Three Game-Changing Sports Streaming Moves
Sports fans, mark your calendars—ESPN is making three major plays that could redefine your streaming lineup. First, the network’s highly anticipated direct-to-consumer service launches this August. Second, landmark deals with the NFL and WWE are bringing even more exclusive content into the fold. And third, ESPN is teaming up with FOX One to offer a bundled package that delivers premium sports, news, and entertainment at a competitive price. Here’s what you need to know.
The FOX One Bundle: One-Stop Sports Access
The newest announcement sees ESPN partnering with FOX One, Fox Corporation’s new streaming platform, for a combined bundle launching October 2, 2025. For $39.99/month, subscribers will get both ESPN’s full offering and FOX One’s lineup, which includes FOX News, FOX Business, FOX Weather, FOX Sports (FS1, FS2), Big Ten Network, FOX Deportes, FOX local stations, and the FOX broadcast network. Add-ons for FOX Nation and B1G+ will also be available.
Individually, ESPN DTC is $29.99/month and FOX One is $19.99/month, making the bundle a $10 monthly savings. This partnership provides fans with consolidated access to top-tier sports, news, and entertainment, eliminating the need to juggle multiple subscriptions.
ESPN Goes Direct—DTC Launch and Enhanced App
Launching August 21, 2025, ESPN’s flagship direct-to-consumer streaming service will, for the first time, give fans direct access to ESPN’s full suite of content—no cable required. The lineup includes ESPN’s linear networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes), ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, SECN+, and ACCNX.
Subscribers can watch 47,000 live events annually, catch on-demand replays, enjoy original programming, and explore the redesigned ESPN App with multiview streaming, real-time stats, fantasy integration, betting tools, and a personalized “SportsCenter For You” feed.
Major Sports Partnerships: NFL & WWE
NFL Partnership
ESPN and the NFL recently finalized a deal giving ESPN management of NFL Network and NFL RedZone. The NFL also gains a 10% equity stake in ESPN. This expands ESPN’s NFL rights portfolio and integrates NFL Fantasy Football directly into ESPN’s platforms.
WWE Deal
ESPN secured an exclusive five-year, $1.6 billion streaming agreement with WWE. Beginning in 2026, ESPN+ and ESPN DTC will carry all premium live WWE events—including WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, and Money in the Bank—alongside pre- and post-show coverage.
ESPN is the Sports Leader
This trio of moves positions ESPN as a must-have for sports fans:
- Bundled value: The FOX One partnership offers significant savings while uniting sports, news, and entertainment.
- More choice & flexibility: The DTC service allows direct access to ESPN content without cable.
- Premium content pipeline: Exclusive NFL and WWE coverage strengthens ESPN’s year-round programming lineup.
