ESPN Price Hikes Announced; Sling Offers Cheaper Alternative for Sports Fans
ESPN is raising prices on its standalone streaming plans starting Sept. 17, with the Unlimited tier increasing to $31.99 monthly and the Select tier to $13.99. Sling TV provides a lower-cost option at $19.99 per month for accessing ESPN channels. The changes affect both monthly and annual subscription rates.
The rate adjustment arrives as the autumn sports season begins, a period when demand for live football coverage typically peaks. ESPN's two-tier structure gives viewers a choice between the fuller Unlimited package and the more limited Select option, with both monthly and annual pricing increasing simultaneously.
Sling TV positions itself as a budget-friendly route to ESPN's channels at $19.99 monthly, undercutting even the cheaper Select tier. The article carries a disclosure noting that purchases through its links may generate affiliate commissions for Variety, indicating a promotional element within the coverage.
The price increase could affect cord-cutters who depend on standalone streaming for live sports, potentially steering budget-conscious viewers toward bundled services like Sling. While the hikes are modest individually, they may signal a broader trend of rising streaming costs that could gradually make live sports packages less accessible to casual fans, not just dedicated followers.