Why Are ESPN & Fox Launching Their Cord Cutter Apps On the Same Day?

By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man – Follow me on X.

TV Answer Man, is there some mysterious reason why ESPN and Fox are both launching their new apps on August 21? Seems strange that they chose the same day, doesn’t it? – Jamal, Sacramento.

Jamal, you’re right that Fox and ESPN are launching their new cord cutter apps on August 21. The ESPN unlimited app, as it’s loosely referred to, will cost $29.99 a month and include live feeds of all ESPN networks as well as on demand content. The Fox One app, which will cost $19.99 a month, will include live feeds of all Fox channels (including your local affiliate) and on demand programming.

So why did both companies choose the seemingly random day of Thursday, August 21, to debut their new offerings?

It’s quite simple, Jamal. The college football season begins two days later on Saturday, August 23 and both ESPN and Fox will broadcast games that day. (Iowa State at Kansas State at noon ET on ESPN and Fresno State at Kansas at 6:30 p.m. ET on Fox.) The two sports networks want their new apps in business so they can sign up college football fans excited for the 2025 season. By launching two days in advance, that gives them a head start.

Jamal, I hope that answers your question. Happy viewing and stay safe!

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The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered television for morthan three decades. He will report on the latest news and answer your questions regarding new devices and services that are changing the way you watch TV. See the bio for Phillip Swann here.