ESPN announces new direct-to-consumer offering, plans start at $11.99/month

ESPN announced that its new direct-to-consumer streaming service will be named “ESPN,” with fans will have two ESPN DTC plans from which to choose, including an unlimited package that delivers the entire suite of ESPN networks and content. The plans will cost $29.99/month for the unlimited package and $11.99/month for a select option. There will also be bundling opportunities for the ESPN unlimited plan with Disney (DIS)+ and Hulu, including a special offer at launch for $29.99/month for the first 12 months. It was previously announced that the direct-to-consumer offering will launch in early fall and that ESPN will continue to be available through traditional MVPDs and DMVPDs. The unlimited plan will give fans access to all of ESPN’s linear networks – ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes – in addition to ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX, covering 47,000 live events each year, on-demand replays, studio shows, original programming, and more. Existing ESPN+ subscribers will automatically become subscribers to ESPN’s new service, based on their current subscription level. Standalone ESPN+ subscribers get the ESPN select plan, and Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ bundle subscribers get the ESPN select bundle. At launch, ESPN will introduce a series of enhancements to the ESPN App on mobile and connected TV devices. The new features and functionality will be available to all fans who watch on the ESPN App, whether they subscribe directly or through a traditional pay TV package. Fans with subscriptions to the Disney+, Hulu and ESPN bundles will be able to watch ESPN content within Disney+ seamlessly alongside Disney and Hulu entertainment and family programming. Additional details, including the specific launch date, will be announced later this summer.