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The ESPN streaming service in 2026 comes in two plans inside the ESPN app: ESPN Select, the renamed ESPN+, at around $13.99 a month, and ESPN Unlimited, which adds the full ESPN TV networks, at around $31.99 a month or $319.99 a year after the September 17, 2026 price increase. The service launched on August 21, 2025, so it has just passed its first anniversary. This guide covers what each plan includes, how the bundles work, how to get it free through a TV provider, and the features inside the app.
If you only want the lowest price for a specific game, our separate guide to the cheapest way to watch ESPN ranks every option by cost. This article explains the service itself.
ESPN Select vs ESPN Unlimited at a glance
| ESPN Select | ESPN Unlimited | |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price (at the time of writing) | $13.99/mo or $139.99/yr | $31.99/mo or $319.99/yr |
| ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, ESPN Deportes | No | Yes |
| SEC Network, ACC Network | No | Yes |
| ESPN on ABC simulcasts | No | Yes |
| NFL Network | No | Yes |
| Streaming-only events (former ESPN+) | Yes | Yes |
| SEC Network+ and ACC Network Extra | Yes | Yes |
| 30 for 30 and ESPN originals library | Yes | Yes |
ESPN says Unlimited covers more than 47,000 live events a year, and Select about 32,000. The key point: if your game airs on the ESPN channel itself, such as Monday Night Football or a big college football matchup, Select alone will not show it.
What ESPN Unlimited includes in 2026
Unlimited is effectively the ESPN cable lineup delivered over the internet, plus everything from the old ESPN+. According to ESPN and Disney, it includes:
- ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews and ESPN Deportes.
- SEC Network and ACC Network, plus their streaming-only extras.
- ESPN events simulcast on ABC.
- NFL Network, added to the ESPN app after ESPN’s deal with the NFL, and some CW Sports programming.
- Studio shows such as SportsCenter, on-demand replays and the 30 for 30 library.
Availability can still vary by event and league rules, and some games may be subject to blackouts in certain areas.
ESPN streaming prices and bundles in 2026
ESPN raised standalone prices for the first time on September 17, 2026. Unlimited went from around $29.99 to around $31.99 a month, and Select from around $12.99 to around $13.99. Bundles are where the value is:
| Bundle | What you get | Approx. monthly price |
|---|---|---|
| Disney+, Hulu and ESPN Select | Select plus Disney+ and Hulu | Around $22 with ads |
| Disney+, Hulu and ESPN Unlimited | Unlimited plus Disney+ and Hulu | Around $36 with ads, around $45 without |
| ESPN Unlimited and FOX One | Unlimited plus FOX, FS1, FS2 and Big Ten Network | Around $39.99 |
| ESPN Unlimited and NFL+ Premium | Unlimited plus NFL RedZone and game replays | Around $41.99 |
The Disney+, Hulu and ESPN Unlimited bundle costs only a few dollars more than Unlimited alone, and reports in 2026 indicated most Unlimited subscribers get it that way. The ESPN and FOX One pairing is covered in our FOX One streaming guide.
Getting ESPN Unlimited through a TV provider
If you already pay for a TV package that includes the ESPN channels, you may get Unlimited in the ESPN app at no extra charge. ESPN has named providers such as Comcast Xfinity and YouTube TV among those that include it. Hulu + Live TV also includes ESPN Unlimited content in the ESPN app.
- Open the ESPN app and sign in with a MyDisney account.
- Choose the option to link your TV provider.
- Sign in with your provider account to unlock the networks included in your package.
Check this before subscribing separately, so you do not pay twice for the same channels.
Inside the ESPN app: features worth knowing
- SportsCenter For You: a personalized highlights show built around the teams you follow.
- StreamCenter: a hub for watching multiple events and switching quickly between live games.
- Verts: a vertical short-video feed for highlights on phones.
- Team and league personalization: favorites shape the home screen and alerts.
The app runs on major streaming devices, smart TVs, phones and the web, and ESPN content also appears in a hub inside Disney+ for bundle subscribers. For hardware advice, see our best streaming device guide.
Is the ESPN streaming service worth it?
Choose Select if you mainly follow out-of-market hockey, smaller college sports or UFC Fight Nights. Choose Unlimited if you want ESPN and ESPN2 games, SEC and ACC football or Monday Night Football. Choose the Disney bundle if anyone at home uses Disney+ or Hulu. If you want ESPN as part of a full channel lineup, a live TV service may make more sense.
Some readers also compare ESPN with IPTV packages. IPTV technology is legal, but only services that license the channels they carry are legal to use.
FAQ
How much is the ESPN streaming service in 2026?
At the time of writing, ESPN Unlimited costs around $31.99 a month or $319.99 a year, and ESPN Select around $13.99 a month or $139.99 a year. These prices took effect on September 17, 2026.
Is ESPN Select the same as ESPN+?
Yes, in practice. ESPN Select is the new name for the ESPN+ streaming tier and includes the same streaming-only events and library. It does not include the ESPN cable channels.
When did ESPN launch its streaming service?
ESPN launched its direct-to-consumer service, with the Select and Unlimited tiers, on August 21, 2025. The 2026 price increase was its first.
Does ESPN Unlimited include NFL Network?
Yes. NFL Network is part of ESPN Unlimited in the ESPN app. NFL RedZone is not included; it comes with NFL+ Premium, which ESPN sells in a bundle.
Can I get ESPN Unlimited free with my TV provider?
Possibly. Some providers, such as Comcast Xfinity and YouTube TV, include ESPN Unlimited in the ESPN app at no extra cost. Link your provider in the ESPN app to check.
Does ESPN Unlimited have blackouts?
Some events can be subject to blackouts or league restrictions depending on your location. Check the event page in the ESPN app before game day.
Part of our guides: USA streaming guide
