ESPN and Fox have launched new direct-to-consumer streaming services, marking a significant moment for the sports industry. The move aims to simplify live rights and make them more accessible to fans. Both networks are now offering bundled packages starting at $39.99 per month, which includes all their sports rights currently available to cable customers.
ESPN’s service, titled ESPN, features fan-centric features such as an in-app merchandise store, data-filled portals, and a multi-view option for watching multiple live games simultaneously. Fox’s new service, called Fox One, provides similar functionality with unlimited storage for livestream recordings and a personalized content library.
The services are available to existing cable subscribers at no extra cost, and both networks are investing in new companies and leagues to offer bundled packages. ESPN has acquired the NFL Network as part of its strategic deal with the NFL, while Fox is working on partnerships with other leagues and programmers.
This shift has significant implications for local sports fans struggling to navigate a convoluted rights ecosystem. Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred wants to nationalize the league’s local sports rights deals with a big streamer, and ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro has expressed interest in housing the MLB’s live rights.
The new streaming services demonstrate a flexible approach to content platforms, allowing networks to offer bundled packages that can help lower streaming costs for consumers. As Fox One CEO Pete Distad noted, “I guess you could argue we kind of created that with this” service, which includes access to various leagues and programmers.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/08/24/sports-streaming-espn-fox-one