Want to watch NFL RedZone or Wrestlemania? Get ready to pay up for ESPN’s new streaming service.
On Aug. 21, ESPN is set to launch its own “direct-to-consumer” streaming app that will put everything the network has to offer in one place: the ESPN App. It will cost $30 per month or $300 per year.
As part of the buildup to the streaming service’s launch, ESPN has made significant moves to bolster its offerings.
On Tuesday night, the network announced that it had acquired NFL Network, NFL Films and other media assets from the NFL. As part of the deal, NFL Network will be “integrated” into the new ESPN App.
According to The Athletic, the NFL will still own and produce NFL RedZone. The difference is that it will now be available as an add-on purchase on the ESPN App.
Want to watch NFL games that would normally air on NFL Network? Expect those to land on the new ESPN App as well.
The “enhanced” streaming service goes beyond what is already offered by ESPN+, which will be known as the “select plan” moving forward. The full ESPN App (the “unlimited plan”) will include “ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes – in addition to ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+ and ACCNX.”
Yeah, ESPN has a lot of brands. It’s about to get more as the WWE is putting the “E” back in ESPN.
On Wednesday, the network announced that it will be the home of WWE premium live events starting in 2026. That includes PLE events like SummerSlam, Money in the Bank, the Royal Rumble, Survivor Series and Wrestlemania. Those PLEs currently stream via Peacock.
All of this leaves a big question for cable subscribers: Will they still get everything?
Here’s the full answer on the ESPN website: “Yes. ESPN will continue to be distributed via Pay TV providers. Pay TV subscribers will have access to the enhanced features within the ESPN App via their Pay TV subscriptions.”
In short, cable subscribers will still get ESPN. However, don’t be surprised if select features get mixed into a complicated web of add-ons and streaming-exclusive options.
