Sling Launches $20 ‘Essentials’ Plan With ESPN, Disney Channel, and More

Sling TV’s selection of live TV packages just got a little bigger. The live TV service has now launched a new ‘Essentials’ package, priced at $19.99 a month.

Last year, Sling expanded its monthly packages beyond the main Sling Orange and Sling Blue plans through the launch of a cheaper Sling Select plan.

Even though Sling Select is also priced at $20 a month, the newer Sling Essentials package isn’t thought to be a replacement. Instead, it is an alternative package offering access to a different selection of channels.

Sling Essentials is available now and unlocks access to the following live channels:

• ESPN
• ESPN2
• Grit
• Hallmark Mystery
• Freeform
• Disney Channel
• MeTV
• Game Show Network
• Heroes & Icons
• LMN, StartTV
• Bounce

While Sling Select focuses on news, sports, and entertainment, Sling Essentials is more tailored towards sports and kids programming. Most notably for sports fans, the new Essentials plan includes ESPN.

Another way to view the difference between the two cheaper packages is that Select is like a cheaper version of Sling Blue while Essentials is akin to a cheaper version of Sling Orange.

“Sling Essentials is the ultimate live streaming solution for viewers who want premium content without a bloated bundle,” said Seth Van Sickel, Senior Vice President, Sling TV. “By delivering an unbeatable price for ESPN alongside top family and classic TV networks, Sling TV remains the industry leader in affordable entertainment.”

For those that like the idea of Essentials, but would prefer access to additional channels, including Fox News, NFL Network, FX, and FS1, Sling is also now offering the option to bundle the cheaper Select and Essential plans.

If opting to bundle, the combined price of Essentials & Select is $34.99 a month, $5 cheaper than subscribing to both packages separately.