Tyler Durden 
The cost of being a full-time UFC fan potentially just got a little more expensive—or possibly cheaper depending on how you look at it.
On Tuesday, ESPN announced plans to launch a new streaming service in the fall that includes all of the linear ESPN networks—ESPN, ESPN2, etc.—with an unlimited plan that also includes all events from ESPN on ABC for a cost of $29.99 per month.
ESPN also plans on offering bundles that include all of the standalone channels along with Disney+ and Hulu for an additional cost. The full bundle is set to run $35.99 per month with a special $29.99 per month cost at launch for the first year.
ESPN+—now being called ESPN select—is included in the cost of the new streaming service simply being called ESPN.
The new ESPN streaming service specifically targets those who don’t have a traditional cable or satellite package that gives them access to the linear ESPN networks. Right now, to watch televised events on ESPN, ESPN2 or other networks, users must have a cable or satellite package.
ESPN+ is still going to be available as a standalone product at $11.99 per month but UFC events or other games airing exclusively on the regular ESPN networks still require a cable or satellite package for access.
ESPN will also offer an annual plan for $299.99, and a no-ads option (for Disney+ and Hulu) that runs $44.99 per month for subscribers.
“It’s going to redefine our business,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said about the streaming service launch.
This announcement comes at a pivotal time in the future of the UFC with the promotion in the midst of a new broadcast rights deal renewal. The current package with the UFC at ESPN expires at the end of 2025.
ESPN currently maintains exclusivity over all UFC broadcasts including the regular UFC Fight Night events as well as all pay-per-views, which are sold through ESPN+.
The UFC had an exclusive negotiating period with ESPN to strike a new deal, but that date came and went with the promotion now allowed to field offers from any potential partner. The UFC is reportedly seeking $1 billion per year under terms of the new broadcast rights deal, which is a significant increase from the $300,000 million per year average that ESPN currently pays after striking a seven-year deal with the promotion back in 2018.
The UFC has a lot of leverage right now as the only major sports package available for potential partners for the next few years.
There’s no telling how much this new ESPN streaming service might impact the UFC’s decision to possibly strike a new deal with the Disney-owned network with more accessibility being added for fans. That also comes at a cost with the new streaming service allowing UFC fans to potentially pay for just that single ESPN streaming package without needing a cable or satellite package on top of that.
The exact launch date for the ESPN streaming service hasn’t been announced yet but the company is expected to get up and running in the fall before the NFL schedule heats up.
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