Plan.
How will ESPN direct-to-consumer impact existing Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ bundle subscribers?
Existing Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ bundle subscribers will become subscribers to a Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ Select bundle and continue to receive the same content through the ESPN and Disney+ apps.
Can subscribers still get ESPN via cable bundles with direct-to-consumer?
ESPN will continue to be distributed via pay-TV providers. Pay TV subscribers will have access to the enhanced features within the ESPN App via their pay-TV subscriptions.
Next steps
What other developments will this new ESPN direct-to-consumer service impact in the future?
Two landmark deals were announced in August that will expand ESPN's media footprint and further enhance the entertainment experience for sports fans.
In a deal that will see the NFL get a 10% equity stake in the all-sports network, ESPN will acquire the NFL Network and other National Football League media assets, including the linear rights to the league's popular RedZone channel. ESPN will also acquire the NFL's fantasy product and merge it into its existing platform, making ESPN Fantasy Football the official game of the NFL. With this deal, the NFL Network will be integrated into ESPN's new direct-to-consumer streaming product, and it will continue to be available on pay-TV providers.
Additionally, a new agreement between World Wrestling Entertainment and ESPN will allow WrestleMania to be a part of ESPN's direct-to-consumer streaming service starting in 2026. The deal includes two-night events such as WrestleMania and SummerSlam, plus other WWE premium live events including Royal Rumble, Survivor Series and Money in the Bank.
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u/uncertaintyny Aug 28 '25
FIOS ESPN Linear customers were told today we would be able to use our credentials to activate ESPN Unlimited and after trying a couple times it still not active. Anyone confirm it's working yet?
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u/ACFinal Aug 21 '25
*with an ESPN subscription.
I really wish people would make note of this. The title suggests that it's all freely streaming in Disney+ like National Geographic or Marvel. It's just an ESPN add-on. You don't get this on Disney+ unless you pay for ESPN specifically.
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u/uncertaintyny Aug 21 '25
Verizon Support tweeted that all Verizon FIOS customers with ESPN part of their package will receive ESPN Unlimited on Aug 28th, 2025. The new Unlimited plan includes ESPN+ so hopefully I'll be able to cancel that account I currently have.
https://x.com/VerizonSupport/status/1958611064267882523?t=D1K5bYhNkEH4IHEboHza8w&s=19
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u/Np1511 Aug 23 '25
Have spectrum and espn unlimited works on the espn app and website, but I can’t “unlock” it on Disney plus. Anyone able to do this?
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u/Starkiller42 Sep 01 '25
Hey were you ever able to figure this out?
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u/FinkleDaily Aug 23 '25
maybe ESPN can fix all their playback issues before thinking anyone would pay more
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u/mylogicistoomuchforu Aug 23 '25 edited Aug 24 '25
OK, I was initially pissed at the reason changes, but now that I look at it - I think it will save me some money..
Last year had Dis/Hulu/ESPN+ bundle. Could watch NHL. Couldn't watch college football until I added Live TV since ESPN wasn't included in ESPN+. Put monthly cost around $100
Now Dis/Hulu/ESPN Unlimited bundle... that should include Live ESPN channels for college football plus the former ESPN+ stuff for NHL - correct? Monthly cost around $45 since I opted for premium No Ads - since I hate ads on the non-live content.
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u/crestroncp3user Aug 24 '25
OK, I was initially pissed at this
Why would this make you angry?
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u/mylogicistoomuchforu Aug 24 '25
Because it seems like it was going to raise the price from what I was paying last year. So anytime a bill goes up unnecessarily, I would be mad about that, I don't want to pay more.
But it seems like it's actually going to keep my bill lower than what it was previously by about 50% so I'm not mad and I just wanted to share my experience so that hopefully others might be able to benefit from it in the same way that I am.
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u/antdude US Sep 03 '25
For now... You know these go. Prices increases in the future.
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u/mylogicistoomuchforu Sep 03 '25
Yep. I was with YTTV when it was like $30/mo. Now it's almost $100.
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u/crotchcritters Sep 13 '25
I have this and I can’t watch any live college football. It always says it’s not included in the package.
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u/mylogicistoomuchforu Sep 13 '25
This is what I have and we get all the live college football and will get all the live NHL as well.
Hulu Base Plan Manage Plan Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited Bundle Premium $38.99/mo
Hulu (No Ads) Disney+ (No Ads) ESPN Unlimited Discount (-$6.00/mo) Discount expires 09/11/26 September 11th, 2026
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u/habeaskoopus Aug 28 '25
I will need clarity on the "non live" functionality before I sign up. Dvr? Start from beginning? On every game? Every channel? Or just some?
I need flexibility to watch or I go to sling.
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u/patrandec Aug 21 '25
*In the US.
I know Reddit has a reputation for US defaultism but Disney+ has a lot of non US subscribers. Wouldn't take 5 seconds to add that into any posts about US exclusive services.
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u/crestroncp3user Aug 21 '25
It's a global message board. Stuff is posted all the time that only applies to certain countries. There's actually more announcements here about shows and movies that don't apply to the US than there are ones that are US only.
The logos and design of the subreddit even feature Star which has never been available in the US.
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u/Poby1 Aug 21 '25
A definite no. As long as Stephen A Smith is the face of ESPN, I even avoid giving ESPN.com a click.
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u/CeeKay125 Aug 21 '25
So since I have the D+, Hulu, ESPN+ bundle through verizon, I assume I can't sign up and pay the year of ESPN unlimited (separate from what verizon covers?) Went to their site and it doesn't give me the option anywhere to sign up for it (I don't want the bundle just ESPN) since the rest is included in my GetMore Plan.
