ESPN and Fox Streaming Bundle: What It Is

Yes, ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery have announced a joint streaming service that bundles their sports networks into a single app. The service, currently referred to as a “sports streaming joint venture,” is expected to launch in fall 2024, and will include linear channels like ESPN, Fox Sports 1 (FS1), Fox Sports 2 (FS2), TNT, TBS, and truTV, along with select streaming content. This article explains what the bundle includes, how it will work, what it will cost (as far as is known), and how it compares to existing options.

Background: Why the Three Companies Are Teaming Up

The streaming landscape has fragmented sports rights across multiple platforms. ESPN+ carries some college sports and NHL games, but many marquee events (like Monday Night Football) are on linear ESPN. Fox’s sports content is split between the Fox broadcast network and FS1/FS2, while Warner Bros. Discovery’s TNT and TBS hold NBA, NHL, and MLB rights. Cord-cutters often need two or three separate subscriptions to watch their favorite teams, which is expensive and inconvenient.

In February 2024, the three companies announced a 50/50/50 joint venture (each owns one-third) to create a single app that combines their sports networks. The goal is to offer a “one-stop shop” for sports fans who don’t want a full cable or satellite package. The service will be available as a standalone app, and it will also be offered as part of a bundle with the companies’ respective streaming platforms (Disney+, Hulu, Max, and possibly others).

What Channels and Content Will Be Included?

Based on the announcement, the service will include the following linear networks:

• ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPNews
• Fox Sports 1 (FS1), Fox Sports 2 (FS2), Big Ten Network (BTN)
• TNT, TBS, truTV

In addition, the service will stream games that are currently on those networks, as well as some content that is exclusive to the streaming platforms (e.g., ESPN+ exclusive college games, and possibly some TNT/TBS digital extras). However, it will not include ESPN’s full suite of ESPN+ original shows, nor will it include the full libraries of Disney+, Hulu, or Max. The service is specifically for sports.

Notably, the service will not include NFL Sunday Ticket (which is exclusive to YouTube TV), nor will it include out-of-market MLB, NBA, or NHL packages (those are sold separately). It will, however, include nationally televised games from those leagues, including Monday Night Football, Thursday Night Football (on Amazon, but also some simulcasts), NBA on TNT, and MLB on Fox and ESPN.

How the Streaming Bundle Will Work

The service will be a single app, available on major platforms (iOS, Android, smart TVs, and streaming devices). You will log in with one account and get access to all the included channels live, as well as on-demand replays and highlights. The app will feature a unified interface, so you can browse games across all networks without switching apps.

One key detail: the service will launch as a standalone subscription, but it will also be offered as a bundle with other streaming services. For example, you might be able to add it to your existing Disney+ and Hulu subscription, or to Max. The pricing for those bundles has not been announced yet, but the standalone price is expected to be in the $40-$50 per month range, based on industry estimates (though nothing official has been confirmed).

Importantly, the service will not require a cable login. It is a direct-to-consumer product, meaning anyone can subscribe without a pay-TV subscription. That is a significant shift, as previously, many of these channels required a cable or satellite package to stream via apps like ESPN or Fox Sports.

Cost and Pricing: What We Know and Don’t Know

As of now, no official price has been announced. The companies have only said that pricing will be “competitive” and that more details will come closer to launch. Industry analysts have speculated that the service could cost between $40 and $50 per month, given that the combined cost of the underlying networks on traditional cable is roughly $50-$60 per month. However, that is just speculation.

For comparison, here is what you might pay for alternatives:

• YouTube TV (with all sports channels): $72.99/month
• Hulu + Live TV (includes ESPN, FS1, TNT): $76.99/month
• FuboTV (sports-focused, includes most of these channels): $79.99/month
• ESPN+ standalone: $10.99/month (but does not include ESPN linear channels)
• Max (with TNT/TBS): $9.99/month (but does not include live sports on those networks unless you have a cable login)

So the new bundle could be significantly cheaper than a full live TV streaming service, especially for viewers who only care about sports. However, it will not include non-sports channels like CNN, HGTV, or local broadcast networks.

