ESPN Unlimited and Select raise prices in 2026: impact on subscribers
Intelligence Summary
- ESPN is raising prices for its streaming services, affecting ESPN Unlimited and Select subscribers. Here’s what it means for you.
In brief
- ESPN Unlimited prices will rise by $2 per month, while ESPN Select will increase by $1, both starting September 17, 2026.
- ESPN Unlimited launched in August 2025 and now also includes access to MLB.tv and the NFL Network.
- These price hikes come at a crucial time, just ahead of the start of the sports season.
GAME-scanner analysis
The upcoming price increases for ESPN Unlimited and Select are a strategic move by ESPN, especially with competition in the streaming market continuing to heat up. The addition of MLB.tv in the ESPN app and NFL Network access for Unlimited subscribers are major value boosts. However, with costs rising, some subscribers may have to weigh whether the service is still worth keeping, especially if they do not regularly use the new features.
What does this mean for players?
For sports fans who rely on ESPN for their live sports fix, this price hike means they will have to pay more for access. That could affect whether they decide to keep their subscription, especially if they are not taking full advantage of the new content or features. The timing of the increases, right before the busy sports season, may also frustrate subscribers gearing up for months of live events.
Timeline
August 2025: ESPN Unlimited launches.
September 17, 2026: ESPN Unlimited increases by $2 and ESPN Select by $1.
July 30, 2026: NFL Network becomes available to ESPN Unlimited subscribers.
October 2025: Disney+ raises its prices by $2.