Both ESPN Unlimited and ESPN Select will see price hikes starting September 17, reshaping Disney+ bundle values. The move underscores a broader trend of streaming services raising fees.
- ESPN Unlimited price jumps $2 on September 17.
- ESPN Select rises $1, while Disney+ bundles with Select also increase.
- Unlimited bundles stay flat, boosting their relative value.
According to a support page on ESPN’s website, both ESPN Select and ESPN Unlimited will see price increases effective September 17. Unlimited’s monthly fee climbs from $29.99 to $31.99, while Select moves from $12.99 to $13.99. Annual plans rise proportionally.
Detailed Pricing Table
| Plan | Old Monthly | New Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| ESPN Select | $12.99 | $13.99 |
| ESPN Unlimited | $29.99 | $31.99 |
| Disney+ + Hulu + ESPN Select (Basic) | $19.99 | $21.99 |
| Disney+ + Hulu + ESPN Unlimited (Basic) | $35.99 | $35.99 (unchanged) |
ESPN Unlimited launched almost exactly a year ago in August 2025, marketed as a comprehensive sports streaming solution amid a fragmented licensing landscape. Simultaneously, ESPN Select replaced ESPN+ and automatically migrated existing subscribers.
Since its debut, ESPN has broadened its library: MLB.tv moved into the ESPN app for the 2026 season, a sublicensing deal with The CW added college sports, and the recent acquisition of NFL media assets made the NFL Network available to Unlimited subscribers as of July 30.
Disney+ raised its own subscription fees by $2 last October, mirroring the approach ESPN now takes—announcing hikes weeks in advance to give “new” customers an incentive to lock in current rates.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the price hike not only reflects rising content acquisition costs but also positions ESPN Unlimited as a premium bundle within the Disney ecosystem, potentially driving higher ARPU (average revenue per user) while pressuring competitors.
"This move signals that streaming platforms are leaning on value‑added bundles rather than pure price wars," said an industry analyst.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Will the Disney+ bundle with ESPN Unlimited also see a price increase?
Answer: No, the Disney+ + Hulu + ESPN Unlimited bundle remains at $35.99/month, making it a more attractive option.
Question 2: What are the benefits of signing up before the price hike?
Answer: Early subscribers lock in the lower rate, saving $2‑$3 annually while gaining access to the newly added sports content.
