On August 21, 2025, ESPN and Fox will launch two high-profile, sports-centric streaming apps, each with distinct offerings and price points.
Disney’s ESPN will debut a robust, sports-only app named ESPN, replacing the less comprehensive ESPN+ at a steep $30 monthly fee, making it the priciest major streaming app. However, it can be bundled with Disney+ at a lower cost, including Disney’s full entertainment and news catalog.
Just before Disney’s recent earnings call, a landmark deal was announced: the NFL will acquire a 10% stake in ESPN, potentially impacting competitors’ game allocations. In exchange, ESPN will manage NFL Media, including NFL Network, RedZone, and the league’s fantasy football platform. Another agreement grants ESPN three additional NFL games per season and other league IP for the cable NFL Network.
ESPN already holds rights to SEC and Big 12 college football and basketball, plus the College Football Championship. Analysts from MoffettNathanson called the NFL deal a “major win,” noting it sets a valuation floor for a potential ESPN spinoff, strengthens platform carriage negotiations, and supports ESPN’s shift from cable to streaming. The fantasy football component is seen as key for user retention, potentially boosting ESPN’s direct-to-consumer app and ESPN Bet.
Disney is also acquiring Fubo, a sports-focused virtual network bundle provider, pending regulatory approval. Fubo’s bundles will complement Hulu Plus Live TV, enhancing Disney’s reach to dedicated sports fans across devices.
Additionally, a $1.6 billion deal with WWE will bring popular wrestling content to ESPN, aiming to replicate Netflix’s success with WWE Raw and drive consistent viewership.
Fox’s offering, Fox One, priced at $19.99 per month, blends sports and news but lacks original or exclusive content. It will feature existing programming from Fox’s broadcast network, Fox News, and Fox Business, including NFL games, Big 10 football, baseball, European and U.S. soccer, NASCAR, and more. Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch emphasized the app’s reliance on the company’s established sports and news portfolio, which has sustained profitability since the 2019 sale of most entertainment assets to Disney.
Both apps target sports fans but differ in scope and strategy, with ESPN focusing on premium, exclusive sports content and Fox leveraging its existing broadcast strengths.