The Disney Price Hike: ESPN Streaming Tiers Get Bigger Bill

The Walt Disney Company has announced price hikes for its ESPN streaming service and several bundles combining Disney+, Hulu, and the sports offering. The changes will take effect later this month and represent the first pricing action on these services since the sports network rebuilt its direct-to-consumer proposition.

The timing of the price increase is deliberate, coinciding with the start of the American football season, which is considered the single most important acquisition window in sports streaming. This period sees casual viewers convert into subscribers and churn at its lowest.

Both the entry-level tier and the full tier of ESPN will see price increases on monthly and annual plans. Several combined packages pairing Disney+ and Hulu with the sports offering also increase, including a legacy bundle that many households have carried since the streaming services first launched together.