For dedicated enthusiasts of sports like the UFC, the potential cost of following their passion is set to shift – it might become a bit more expensive, or potentially cheaper, depending on their existing setup.
On Tuesday, ESPN unveiled plans for a new streaming service scheduled to launch in the fall. This service will encompass all linear ESPN networks, including ESPN and ESPN2, offering an unlimited plan that also incorporates events broadcast on ESPN via ABC. The price point for this new service will be $29.99 per month.
ESPN also intends to provide bundled options. These bundles will combine the standalone ESPN streaming service with Disney+ and Hulu for an additional fee. The comprehensive bundle is expected to cost $35.99 monthly, with a special introductory rate of $29.99 per month available for the first year at launch.
Crucially, the current ESPN+ service, now referred to as ESPN Select, will be included within the cost of this new ESPN streaming service.
The new ESPN streaming offering is specifically aimed at consumers who do not subscribe to traditional cable or satellite television packages that currently provide access to the linear ESPN channels. Presently, viewing televised events on networks like ESPN or ESPN2 requires an active cable or satellite subscription.
ESPN+ will remain available as a standalone subscription priced at $11.99 per month. However, events such as specific UFC fights or other games airing exclusively on the main ESPN networks will still necessitate either a cable/satellite package or a subscription to the new comprehensive ESPN streaming service for access.
An annual plan for the new ESPN streaming service will also be offered at $299.99. Additionally, subscribers can opt for a no-advertisements version of the bundle (for Disney+ and Hulu content) priced at $44.99 per month.
“It`s going to redefine our business,” commented ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro regarding the upcoming streaming service launch.
This announcement arrives at a potentially significant moment for the UFC, as the promotion is currently in the process of negotiating a new broadcast rights agreement. Their existing deal with ESPN is set to expire at the end of 2025.
Currently, ESPN holds exclusive rights to most UFC broadcasts, including regular UFC Fight Night events and all pay-per-view events, which are primarily sold through ESPN+.
The UFC previously had an exclusive negotiation window with ESPN to finalize a new deal, but that period concluded without an agreement. This now allows the promotion to entertain offers from any potential media partner. Reports indicate that the UFC is seeking a valuation of approximately $1 billion annually under the terms of the new broadcast rights deal, which represents a substantial increase from the estimated $300 million per year average ESPN currently pays under the seven-year agreement struck in 2018.
The UFC possesses considerable negotiating leverage at present, being one of the only major sports properties with broadcast rights becoming available for potential partners in the near future.
It remains uncertain exactly how this new ESPN streaming service will influence the UFC`s decision regarding a potential new deal with the Disney-owned network. Increased accessibility for fans is a clear benefit, but it comes at a cost. The new streaming service offers UFC fans the possibility of subscribing only to this single ESPN package to access content that previously required a separate cable or satellite subscription on top of ESPN+.
The precise launch date for the new ESPN streaming service has not yet been publicly announced, but the company anticipates it will become operational sometime this fall, ahead of the peak NFL season.
