ESPN is about to reshape its streaming strategy, and it won't involve ditching ESPN+. Instead, the sports giant is launching a new, more expensive streaming service that will use the simple, iconic name—ESPN. Meanwhile, ESPN+ will stick around as the budget-friendly option for fans.

New ESPN Streaming Service Will Carry The Full Cable Experience

Sources say ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer platform will include everything currently offered on the cable channel. That means live games from Monday Night Football, College Football, NBA matchups, and more. Plus, it will have studio shows, documentaries, betting integrations, fantasy tools, and even ESPN on ABC content.

Internal reports have called the service “Flagship” for years. But when the time came to pick a public name, ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro opted for simplicity. The new app will just be called ESPN.

ESPN+ And The New ESPN Service Will Coexist Separately

Here’s where it gets interesting. The new ESPN streaming product, expected to cost between $25 and $30 per month, won’t replace ESPN+. It’s a different tier entirely. ESPN+ will remain available at its current price of $11.99 per month—or as part of the Disney+ and Hulu bundle for $16.99.

ESPN+ users will still get access to exclusive content like UFC pay-per-views, NHL Center Ice, and certain college sports broadcasts. But they won’t have access to the marquee live events that are moving to the new ESPN app.

Cable Subscribers Will Get A Free Pass To The New ESPN App

One smart move from Disney is letting existing cable subscribers log into the new ESPN app without paying extra. If you already have ESPN through your TV provider, you’ll be able to authenticate and unlock the same features through the app.

That creates an interesting dynamic. ESPN is maintaining its relationship with traditional pay-TV for now, even as it pushes direct-to-consumer streaming. Cable users get the new digital features, but cord-cutters will need to pay up for the full experience.

The New ESPN App Will Offer Personalization And Interactive Features

Disney hasn’t just repackaged ESPN’s cable feed. The new app will include personalized highlight reels, fan-focused SportsCenter segments, and deeper integration with ESPN Bet and fantasy games. It’s designed to appeal to younger viewers who want interactivity, not just linear streams.

These “bells and whistles,” as Disney CEO Bob Iger called them, won’t be available through traditional cable. That’s part of ESPN’s plan to differentiate the streaming product, even if it shares the same name as the old channel.

Why Keep The Name ESPN? To Cut Through The Confusion

ESPN’s streaming lineup has become messy. There’s ESPN+, ESPN through cable, and now the new ESPN app with full live rights. By naming the new service simply “ESPN,” the company hopes to leverage brand familiarity and avoid further fragmentation.

It’s a bold move that risks confusing some consumers but aims to position the new app as the ultimate destination for sports fans willing to pay for the full package.

What This Means For Sports Fans And Streaming Subscribers

For die-hard fans who want every big game and feature, the new ESPN app will likely become the go-to service. For casual viewers, or those interested in niche sports and extra content like UFC or college lacrosse, ESPN+ remains a solid, cheaper choice.

This split mirrors what other media companies are doing—offering tiered products with different live rights and features. ESPN is just leaning on its brand legacy to make the transition smoother.

Final Take: ESPN+ Isn’t Dead, But It’s No Longer The Premier Offer

As ESPN prepares to launch its flagship streaming service this fall, the spotlight is on what’s next for ESPN+. The answer? It’s still here, and still cheaper. But if you want the full sports universe—Monday Night Football, top-tier college games, and interactive streaming features—you’ll be paying for the new ESPN.

And that’s the strategy ESPN is betting will keep it relevant in a world where fans are choosing streams over cables—and brand familiarity over confusion.