ESPN announces streaming price hike as it marks its first anniversary

ESPN will raise prices for both tiers of its direct-to-consumer streaming service next month, increasing the cost of ESPN Unlimited and ESPN Select as the network enters the fall sports season.

Beginning Sept. 17, the ESPN Unlimited plan will cost $31.99 a month, up from $29.99. The annual plan will increase by $20 to $319.99.

ESPN Select will rise from $12.99 to $13.99 a month, while its annual subscription will increase from $129.99 to $139.99.

The Disney-owned sports network launched its stand-alone streaming offering in 2025, giving consumers access to ESPN programming without a traditional pay-TV subscription.

ESPN Unlimited includes programming carried by ESPN and ESPN2, along with ESPNU, ESPNews, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, SEC Network+, ACC Network and ACC Network Extra. ESPN says the tier provides access to more than 47,000 live events annually.

The ESPN app also recently added NFL Network and CW Sports programming. Other features include the personalized “SportsCenter For You,” the vertical-video product Verts and StreamCenter, which connects viewing experiences across mobile devices and connected televisions.

The lower-priced ESPN Select tier includes about 32,000 live events annually but does not provide access to ESPN’s primary linear networks.

ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro marked the streaming service’s first anniversary in an Aug. 20, 2026, memo to employees, saying the company has made progress expanding access to the product, which turned one year old Aug. 21 2026.

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“From the beginning, we set out to provide sports fans with optionality and a new way to connect with ESPN,” Pitaro wrote.

Subscribers to several major pay-TV providers, including Comcast Xfinity and YouTube TV, can access ESPN Unlimited through the ESPN app at no additional charge as part of their existing television packages, Pitaro said.

The price increases come as ESPN prepares for a crowded sports calendar that includes the NFL and college football seasons, U.S. Open tennis and LaLiga soccer. ESPN is also preparing to carry its first Super Bowl.

Disney has not disclosed subscriber totals for either ESPN streaming plan.