If you’ve ever wondered what a Disney “Upfront” is—here’s a quick explainer. An Upfront is a high-profile media summit where companies like Disney present their upcoming shows, sports programming, and tech plans to advertisers and media buyers. Think of it as a mix between a Hollywood premiere and a business pitch session.
While the announcements are aimed at the advertising industry, they often include sneak peeks and new strategies directly affecting viewers. This year’s 2025 Disney Upfront at the North Javits Center in New York revealed significant changes for everyday fans, especially regarding ESPN streaming, women’s sports, and personalized content on Disney+.
ESPN Goes Direct-to-Consumer
A major headline from this year’s Disney 2025 Upfront was ESPN’s announcement of a standalone streaming service. For the first time ever, fans will be able to stream all ESPN channels without a traditional cable package. Two plans will be available:
- ESPN Unlimited: $29.99/month for full access to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN on ABC, and more than 47,000 live events annually.
- ESPN Select: $11.99/month for ESPN+ content, including studio shows, documentaries, and exclusive live events.
A special launch bundle—including Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited—will be available for $29.99/month for the first year. That means casual fans can stream sports, movies, and original series all in one place at an unbeatable price.
Women’s Sports Take the Spotlight
One of the most celebrated parts of the Disney 2025 Upfront was ESPN’s continued investment in women’s sports. Disney is making this coverage more visible than ever, holding rights to over 65% of all live women’s sporting events.
From softball and lacrosse to volleyball and gymnastics, ESPN has become the leader in broadcasting female athletic events. More importantly, this focus draws in new audiences and creates powerful opportunities for brands and fans alike.
Tech Upgrades for Personalized Sports Viewing
Alongside content, the Disney 2025 Upfront also emphasized new technology features. The updated ESPN App will include tools for customizing your sports experience—like fantasy sports dashboards, real-time betting tools, and personalized highlight reels.
Even better, the app will integrate with Disney+ and Hulu for fans subscribed to the full bundle. This makes switching between a college football game and your favorite Disney show seamless—and personal.
What It Means for Disney Fans
All of this boils down to one big takeaway: Disney is designing the future of fan-first entertainment. Whether you’re tuning in for The Pat McAfee Show, cheering for LSU softball, or streaming Moana with the kids, Disney is making watching the content you love easier and more affordable.
For casual fans, that means more options and better access, without the hassle of cable. For Disney, it means building deeper relationships with audiences by meeting them wherever they are.
