ESPN Unlimited’s “free Disney+ and Hulu for a year” offer was a historical launch promotion, not a current free deal. From August 21, 2025, through January 5, 2026, eligible subscribers could pay $29.99 per month for 12 months for ESPN Unlimited with the ad-supported versions of Disney+ and Hulu included. As of August 12, 2026, ESPN lists the ad-supported three-service bundle at $35.99 per month.
The “free Disney+ and Hulu” ESPN Unlimited deal has ended
ESPN Unlimited launched with a promotion that effectively included the ad-supported versions of Disney+ and Hulu for 12 months, but the enrollment window ended on January 5, 2026. As of August 12, 2026, the original offer should be treated as a historical launch promotion—not an active free-year deal for new subscribers. ESPN Fan Support confirms the promotion’s dates.
The launch offer was also not a free trial. Subscribers paid $29.99 per month for the first 12 months. That was the same launch price ESPN announced for standalone ESPN Unlimited, so the ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu services were included without an additional charge compared with buying ESPN Unlimited alone. The distinction matters: ESPN Unlimited itself was not free, and neither Disney+ nor Hulu was provided as a no-payment account.
What the launch promotion included
ESPN announced three relevant launch prices:
| Launch option | Announced price | What it meant |
|---|---|---|
| ESPN Unlimited alone | $29.99 per month or $299.99 per year | The higher ESPN subscription tier, with access to ESPN’s network and streaming content. |
| Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited with ads | $35.99 per month normally; $29.99 per month for the first 12 months | The historical launch promotion that effectively added ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu at no extra cost compared with standalone ESPN Unlimited. |
| Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited without ads | $44.99 per month | A separate, higher-priced option. The launch “free Disney+ and Hulu” language did not mean the ad-free versions were included. |
| ESPN Select alone | $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year at launch | The lower ESPN tier, focused on the ESPN+ content library rather than the complete ESPN network lineup. |
These were launch prices announced by ESPN in May 2025. They should not be assumed to remain unchanged outside the current prices specifically listed below. Read ESPN’s launch announcement for the original pricing and plan descriptions.
#1 Best Overall
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
- No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
- Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
What ESPN Unlimited includes
ESPN Unlimited is the full ESPN direct-to-consumer tier, rather than an ESPN+ library-only subscription. ESPN’s launch description included the ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SEC Network+, and ACCNX services. ESPN described the tier as providing approximately 47,000 live events per year, along with replays, studio shows, original programming, and other on-demand content.
The current ESPN bundle page highlights programming such as:
- NFL and college football
- WWE premium live events
- LaLiga, Bundesliga, and NWSL soccer
- NBA, WNBA, NHL, and college basketball
- SportsCenter, College GameDay, and First Take
- ESPN Originals and 30 for 30 programming
Access is not identical for every event. Rights agreements, location, blackouts, the applicable plan, and whether a provider login is required can affect availability. The safest way to check a specific game or event is to verify it on the current ESPN bundle page and in the ESPN app before subscribing.
What the bundle costs now
ESPN’s current plan information lists ESPN Unlimited at $29.99 per month or $299.99 per year. ESPN’s live bundle page lists the ad-supported Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited bundle at $35.99 per month. That means the current bundle is no longer shown at the historical $29.99 introductory rate.
| If you mainly want… | Most relevant option | Important consideration |
|---|---|---|
| ESPN’s full network lineup and streaming access | ESPN Unlimited | Standalone ESPN Unlimited is currently listed at $29.99 monthly or $299.99 annually. |
| ESPN plus Disney and Hulu entertainment | The current three-service bundle | ESPN’s bundle page currently lists the ad-supported version at $35.99 monthly. |
| Only the ESPN+ library | ESPN Select | It is the lower tier and does not provide the same full network lineup as ESPN Unlimited. |
| Ad-free Disney+ and Hulu | The applicable no-ads bundle, if offered at checkout | It costs more than the historical ad-supported launch promotion, and current pricing should be checked before purchase. |
Prices, plan names, included programming, taxes, and renewal terms can change. Check the live ESPN checkout flow and the Disney+ Help Center for the current details before subscribing.
Why “free” is a misleading description
The headline makes sense only as a price comparison. During the launch period, the ad-supported three-service bundle cost $29.99 per month—the same amount ESPN announced for standalone ESPN Unlimited. In that narrow sense, Disney+ and Hulu were included for no additional monthly charge.
It did not mean:
- ESPN Unlimited cost nothing;
- you received a free trial with no payment;
- you received ad-free Disney+ or Hulu;
- the offer continued indefinitely after the first year; or
- every ESPN program could be watched inside Disney+ or Hulu.
ESPN’s support documentation says there is no free trial for the bundle plans. Avoid treating the old promotion as a current “free Disney+ account” or “free Hulu subscription” offer unless ESPN or Disney publishes a new, separately verified promotion.
Which apps do subscribers use?
The services do not merge into one universal app. Bundle subscribers generally use the ESPN, Disney+, and Hulu apps. Some Hulu content may be available through Disney+, and some ESPN+ content may be available through Hulu, but selected ESPN programming remains available only in the ESPN app.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #2
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
This has practical consequences:
- Install and sign in to the ESPN app for ESPN Unlimited programming.
