Disney raising prices on ESPN+ again in October

Disney raising prices on ESPN+ again in October
**Disney Announces Streaming Price Hikes for October, Impacting ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu**

Disney has announced a new round of price increases for its streaming services, set to take effect in mid-October. ESPN+, known for streaming UFC and PFL events, will see its monthly subscription cost rise from $10.99 to $11.99. Notably, ESPN+ does not offer an ad-free subscription option.

Disney’s other streaming platforms will also see price increases. The basic tier of Disney+ will go up to $9.99 per month, while the premium ad-free version will cost $15.99. Hulu’s ad-supported plan will increase to $9.99 per month, and the ad-free option will jump to $18.99. Additionally, Hulu with Live TV will rise by $6 to a new monthly rate of $82.99.

These price adjustments will be implemented starting October 17. Disney has made similar price increases in the past, including in 2023 when ESPN+ subscriptions went from $9.99 to $10.99 per month. This latest round of hikes appears to be part of Disney’s broader strategy to encourage subscribers to opt for bundle deals, which offer a combination of Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ at a reduced overall cost.

The announcement of these price increases comes just ahead of Disney’s second-quarter financial results for 2024. In recent months, Disney has been making significant changes at ESPN, including the launch of a new sports-specific streaming bundle called Venu. This service, which includes ESPN+ along with FOX and Warner Bros. Discovery channels, will be priced at $42.99 per month and is expected to go live in the fall before the NFL season begins.

Looking ahead, ESPN is also planning to introduce its own standalone streaming service in 2025, though pricing details have yet to be revealed. The price hikes follow ESPN’s recent long-term deal with the NBA, securing broadcast rights for another 11 years. The network is also gearing up for negotiations on a new TV contract with the UFC, with the current deal set to expire in early 2025.