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ESPN’s Flagship Streaming App Launches With $29.99 Tier, Bundles and New Interactive Features

Disney will gauge success by total reach across entry points with an emphasis on in‑app engagement, not a public subscriber count.

ESPN
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Courtesy: Derek Futterman, Sports Media Watch
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Overview

  • Going live at 12:01 a.m. on Aug. 21, the service offers two plans: Unlimited at $29.99 per month and Select at $11.99.
  • Unlimited includes a first‑year promotional bundle with Disney+ and Hulu at $29.99 per month, with NFL+ Premium bundling set for Sept. 3 and a Fox One bundle starting Oct. 2 at $39.99.
  • The revamped app adds a personalized SportsCenter with AI‑voiced anchors, StreamCenter second‑screen controls, Verts short‑form video, multiview of up to four games (user‑controlled on Apple TV), live stats, fantasy and ESPN Bet tie‑ins, and Fanatics shopping.
  • Existing pay‑TV customers can authenticate for access with distributors such as DirecTV, Spectrum, Verizon Fios, Hulu + Live TV and Fubo, while others like Optimum require new deals; subscribers can use up to five concurrent streams.
  • ESPN is backing the launch with a nationwide campaign featuring John Cena and new mascot App‑E, New York City E‑train wraps with Stephen A. Smith announcements, a Complex SoHo pop‑up, Lyft in‑app branding and branded SUVs.