How It Compares to Existing Options

The main competitors to this new service are:

• YouTube TV – offers all the same sports channels, plus many entertainment channels, but at a higher price.
• Hulu + Live TV – similar to YouTube TV, but includes Disney+ and ESPN+ in the bundle.
• FuboTV – focuses on sports, but also includes many entertainment channels; its base plan is more expensive than the expected price of the new service.
• DirecTV Stream – a traditional live TV streaming service, with prices starting around $75/month.
• ESPN+ – a cheaper add-on, but does not include the main ESPN channel, so you cannot watch Monday Night Football or most college football games.

The new bundle’s main advantage is price and simplicity: you get the sports channels you want without paying for entertainment channels you don’t. The main disadvantage is that you lose access to local broadcast networks (ABC, Fox, NBC, CBS) for games that are broadcast over-the-air (like some NFL games on Fox). However, you can get those with an over-the-air antenna for free.

Common Problems and Limitations

There are several potential issues that have been raised by analysts and consumers:

• No local channels: The service will not include ABC, Fox, or NBC local affiliates, so you cannot watch games that are broadcast on those networks (like some NFL games on Fox or ABC’s Saturday college football). You would need an antenna or a separate streaming service for those.
• No ESPN+ originals: The service includes ESPN’s linear channels, but not ESPN+ exclusive content like UFC Fight Nights, some college sports, and the full library of 30 for 30 documentaries. If you want those, you would need a separate ESPN+ subscription.
• No NFL Sunday Ticket: That package remains exclusive to YouTube TV.
• Potential blackouts: Some local games may be blacked out due to regional sports network agreements. For example, if you live in a market where a game is on a regional sports network (like YES Network for Yankees games), it may not be available on this service.
• Pricing uncertainty: If the price ends up being higher than expected, it may not be a good deal compared to a full live TV service.

How to Choose the Right Option for You

If you are considering the new bundle, ask yourself these questions:

1. Do you watch sports on ESPN, Fox Sports, or TNT/TBS? If yes, this service could be a good fit.
2. Do you need local broadcast channels for NFL or college football? If yes, you may need an antenna or a separate service.
3. Do you watch ESPN+ originals or UFC? If yes, you would need to add ESPN+ separately.
4. Do you watch non-sports channels like CNN or HGTV? If yes, a full live TV service might be better.
5. Are you okay with a limited channel lineup? The service is sports-only, so it is not a replacement for a full TV package.

For most sports fans, the new bundle will be a cheaper alternative to live TV streaming, but it will not cover every game. You might need to combine it with an antenna and possibly an ESPN+ subscription to get full coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the ESPN/Fox/WBD streaming service launch?

The companies have announced a fall 2024 launch, but no exact date has been set. They have said they will provide more details, including pricing, closer to launch.

Will the service include ESPN+?

No, the service will not include ESPN+’s full library of on-demand content and exclusive events. It will only include the linear ESPN channels (ESPN, ESPN2, etc.) and some streaming content that is part of the joint venture. ESPN+ will remain a separate subscription.

Can I watch local NFL games on this service?

Only if the game is on one of the included national channels (ESPN, Fox, or TNT). Games that are broadcast on your local Fox or ABC affiliate will not be available unless you use an antenna or a separate service. Many Sunday afternoon games on Fox are local broadcasts, so you may miss some.

Will the service include NBA, MLB, and NHL games?

Yes, it will include nationally televised games from those leagues that air on ESPN, TNT, TBS, and Fox Sports. However, it will not include out-of-market packages like NBA League Pass or MLB.TV, which are sold separately.

How much will it cost?

No official price has been announced. Industry estimates suggest $40-$50 per month, but that is speculative. The companies have only said that pricing will be “competitive” and that more details will come later.

Will I still need a cable login to use the app?

No, the service is a direct-to-consumer product. You will be able to subscribe directly, without a cable or satellite TV subscription.

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