ESPN Insider Merging with ESPN+

ESPN has announced that their ESPN Insider web-based subscription program will be merged together with ESPN+ creating one ESPN subscription offering. The price will not increase for the offering and will remain $4.99 per month of $49.99 per year.

Details Released Thus Far:

  • The merging of the programs will take place over the next few weeks
  • ESPN Insider subscribers will receive ESPN+ at no additional charge
  • It is unknown which ESPN Insider benefits current ESPN+ subscribers will receive
  • It is also not known what will happen to fans who currently subscribe to both services

Current ESPN Insider Benefits:

  • Premium content from experts like Mel Kiper, Todd McShay, Keith Law and others!
  • Tools for fantasy sports leagues, and Tournament Challenge brackets.
  • A subscription to ESPN The Magazine

Current ESPN+ Benefits:

  • Ability to stream thousands of live events including Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, Serie A international soccer, Top Rank Boxing and more
  • On-demand access to ESPN originals, exclusive studio shows like The Fantasy Show, and the entire library of 30 for 30 documentaries.
  • ESPN+ subscribers get fewer ads across all ESPN digital products (ESPN.com, ESPN app).

What This May Mean for the Disney Streaming Service:

  • If ESPN is bundling their streaming service with other offerings, it is possible the Disney streaming service would be bundled with other offerings
  • Disney leaders may decide to bundle D23 memberships, annual passports, and other Disney offerings with the streaming service
  • Would mirror the way subscriptions to Disney Magazine were bundled with other Disney offerings
  • Disney has teased that they may bundle ESPN+, Hulu, and the Disney service into a bundle, but maintains they will be distinct offerings