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Sports streaming is becoming more expensive, and ESPN is the latest major platform to increase subscription prices. The company has announced that its ESPN Unlimited and ESPN Select plans will become more expensive from September 17, 2026. The price revision comes roughly a year after ESPN launched its standalone direct-to-consumer streaming service, giving sports fans another pricing change to consider ahead of the busy fall sports season.

ESPN Unlimited Price Increase in 2026

The biggest change affects ESPN Unlimited, the platform's premium standalone streaming option. The monthly subscription will increase from $29.99 to $31.99, representing a $2 monthly increase.

The annual ESPN Unlimited plan will also become more expensive, rising from $299.99 to $319.99 per year. The plan provides access to ESPN's major networks and a broad range of live sports programming, making it the more comprehensive option for viewers who want extensive ESPN coverage without relying entirely on traditional cable television.

For sports fans who follow multiple leagues and competitions, the Unlimited tier remains ESPN's most extensive standalone offering despite the price increase.

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ESPN Select Also Gets More Expensive

The more affordable ESPN Select plan, formerly associated with ESPN+, is also receiving a price hike.

From September 17, the monthly price will rise from $12.99 to $13.99, while the annual subscription will increase from $129.99 to $139.99. That means subscribers will pay $1 more per month or $10 more per year.

ESPN Select offers thousands of live sporting events and streaming content, but it does not provide the same access to ESPN's traditional linear networks available through Unlimited.

Disney+ and Hulu Bundles Are Also Affected

The ESPN price increase extends beyond standalone subscriptions. Some Disney+, Hulu and ESPN Select bundles will also become more expensive.

For example, the bundle featuring Disney+ with ads, Hulu with ads and ESPN Select will rise from $19.99 to $21.99 per month. Another ad-free bundle that includes ESPN Select will increase from $29.99 to $32.99 per month.

However, Disney+ and Hulu bundles that include ESPN Unlimited are not affected by this particular increase, giving some bundled subscribers a reason to keep their existing package.

Why Is ESPN Increasing Prices?

The timing of the ESPN price increase in 2026 is significant. The new rates arrive as the fall sports calendar gets underway, bringing major NFL, college football, LaLiga and other sporting events to ESPN platforms.

ESPN has also continued developing its streaming service with features designed to make the platform more attractive to digital-first audiences. These include personalized content experiences, short-form video and multiview functionality on supported devices.

The company is therefore positioning ESPN Unlimited as more than a traditional sports channel replacement. It is increasingly becoming a central digital destination for live sports and personalized sports content.

What the ESPN Price Increase Means for Subscribers

For existing subscribers, the changes mean a higher monthly or annual bill once the new pricing takes effect. ESPN Select users will face a relatively modest increase, while Unlimited customers will pay an additional $2 per month or $20 annually.

Fans should therefore compare their viewing habits before deciding which ESPN streaming plan in 2026 offers the best value.

Conclusion

The ESPN Unlimited and Select price increase marks the first major standalone price hike since ESPN introduced its new direct-to-consumer streaming strategy. Starting September 17, ESPN Select will cost $13.99 per month or $139.99 annually, while ESPN Unlimited will rise to $31.99 monthly or $319.99 annually.

With the NFL season and other major sporting events underway, ESPN is betting that its expanded content and digital features will continue to justify the higher subscription costs. For sports fans, however, the latest increase makes comparing streaming plans more important than ever.