Annually subscribed ESPN+ users now face a price hike.
In a move that signals a broader trend in the industry, Disney has announced price increases for several of its streaming services. Starting from January 8, 2023, new ESPN+ subscribers will see an increase in their annual subscription cost from $50 to $60. This marks the second price hike for ESPN+ this year, as the monthly subscription cost for new sign-ups was increased from $5 to $6 earlier in 2022.
The price hike for ESPN+ is due to the expansion of programming for live events, original content, editorial initiatives, and studio programming. The increase in pay-per-view UFC event prices from $65 to $70 will also affect all subscribers.
Disney+, too, will see a price increase. Effective March of next year, the per-month subscription cost will rise from $7 to $8, and the per-year subscription plan will increase by an additional $10, from $70 to $80 annually. However, the news does not state whether this price hike will affect the Disney+ bundle price.
Hulu, another service under Disney's umbrella, has also undergone a price hike. The details of the Hulu with Live TV price increase are not specified in the provided information.
It's important to note that existing ESPN+ subscribers will continue to pay the current rate until at least March 2, 2023. This also applies to subscribers who pay for ESPN+ on a month-to-month basis, as the price changes will not impact them.
Good services can't stay dirt cheap forever, and this trend of price increases is common for such services. Other services are also increasing their prices, suggesting a broader trend in the industry.
The news does not provide specific information about any potential price changes for ad-supported Hulu. As for the Disney+ bundle, the annual subscription change will not affect the price for now.
In conclusion, Disney has announced price increases for ESPN+, Disney+, and possibly Hulu. These changes are due to the expansion of programming and original content. Existing subscribers will continue to pay the old rate until their billing cycle ends or until March 2, 2023, whichever comes first. New subscribers will see an increase in prices from January 8, 2023.
