According to CNBC’s Alex Sherman, Disney will soon unveil its comprehensive streaming service under the ESPN brand. The official announcement is set for a media event next week, with a fall launch anticipated. The monthly subscription is expected to cost between $25 and $30.
This new platform will offer a wide array of ESPN content, including live games from ESPN’s various networks (ESPN2, SEC Network, and "ESPN on ABC"), studio shows, documentaries, fantasy sports tools, and even betting integrations. Importantly, ESPN+ will continue to exist as a separate, budget-friendly option at $11.99 per month, but will lack access to premium live events like "Monday Night Football".
CNBC highlights that the naming decision aims to simplify navigation within the complex streaming landscape. Existing ESPN subscribers via pay-TV will be able to authenticate their accounts within the new app, accessing features unavailable through traditional linear TV. The revamped ESPN mobile app will serve as the primary access point for both mobile and smart TV users.
Disney CEO Bob Iger recently stated that this new service is not designed to accelerate cord-cutting. He explained, “The plan would be to basically be somewhat agnostic from a subscriber perspective, so that we can still do our best to preserve the multichannel ecosystem but, at the same time, obviously, want to grow our DTC business. The difference is that the ESPN linear service will, if that’s all the consumer chooses to watch, will not have the bells and whistles and those additional features that the DTC service will have. But again, we’re giving the consumer the option of consuming both.”
This flagship streaming product has been in development for two years, internally known as “ESPN Flagship.”