ESPN is launching its long-awaited direct-to-consumer streaming service later this fall, and today, the company has a new ad campaign focused on its debut. The company has revealed its first teaser of the app with their “SPORTS FOREVER” ad that showcases the network’s history of serving sports fan.
The ad will debut tonight during Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City and Indiana Pacers and opens with SportsCenter anchor Lee Leonard during the first-ever SportsCenter broadcast, saying: “If you’re a fan… what you’ll see in the next minutes, hours, and days to follow may convince you you’ve gone to sports heaven.” The ad then flashes with iconic moments throughout the world of sports and legendary calls from ESPN’s talent, including Stuart Scott’s iconic “BOOYAH!” and Mike Breen’s emphatic “BANG!”
“ESPN has been at the center of sports culture for more than four decades – delivering the moments and emotions that connect generations of fans. As we gear up for this next era with our direct-to-consumer offering this fall, we can’t wait to deliver even more unforgettable moments, more heart and more ways to feel what it means to be a sports fan,” said Tina Thornton, EVP, Creative Studio and Marketing, in a statement.
Since Leonard said those iconic words in 1979, ESPN has become the TV home for many sports fans over the proceeding years. The network airs a wide range of sporting events, including the NBA, MLB, UFC, PGA Tour, Formula 1, WNBA, NHL, college football and basketball, and many more.
ESPN & The New Era: Streaming DTC
As the company continues to evolve with the times, the network’s first venture into direct-to-consumer streaming came with the launch of ESPN+. The app includes thousands of hours of live sports, exclusive content, studio shows, award-winning documentaries and much more. The evolution continues as the company gears up for its next era with the launch of its new and enhanced version of the direct-to-consumer ESPN app.
ESPN DTC Plans & Pricing
- Monthly subscription: $29.99
- Annual subscription: $299.99
- Disney+, Hulu, ESPN unlimited bundle: $35.99/month (with ads on Disney+/Hulu), $44.99/month (no ads on Disney+/Hulu*)
- Special offer at launch: Disney+, Hulu, ESPN unlimited bundle for $29.99/month for the first 12 months (with ads on Disney+/Hulu)
* Ads will be served in select live and linear content.
Existing ESPN+ subscribers will automatically become subscribers to ESPN’s new service, based on their current subscription level. Standalone ESPN+ subscribers get the ESPN select plan, and Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ bundle subscribers get the ESPN select bundle. Those who subscribe to the bundle will be able to watch ESPN content within the Disney+ app.
The app is scheduled to launch ahead of the football season.