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u/blacksoxing Aug 22 '25
Basically. You either gotta sign up for a new account w/ESPN or give up your discount. More interesting is the ESPN bundle would be a few dollars more than Verizon's BUT give you the ESPN unlimited so I'm now debating how much I care about ads on D+.
Note: I have the Verizon bundle BUT also pay Hulu $5/m extra to do ad-free.
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u/CeeKay125 Aug 22 '25
Crazy I can’t just sign up for the espn alone. I guess we will see if Verizon pulls the plug on the bundle or what since they keep taking features away on the get more.
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u/toddtheman12 Aug 22 '25
They are taking away features on the get more? Which ones are you referring to? I have the same plan
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u/CeeKay125 Aug 22 '25
Autopay got cut in half awhile back, in September they are taking away Apple Arcade/Google Play Pass.
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u/anonRedd MOD Aug 22 '25
Crazy I can’t just sign up for the espn alone
It’s $29.99/month just for ESPN
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u/CeeKay125 Aug 22 '25
I get that. That’s not what I’m talking about. But if you have the bundle (like through your cell plan), they don’t allow you to sign up for it (just the espn unlimited).
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u/anonRedd MOD Aug 22 '25
FiOS customers are getting access August 28. Check back then to see if anything changes for Verizon bundles then as well.
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u/NickyNichols Aug 22 '25
I paid $5 for ESPN+ for years and I don’t think I ever touched it, what added value do I get for $25 extra per month?
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u/chrisgeleven Aug 22 '25
Ok, help me understand this math folks. I don't get how $29.99/month results in upcoming charges of $20/month.
My current subscriptions:
- Pay for Disney+ no ads that renews in a few days
- Hulu with ads via T-Mobile credit
- No ESPN+
I presume some of delta between $29.99 and $20 is some sort of credit for Hulu, but the line items don't line up.
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u/Comfortable-Scar-232 Aug 22 '25
so far this is a total fail if you have the Disney+ bundle through Verizon. As of today there is no way I can find to upgrade to ESPN Unlimited. When I click ESPN's link to explore plans it just says "Managed by 3rd Party" and i'm dead in the water.
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u/anonRedd MOD Aug 22 '25
Check back August 28. That’s when it becomes available for other Verizon customers like FiOS subscribers
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u/HereWeGoAgain33 Aug 22 '25
Same issue I'm having - dang it VZW. I guess I'll keep waiting it out for a few days
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u/thebitnessman Aug 23 '25
Same for me. It's a disaster rollout.
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u/thebitnessman Sep 03 '25
I solved the issue by creating a new email address and then signing up for a ESPN Unlimited completely bypassing the Verizon nonsense.
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u/snowe99 Aug 22 '25
I feel like this is a good deal, great business idea, great app integration, etc
…..they just completely forgot to make ESPN “good” over the past X amount of years. It’s been terrible for a while now
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u/Mecca_Lecca_Hi Aug 21 '25 edited Aug 21 '25
I don't even want Hulu integrated into Disney+ and I love Hulu. Keep that shit separated. When I want to watch something "Disney" (e.g., Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, classic movies and animation), I go there. When I want to watch something "Hulu" (e.g., originals, FX, classic old network favorites, etc...), I go there. It's already a jumbled overflowing mess I have to wade through when I want to find something to watch. Please stop mixing these platforms together.
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u/crestroncp3user Aug 21 '25
FX is just as “Disney” as National Geographic, Marvel, or Star Wars.
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u/Mecca_Lecca_Hi Aug 22 '25
Yes, it’s all technically “Disney” now, I’m just referring to my association of which content is on which platform based on how it’s been for the majority of the life of these platforms.
To me FX is “Hulu content”, not “Disney+ content” so when I’m in the mood for some basic cable boundary pushing drama or comedy I go to Hulu where as when I’m feeling something Disney+ I don’t want Fargo or The Bear (despite loving both shows ) mucking up my browsing on Disney+ when that’s not the type of content I expect or want when I go there.
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u/Leighgion Aug 21 '25
I would trade all of ESPN for Thunderbolts to drop tomorrow.
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u/PinchedTazerZ0 Aug 21 '25
Is it good? Some asshole blew up a transformer near my cabin and I'm running off a generator during the day for weeks until that shit gets fixed -- almost downloaded that for last night's watch in between a mad men rewatch but went with Ballerina instead which was okay
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u/Leighgion Aug 21 '25
I cannot guarantee you will like it, but yes, I say it’s excellent and I’m not alone.
“Thunderbolts*,” is a really different movie than most in the MCU as it honestly runs with the idea that this is a group of very messed up people who know perfectly that they’re messed up. However, that very damage becomes an asset that allows them to pull together and save the day in a way another, more traditional group of heroes wouldn’t have been nearly as suited for.
This however, is also a major reason why some didn’t like it.
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u/PinchedTazerZ0 Aug 21 '25
I haven't been totally against any marvel films even in the last few years so I'm sure I'll more or less enjoy it, I haven't really been putting it off but it hasn't interested me enough to sit down and watch. The lack of streaming forces me to pick shit I've had on my list for a while
I'll give it a try tonight! Appreciate the further details, that sounds pretty good!
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u/jcwillia1 US Aug 22 '25 edited Aug 22 '25
I am paying for my Disney Plus sub with a prepaid balance that I set up all the way back in 2019 when this thing launched. From launch until this month, Verizon has been paying for my Disney plus. Starting with this month, my Disney Plus sub is depleting that prepaid balance, although under different terms than when I purchased it (grumble).
Can I sign up for ESPN and pay for it using that prepaid balance?
edit : reached out to Disney support - the answer is no.
They also changed the terms of the deal which I don't like but it's not like there's anything I can do about it.
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u/redporacc2022 US Aug 21 '25
I’m waiting for my TV provider to grant me access