ESPN is launching its new direct-to-consumer streaming service on August 21. The release coincides with the start of major sports programming, including college football, the NFL, and upcoming WWE events.
ESPN’s new platform will roll out through an updated ESPN App, which will feature live programming, replays, and on-demand content.
WWE Events Included in ESPN Streaming Plan
As announced in a separate deal (details here), WWE Premium Live Events—including WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble—will stream exclusively in the U.S. through ESPN platforms beginning in 2026. WWE fans subscribed to ESPN’s new service will eventually get access to the entire WWE slate through the app.
Two Streaming Options, One Launch Price
The ESPN service will offer two plans. The flagship “unlimited” plan will cost $29.99 per month and include:
- Live access to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, SECN, ACCN, and ESPN Deportes
- ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, ACCNX
- Full access to studio shows, original programming, and 47,000 live events per year
- On-demand replays and a full library of 30 for 30 and ESPN Originals
A bundled deal with Disney+ and Hulu will be available at launch for the same price—$29.99/month—for the first year.
Studio Shows and Originals Available On Demand
Subscribers will be able to watch live or on-demand versions of top ESPN programs including SportsCenter, Get Up, First Take, NFL Live, The Pat McAfee Show, Pardon the Interruption, College GameDay, NBA Today, Inside the NBA, The Rich Eisen Show, and more. A full back catalog of 30 for 30 documentaries and other ESPN content will be available as well.
Enhanced ESPN App Features
The redesigned ESPN App will offer a personalized viewing experience with features like:
- Multiview for watching multiple events at once
- Real-time stats and betting information
- Fantasy integration
- Personalized SportsCenter updates (SC For You)
The new app supports ESPN’s push to streamline all its sports content into a single platform as it shifts further toward digital.
More Sports Ahead
In addition to WWE, ESPN’s service will stream content across NFL, NBA, NHL, UFC, college sports, tennis, and international soccer.
“Timed for a marquee stretch of live sports programming across ESPN platforms, the launch of ESPN DTC coincides with the start of the college football and NFL seasons, US Open tennis, international soccer, women’s college soccer, volleyball, field hockey, and more – with the start of the WNBA playoffs, PLL playoffs, and NBA and NHL seasons, as well as UFC and WWE events just around the corner,” states the official announcement.
Watch the teaser:
