ESPN Unlimited vs ESPN Select: Key Differences in Sports Streaming Services

Understanding ESPN Unlimited and ESPN Select: What You Need to Know

ESPN, a leading name in sports broadcasting, has introduced a new direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming service. This service, branded simply as ESPN, offers two distinct subscription plans: ESPN Unlimited and ESPN Select. These options provide fans with access to a wide range of sports programming without the need for a traditional cable plan or live TV service like YouTube TV.

For sports enthusiasts who already use TV antennas to receive major networks such as NBC, FOX, ABC, and CBS for free, this transition represents a significant benefit. The new service allows for direct access to ESPN’s content, making it easier than ever for fans to follow their favorite teams and events.

Live Programming and Key Features

The launch of these services includes a variety of live programming, such as the US Open Qualifying, TOUR Championship golf, and the Little League World Series. This ensures that fans have access to a broad spectrum of live sports right from the start.

ESPN Unlimited: The Comprehensive Offering

The ESPN Unlimited package is designed to be the most comprehensive tier, offering access to ESPN’s full suite of linear networks directly to fans for the first time. Subscribers will get:

• Access to linear networks: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, and ESPN Deportes.
• Programming from ESPN on ABC.
• Additional content from ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX.
• Live NFL games typically shown on NFL Network.
• Exclusive coverage of WWE Premium Live Events.
• Access to non-exclusive preseason NFL games.

With over 47,000 live events per year, along with on-demand replays, studio shows, and original programming, ESPN Unlimited promises an extensive sports experience. The standalone price for this tier is $29.99 per month or $299.99 annually. It can also be bundled with Disney+ and Hulu, offering a special launch deal of $29.99 per month for the first 12 months (with ads on Disney+/Hulu).

Subscribers to ESPN Unlimited can also purchase the ESPN/NFL+ Premium Bundle, which includes access to every “Monday Night Football” game on ESPN, NFL Network, NFL RedZone, and an archive of NFL Films content. This add-on is priced at $39.99 per month and can be added to the trio bundle of Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN.

ESPN Select: The Evolution of ESPN+

ESPN Select is essentially the new name for the existing ESPN+ service. This tier offers a curated lineup of live sports and on-demand shows at a lower cost. It includes:

• Live events like college football from FCS conferences, the NFL Draft, PGA Tour, European Soccer, out-of-market NHL and MLB games.
• PPV events for UFC and boxing.
• College basketball, Formula 1, major tennis tournaments like Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open.
• The Masters golf tournament, TGL, and NCAA Championships.
• Studio shows such as “SportsCenter,” “College GameDay,” and “First Take.”

ESPN Select continues to offer more than 32,000 exclusive live sports events annually, a robust library of exclusive studio shows, and on-demand replays. However, it does not include the programming lineup of the linear ESPN networks found in the Unlimited plan.

Key Differences Between ESPN Unlimited and ESPN Select

The main difference between the two tiers is that ESPN Unlimited provides access to the linear ESPN channels plus the content available on ESPN+. In contrast, ESPN Select only offers the content previously found on ESPN+.

ESPN Unlimited includes a significantly larger volume and variety of live events and programming, encompassing core ESPN broadcasts from its cable networks that feature major leagues and popular studio shows. It also includes Monday Night Football, which airs weekly on ESPN and is simulcast on ABC.

Advertising and App Experience

Both plans include advertisements during live events and studio shows, similar to traditional linear television. If you opt for bundle options with Disney+ and Hulu, those platforms may offer ad-supported or ad-free experiences.

The existing ESPN App itself will not be replaced by a new one; instead, it will be enhanced with new features available to all users, whether they subscribe directly or through a traditional pay TV package. The ESPN+ brand will continue to exist by name, available through the ESPN App, Disney+ App, or certain pay TV packages.

Enhanced Features and Bundling Options

The launch of the new ESPN service coincides with the introduction of enhancements to the ESPN App on mobile and connected TV devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV. New features such as multi-view, integration of stats, and betting will be available to all fans using the ESPN App, regardless of whether they subscribe directly to the DTC service or through a traditional cable or satellite TV package.

Live Sports Coverage

Subscribers will have access to a wide variety of live sports across both tiers of the DTC plans. One of the most noticeable differences between ESPN Unlimited and a cable or another live TV plan may come from the additional NFL coverage. ESPN now offers a bundle with NFL+ Premium, which includes NFL RedZone, to its DTC subscribers. This means that fans can enjoy more live NFL games and additional non-exclusive preseason NFL games.

How to Subscribe

You can subscribe directly to ESPN Unlimited at their website or ESPN.com. Before signing up, it might be helpful to explore other plans that carry ESPN, such as DIRECTV MySports or the new FOX-One ESPN bundle. For those looking for cost-effective options, skinny sports bundles like ESPN Unlimited and ESPN Select are great choices, as you can already get major broadcasters like NBC and FOX for free with a TV antenna.