Earlier this year, Disney raised the subscription price for ESPN Plus. Now, the streaming giant is raising those prices again. ESPN Plus is set to receive another significant price jump in August 2021.
ESPN Plus Subscription Prices Are Going Up
Disney, which owns ESPN Plus, is raising both the monthly and annual subscription prices for the ESPN Plus streaming service. ESPN Plus subscriptions already went up this year, and are going up again from August 13.
As confirmed by ESPN Plus' own FAQs from August 13, a monthly subscription to ESPN Plus will increase by a dollar from $5.99 to $6.99. An annual subscription will increase ten dollars from $59.99 to $69.99. While a $10-$12 per year price increase doesn't sound like much, it can quickly add up to a higher amount when you have multiple subscription services.
Disney offers ESPN Plus, which was launched back in 2018, as one of the two additional subscription services operating in the US alongside Disney+. All three of the services can be combined in a bundle costing $13.99 per month. The bundle saves subscribers roughly $5 per month compared to subscribing to the services individually.
It's worth noting that neither Disney+ nor Hulu are increasing their individual prices at the same time. The bundle price is also remaining the same.
Do I Get Anything Extra for ESPN Plus' Price Increase?
As per ESPN Plus' FAQs, the price increases don't directly offer users any new features or exclusive content. However, Disney recently announced some additional content coming to the platform.
Disney recently announced that archived sports footage will soon be available exclusively on ESPN’s streaming platform. The footage is set to include 75 NHL game, and full replays of Wimbledon tennis matches. Additionally, other classic tennis classic and highlight reels will come to the platform, and ESPN Plus will be the exclusive destination for the PGA Tour Live.
ESPN Plus' additional content likely explains the reason for the latest price increase. With some exclusive footage and live-streaming, sports fans may be incentivized to keep paying the higher subscription price, or sign up if they haven't already.
ESPN Plus Takes Another Swing at Price Increases
Exclusive footage and new live-streaming rights are only going to appease specific sports fans. A second price increase in one year on a platform, which is criticized for its lack of content, may not be the best move for ESPN Plus.
It's certainly rare for a streaming service to up its prices so much, but perhaps viewers will be satisfied with the new content.