ESPN Unlimited Explained

The Marsh
1

I was confused when DirecTV Stream emailed me saying I was getting ESPN Ultimate for free, because I had no idea what ESPN Ultimate was. So, here’s a quick breakdown of my findings:

  • What it is: ESPN Ultimate is just a rebrand of the ESPN app that lets non–cable subscribers buy direct access to linear TV ESPN channels. If you already have cable/streaming, you’ve always had this via TV provider login.

  • The change: ESPN+ (now called ESPN Select) is bundled into ESPN Ultimate. Normally, even with a provider login, you still had to pay for ESPN+.

  • Who gets ESPN Ultimate free: Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream, Fubo, and Spectrum TV subscribers. Once activated, you no longer need ESPN+ separately, because it’s included in ESPN Ultimate.

  • Other providers: You can still use your TV provider log in for ESPN channels but will need to keep ESPN+ for extra content (ex. UL games).

My case: I have DirecTV Stream (Choice) plus the Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ bundle ($26.99/mo). Since ESPN+ is basically free in that bundle, I’m keeping it. (Disney+ alone is $20; Hulu is $19)

Anyways, hope this helps someone who was equally as confused as me.

2

So I have Directv but with the dish because I have a camp that I bring my receiver to when I go there. I have no internet at my camp, so this is the only way my wife will spend an extended weekend & can watch all her shows. I pay almost $200/mo, but this is only way to get satellite at the camp. Will the ESPN+ be free for my subscription also?

3

Nah, ESPN Unlimited is only included free to DirecTV Stream (streaming only). Not traditional dish Directv. So you’d still need to carry ESPN+(Select) on the side.

I’d maybe look into Starlink Roam - Unlimited. Kinda pricy upfront needing to buy the equipment, but can take internet connection with you wherever you go.

4

Just my luck. Thanks.