ESPN just dropped a streaming bomb that's got sports fans fuming: ESPN Unlimited costs $29.99 a month—and there's absolutely no free trial to test drive it first.
The new direct-to-consumer service launched last year and consolidated all ESPN content under one umbrella: live game broadcasts, studio shows, originals, and exclusive events. We're talking NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, UFC numbered shows, and WWE events. With every 2026 NBA Finals game now streaming exclusively on the app, FOMO is real.
But here's where the rage kicks in. ESPN Unlimited doesn't offer a trial period, meaning you're dropping $30 upfront with zero test drive. That's a hard pill for cost-conscious viewers to swallow.
The Free Trial Workaround
The good news? Rolling Stone just revealed a sneaky hack—and it actually works.
Both Fubo and DirecTV bundle ESPN Unlimited into certain plans and both offer free trials. You can sign up for their trial, watch ESPN Unlimited completely free, and cancel if it's not your thing.
Fubo's play: All Fubo plans (except the Latino tier) include a complimentary trial plus ESPN Unlimited access. After the free trial, plans start at $55.99/month with 200+ live TV channels.
DirecTV's move: ESPN Unlimited comes free with its MySports Genre Pack and larger Signature Packages—which all start with a five-day free trial. Post-trial pricing kicks off at $64.99/month, though first-month discounts usually apply.
The Full Price Rundown
If you want to go straight to the source without the workaround, ESPN Unlimited alone runs $29.99/month or $299.99/year. Bundle it with ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu? That's an extra $6, totalling $35.99/month for the trifecta.
ESPN fans aren't thrilled about the price tag, but the Fubo and DirecTV options work for anyone hesitant to commit.
