Disney has now confirmed that the new ESPN direct-to-consumer streaming service will launch later this month. Once the service goes live on August 21st, sports fans will gain the option of signing up to a service that offers access to the full suite of ESPN networks and services.
The August 21 launch date is timed to coincide with “a marquee stretch of live sports programming” that includes the start of the college football and NFL seasons, US Open tennis, international soccer, women’s college soccer, volleyball, field hockey, and more.
As previously announced, the new ESPN standalone streaming service will cost $29.99 a month. At launch, there will also be the opportunity to lock in a bundle promotion that unlocks access to the ESPN unlimited plan along with Disney+ and Hulu for $29.99/month for the first 12 months.
Although the new ESPN streaming service will be accessible directly through the existing ESPN app, Disney has confirmed that an enhanced version of the ESPN app will become available as part of the launch.
According to Disney, the enhanced ESPN app will provide access to a more personalized and dynamic experience that includes updated multiview options, integrated game stats, fantasy sports and more.
Interestingly, with the new ESPN service launching on August 21st, it will become available on the same day as the new Fox One streaming service.
Considering both of these services were originally due to be combined in the more inclusive (and now abandoned) Venu Sports streaming service, it seems unlikely that the same launch date is a coincidence.
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