On August 21, 2025, ESPN entered a new era, rolling out its long-awaited all-in-one streaming service and making a bold play for the hearts—and screens—of sports fans everywhere. The launch, which coincided with the debut of Fox One, marks a significant moment in the ongoing shift from traditional cable to direct-to-consumer streaming, with both Disney and Fox betting big on the future of live sports and personalized digital experiences.
For ESPN, the new service is simply called "ESPN," but the offering is anything but simple. Subscribers can now access the full breadth of ESPN’s programming—including live events, original shows, and studio staples like "SportsCenter," "College GameDay," and "First Take"—all under one digital roof. According to ABC News, the service will cost $29.99 per month or $299.99 per year for the Unlimited plan, which unlocks 47,000 live sporting events annually and access to every ESPN linear network, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ACC Network, SEC Network, ESPNews, ESPN Deportes, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SEC Network+, and ACC Network Extra.
For those seeking a more affordable option, a Select plan is available at $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year, offering ESPN+ content and more than 32,000 live events each year. Both plans include studio shows, on-demand replays, and original content. And for fans who want to bundle their entertainment, there’s a promotional package: Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited for $29.99 per month during the first year—an offer that aims to draw in cord-cutters and cord-nevers alike, as reported by The Sporting News.
But what truly sets ESPN’s new platform apart is its embrace of technology and personalization. The app’s "SportsCenter for You" feature uses artificial intelligence to craft personalized video feeds, with AI-generated commentary mimicking the familiar voices of anchors Hannah Storm and Gary Striewski. This, ESPN says, will provide a tailored experience for each user, delivering highlights and analysis that align with their favorite teams and sports. The updated app also introduces "Verts," a TikTok-inspired, swipeable video stream, and "StreamCenter," which syncs with your TV to provide real-time stats, betting odds, and even shopping deals right alongside the action.
"Our mission is to serve the sports fan anytime, anywhere," ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro told reporters on launch week. "This service and the enhanced ESPN App will deliver on that promise." Disney CEO Bob Iger echoed the sentiment during a May earnings call, emphasizing the importance of reaching viewers—especially younger ones—across all platforms: "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." (ABC News)
ESPN’s streaming service isn’t just about live sports. Subscribers will find a treasure trove of original programming, documentaries, and studio shows like "The Pat McAfee Show." There’s even something for wrestling fans: WWE live events are now available through the app. And for those who like to keep an eye on the odds, betting and fantasy sports features are deeply integrated, making it easier than ever to follow your teams—and your bets—in real time.
For multi-taskers, the ESPN app’s multi-view options are a game-changer. You can watch up to four games at once, and if you’re an Apple TV user, you can customize your multi-view experience to your liking. The app also supports integrated game stats and up-to-the-minute betting odds, providing a level of interactivity that traditional TV simply can’t match (The Sporting News).
Not to be outdone, Fox One launched simultaneously, offering news, sports, and entertainment for $19.99 per month or $199.99 annually. Fox One’s features include a dedicated live programming section, the ability to rewatch full streams or condensed games, and a DVR-like function that allows users to schedule recordings up to 14 days in advance. Both Fox One and ESPN have leaned into the social media trend, with TikTok-style short video features—"Shorts" for Fox One and "Verts" for ESPN—delivering bite-sized, personalized content to keep users engaged.
Technical hiccups on launch day were, perhaps, inevitable. As ADWEEK reported, users encountered app crashes, login issues, and inconsistencies across devices. ESPN’s new app, for example, offered different experiences on TV, computer, and mobile. Some broadcasts featured interactive overlays for betting and fantasy teams, while others did not. The mobile experience stood out for its personalized "SportsCenter for You" feeds, but a lack of onboarding tutorials left some users scratching their heads about how to use all the new features. "I’m mostly discovering what this can do through reading the FAQs," wrote Bill Bradley of ADWEEK. "That’s something someone who’s not writing about the app might not take the time to do."
Advertising on both platforms remains light—at least for now. ESPN’s ad experience mixes pass-through ads from linear TV with pre-roll spots on video clips, but the overall ad load is modest. "There are more ads coming, with Disney already saying it’s looking to integrate brands into the more dynamic features, but the ad load feels low at this point," noted ADWEEK. Fox One’s ad inventory was similarly sparse, likely a function of the early-stage rollout.
For cable and satellite subscribers, ESPN has struck deals with major distributors like Charter, DirecTV, Fubo, Hulu, and Verizon, allowing those customers to access the new streaming service. However, negotiations with Comcast Xfinity, YouTube TV, Dish Network, Sling TV, and Cox are ongoing, meaning some subscribers won’t have immediate access to exclusive streaming content. ESPN has promised to resolve these issues, aiming to ensure all sports fans can eventually tap into the new service.
Looking ahead, the streaming landscape is set to become even more interconnected. On October 2, 2025, customers will be able to bundle Fox One with ESPN DTC Unlimited for $39.99 per month, a move designed to appeal to fans who want access to the widest possible array of live sports and entertainment. Additionally, ESPN and the NFL will launch a bundle—including NFL RedZone—on September 3 for $39.99 per month. Talks are also underway between ESPN and Major League Baseball for exclusive digital rights to out-of-market regular-season games, potentially bringing MLB.TV onto the ESPN platform in the near future (The Sporting News).
Disney’s streaming ambitions remain robust. The company added 1.8 million Disney+ subscribers in the most recent quarter, reaching nearly 128 million global users. With ESPN’s new streaming service, Disney is betting that sports fans—especially the elusive younger demographic—will follow their favorite teams and shows into the digital realm, cementing ESPN’s place as the go-to destination for live sports in a streaming-first world.
It’s a bold experiment, and while there are kinks to iron out, the promise of "All of ESPN. All in One Place" is closer than ever to being a reality. For fans, it means more choice, more control, and a front-row seat to the future of sports media.
