ESPN streaming plans are getting more expensive

ESPN is raising prices across its standalone streaming subscription and its bundles with Disney Plus, with the new rates taking effect on September 17th. The ad-supported tier, called Select, will increase from $12.99 to $13.99 per month, while the premium Unlimited plan will go from $29.99 to $31.99 per month. Annual plans are also being adjusted, with Select moving from $129.99 to $139.99 per year and Unlimited rising from $299.99 to $319.99 per year. Disney Plus bundles that include ESPN Select will see higher prices as well, according to a support page from ESPN spotted by Sports Media Watch.

This marks the first price increase for ESPN’s standalone streaming service, which launched in August of last year. Disney had previously raised prices across its bundles, but ESPN’s own subscription had not been adjusted until now. The service was introduced alongside a redesigned mobile app featuring a TikTok-style feed of videos and a personalized version of SportsCenter. ESPN also added a multiview feature to its app on major smart TV platforms as part of that launch.

The changes affect US consumers directly, since ESPN’s streaming service and Disney Plus bundles are marketed primarily to American audiences. For subscribers on the monthly Unlimited plan, the $2 increase brings the total to nearly $384 a year if paid month-to-month, though the annual option remains cheaper at $319.99. The Select tier, which includes ads, remains the budget entry point at $13.99 per month, but the new price narrows the gap between it and some competing sports streaming options.

The announcement is part of a broader trend in the streaming industry, where multiple services have recently raised their prices. Peacock, for example, increased its rates by up to $3 earlier this month, and YouTube Premium also became more expensive in April. Plex has tripled the cost of its lifetime pass to $750 after doubling it last year, reflecting the pressure on streaming platforms to generate more revenue. ESPN’s hike follows this pattern as networks continue to adjust pricing for live sports content, which remains one of the most expensive categories for streamers.

ESPN’s support page did not specify whether existing subscribers would be grandfathered in at the old rates or if the new prices apply immediately to all renewals after September 17th. The company also did not detail any new features or content additions tied to the price change. For now, the announcement stands as a straightforward cost adjustment for current and future subscribers, with the next billing cycle after the effective date likely reflecting the higher fees.

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