ESPN Unlimited Price Increase: How to Keep Watching Without Paying More
By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man
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It was just a matter of time. The ESPN Unlimited price increase has arrived. Yes, ESPN is increasing the monthly price of its ESPN Unlimited app from $29.99 to $31.99 on September 17, 2026. The ESPN Select streaming service will also increase from $12.99 a month to $13.99 a month.
This is the first time that ESPN has raised prices on the Unlimited app since its launch a year ago. But it continues an industry trend with streamers hiking rates to offset rising programming costs.
However, as always, TV For Seniors has your back. We have compiled three ways that you can keep watching ESPN and/or the Unlimited app without paying an extra cent.
Use An Existing Pay TV Or Live TV Streaming Login
Many traditional cable/satellite providers and major live TV services (including recent additions like Comcast Xfinity and YouTube TV) allow eligible subscribers to unlock the full ESPN Unlimited experience directly in the ESPN app at no extra charge. Log in with your provider credentials in the ESPN app or on stream.espn.com. This can be the easiest (and cheapest) option if you already pay for a package that includes ESPN channels.
The List of TV Providers Who Offer ESPN Unlimited For Free
Get Sling TV’s Essentials Plan
If you mainly need the flagship linear networks (ESPN, ESPN2, etc.) rather than the full Unlimited extras, Sling TV’s Essential package could be your answer. The plan includes ESPN, ESPN 2 and 11 other channels for just $19.99 a month. See our article for more details.
Stay With the ESPN/Disney Plus/Hulu Bundle
If you have the ESPN Unlimited/Disney Plus/Hulu ads-included bundle, the price ($35.99 a month) is not increasing. So while the package costs more than ESPN Unlimited standalone, at least you won’t have to pay more over what you’re currently paying.
What Is ESPN Unlimited?
ESPN Unlimited is ESPN’s premium streaming app which was launched in August 2025. The service includes all ESPN live channels and on-demand programming so you don’t need ESPN in a traditional pay TV package.
Subscribers get ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network), ESPN on ABC sports, NFL Network, plus all former ESPN+ content—live events, studio shows like SportsCenter and College GameDay, originals, and on-demand replays. It covers tens of thousands of live games and events yearly across NFL, NBA, college sports, NHL, and more.
What Is ESPN Select?
ESPN Select is the more affordable tier of ESPN’s direct-to-consumer streaming service and it was launched in 2025 as the successor to ESPN+.
It focuses on digital-exclusive and select live events rather than all the live ESPN channels. Subscribers get thousands of live games and events (including some college sports, NHL, MLS, UFC, golf, tennis, and more), ESPN Originals, 30 for 30 documentaries, on-demand content, and studio programming. However, you don’t getESPN, ESPN2, SEC Network, ACC Network, or most major-network NFL/NBA games that air on the live ESPN channels available on cable/satellite TV plans.
Have a question? Send it to The TV Answer Man at swann@tvanswerman.com
The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered the TV technology scene for more than three decades. He will answer your questions regarding new devices and services that are changing the way you watch television. See the bio for Phillip Swann here.
