Starting Thursday, streaming live sports from ESPN has never been easier.
On Thursday, Disney launched a first of its kind standalone app that will carry all ESPN sports programming.
Yes, that means you’ll be able to stream ESPN, ESPN2, SEC Network, ABC, ESPN+ and more on a single app. Primary ESPN channels will no longer be exclusively tied to cable subscriptions.
Per Yahoo Sports, the new ESPN app will stream more than 47,000 live events each year.
“We’re approaching our 46th year here, and I would say that this is one of the biggest days at ESPN, if not the biggest,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro told CNBC. “This is something that fans have been wanting, they’ve been asking for many years. And our mission is to serve the sports fan — anytime, anywhere — and we’re going to deliver.”
How much does it cost?
There will be two main streaming plans associated with the new ESPN app, at least for now.
The more expensive plan will be priced at $29.99 a month, but will provide access to all ESPN-covered live sports. In total, the app will provide access to 12 networks and the full slate of ESPN original programming, including “30 for 30,” “E:60” and “SC Featured.”
The second plan, akin in many ways to the previous ESPN+ streaming service, will be priced at $11.99 but will carry a limited amount of live sports. It will be called the select tier.
A third plan, one of two future bundles, will launch in early September. It will include ESPN and NFL+ (which includes NFL RedZone). It will be priced at $39.99 per month.
A fourth plan, second bundle, will launch in October and will include ESPN and Fox offerings and will be priced at $39.99 a month, per ABC.
What channels will be carried?
Notable channels that had previously been accessible only by cable subscribers will now be available to be streamed by anyone.
That includes:
- ESPN
- ESPN2
- ESPN3
- ESPNU
- ESPNEWS
- ESPN Deportes
- SEC Network
- SEC Network+
- ACC Network Extra
- ESPN+
- ESPN Goal Line
- ESPN Bases Loaded Networks
Additionally, WWE live events will also be available.
“The more ESPN can be present for a new generation of consumers with a product that serves them really well, the better off ESPN’s business is,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said in May, during an earnings call.
What happens to existing ESPN+ subscribers?
If you are already paying for an ESPN+ subscription, you will automatically be funneled into the select tier, per CNBC.
The select tier plan will include access to all content currently available on ESPN+ service, including live sports streaming, a library of exclusive studio shows, and original content and on-demand game replays.
The plan will cover more than 32,000 live events annually.