Disney's push into sports streaming with new ESPN service and app is expected to drive growth and profitability, reinforced by positive analyst outlook.

By Lisa Richwine LOS ANGELES -Walt Disney's ESPN will deliver its full range of sports programming outside of pay TV for the first time starting on Thursday, when the network debuts an app designed to be a hub for live games and personalized news,

ESPN Unlimited is a new and particularly comprehensive sports streaming subscription from ESPN. For context, the more limited plan previously known as ESPN+ has become ESPN Select and continues to cost $11.99/month. Subscribers to the existing Disney+ bundle with ESPN+ will see this change reflected going forward.

Disney’s long-awaited ESPN streaming launch marks the end of cable’s last anchor, signaling a new era where live sports, led by the NFL, are shifting to a fragmented, streaming-first future.

Bob Iger, Disney CEO, and Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN chairman, join CNBC's 'Squawk on the Street' to discuss ESPN's new direct-to-consumer platform, how the success of the app will be measured, and much more.

Disney Inc. (NYSE: DIS) shares rose more than 2% to $118.97 after the company officially launched its flagship ESPN streaming app, marking a major step into direct-to-consumer sports.

Disney's profit and revenue climbed in its fiscal third quarter based on the strength of the entertainment company's streaming service and domestic theme parks.

The special edition of "SportsCenter" was made possible by Eisen's return to ESPN in 2025. As a part of the ESPN app's move into the direct-to-consumer model, he will host "The Rich Eisen Show" beginning Sept. 2 on Disney and ESPN platforms.

If you’re all about bundling your different platforms, you’re in for some good news, as the ESPN app can be combined with your Hulu subscription and Disney+ subscription. There are even two different versions to choose from: