ESPN & CNN Announce New Streaming Services: Will They Flop?

Fall 2025 is shaping up to be a big moment in streaming. CNN and ESPN are betting that their new streaming platforms will win over cord-cutters. But are these efforts too little, too late?

CNN’s New Streaming Service

CNN is adding a major upgrade to its digital plan with a new streaming product coming this fall. Built into the All Access tier, the service will offer live channels, catch-up shows, and a large library of on-demand video. People can watch through the CNN app, connected TVs, or at CNN.com.

The goal is to make CNN easier to use and more useful. Subscribers will get access to real-time news, original programming, and subscriber-only extras. Pay TV customers won’t need to pay more—this service will be free for them.

CNN says the upgrade is part of its push to stay ahead as more people ditch cable. While some might wonder why CNN is doubling down on streaming after its failed attempt with CNN+. This time the content will live alongside its news site, not in a standalone app. That might give it better odds.

Even so, the market is crowded. Getting people to pay for news—especially when so much is already free—won’t be easy. Unless CNN can offer something others don’t, the service could have trouble standing out.

ESPN’s New Streaming Service

ESPN is making its boldest move yet. Starting this fall, fans will be able to get every ESPN network directly through a new version of the ESPN app—no cable needed.

The service has two options:

• ESPN Select – $11.99/month or $119.99/year. Includes ESPN+ content like select live games, studio shows, and replays.
• ESPN Unlimited – $29.99/month or $299.99/year. Unlocks full access to all ESPN networks, 47,000 live events, and big-name shows like SportsCenter and College GameDay.

For fans already using ESPN+, nothing changes. They’ll be upgraded to Select automatically. But ESPN is also offering a bundle: Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited for $35.99/month—or $29.99/month for the first year if you sign up early.

The new app will include sports betting features, fantasy league tools, and built-in shopping for gear and tickets. Disney says it’s aiming to make ESPN the top destination for fans across all sports.

That said, price could be a sticking point. At $30 a month, ESPN costs more than Netflix or Max. Even with all the extras, some fans might think twice—especially if they’re already paying for multiple services.

Final Thoughts

CNN and ESPN are betting big on streaming this fall. Both are trying to mix old-school content with new platforms in hopes of keeping longtime fans while pulling in younger ones.

But with so many streaming apps and live TV services already competing for time and money, the question remains: will people care enough to sign up? We’ll find out soon.

For more information on this story, refer to the press release from ESPN and the report from Cord Cutter News.

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