- Use Disney+ for the Disney catalog and the Hulu content made available there.
- Use Hulu when a program or feature is provided through Hulu rather than Disney+.
- Do not assume that opening Disney+ will provide the complete ESPN Unlimited lineup.
- Check device support and regional restrictions for each service separately.
ESPN’s bundle support article explains the separate-app arrangement and account rules.
What you need to watch on a television
You need a compatible smart TV, game console, streaming media player, mobile device, web browser, or another supported device for the relevant apps. If your television lacks a modern app platform, an optional Amazon Fire TV Stick is one type of streaming media player that can provide access to supported streaming apps. It is not part of the ESPN promotion and is unnecessary if your existing television or streaming box already supports ESPN, Disney+, and Hulu.
Before buying any device, confirm that its model supports the current versions of all three apps and that your television has the required HDMI connection. App availability, features, and supported devices can change independently for ESPN, Disney+, and Hulu.
Existing subscribers: check before switching
People who already subscribe to Disney+, Hulu, or ESPN may be able to change to a bundle through Disney+ or Hulu. However, switching can affect existing promotional pricing, billing dates, or free trials. A subscription billed through Apple, Roku, Verizon Wireless, Xfinity, or another third party can also change the available signup and account-management options.
Before switching:
- Identify who currently bills each subscription.
- Record any promotional price, renewal date, or free-trial end date.
- Compare the total bundle price with the prices you currently pay separately.
- Read the checkout screen for the post-promotion renewal price and ad tier.
- Do not cancel an existing service until you understand whether the bundle will preserve access and billing history.
ESPN identifies Verizon Wireless, Xfinity, Apple, and Roku among the ecosystems that may be involved in signup or account management, but eligibility is not universal. Provider benefits and discounts must be verified with the provider rather than assumed from the old ESPN launch offer.
Eligibility and availability
ESPN’s support information describes the bundle as available to people residing in the United States or certain U.S. territories who are at least 18 years old, or the age of majority where they live. The bundle cannot be purchased on every platform that supports the individual services.
Availability can also vary because of:
- your country or U.S. territory;
- the device or billing platform used to subscribe;
- existing subscriptions and third-party billing;
- regional sports rights and blackout rules; and
- changes to ESPN, Disney+, or Hulu plan structures.
The $35.99 monthly price currently displayed by ESPN should therefore be treated as a current reference point, not a permanent price guarantee. Verify the final amount, taxes, renewal terms, and eligibility at checkout.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Bottom line for shoppers
ESPN Unlimited did launch with a valuable introductory bundle: from August 21, 2025, through January 5, 2026, new eligible subscribers could pay $29.99 per month for 12 months and receive the ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu services alongside ESPN Unlimited. That promotion has ended.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- 4K Ultra HD Resolution: Enjoy your TV in stunning resolution Ultra HD ers four times the resolution of Full HD for greater clarity and detail
- Android TV: With the Android TV operating system you will have access to the best content, download the infinity of applications available through the Google Play Store!
- Voice remote control: Just press the Google Assistant button and ask it to find, play and control content
- Chromecast Built-in: Easily cast movies, shows, and photos from your Android or iOS device to your Android TV
- Easy Setup: Access your Google account and configure the device, language and Wi-Fi network
For a new subscriber now, the decision is straightforward: choose standalone ESPN Unlimited if you want the full ESPN service at the current listed price, or pay the current listed $35.99 monthly rate for the ad-supported Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited bundle if the extra entertainment services justify the difference. Neither option should be described as a free trial, and the apps, content rights, and prices should be checked immediately before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Disney+ and Hulu actually free with ESPN Unlimited?
No. Subscribers paid $29.99 per month during the 12-month launch period. Disney+ and Hulu were included at no additional cost compared with standalone ESPN Unlimited, but ESPN Unlimited itself was not free.
Can I still get the $29.99 ESPN, Disney+, and Hulu deal?
No. ESPN’s support documentation says the discounted enrollment period ran from August 21, 2025, through January 5, 2026. A new subscriber should not expect the original $29.99 bundle promotion unless ESPN publishes a new offer.
Did the ESPN launch bundle include ad-free Disney+ and Hulu?
The launch promotion specified the ad-supported versions of Disney+ and Hulu. The ad-free bundle was announced separately at a higher price.
Can I watch all ESPN Unlimited content in Disney+?
ESPN Unlimited content is streamed through the ESPN app, while Disney+ and Hulu use their own apps. Some selected content may appear across services, but the apps are not interchangeable and some ESPN programming remains ESPN-app-only.
Can existing Disney+, Hulu, or ESPN subscribers switch to a bundle?
Possibly, but switching can affect promotional pricing or free trials, and third-party billing through services such as Apple, Roku, Verizon Wireless, or Xfinity can affect eligibility. Review the account and checkout terms before changing plans.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: The “free Disney+ and Hulu for a year” deal was a real ESPN Unlimited launch promotion, but it ended on January 5, 2026. ESPN currently lists the ad-supported three-service bundle at $35.99 per month, while standalone ESPN Unlimited is listed at $29.99 per month or $299.99 per year.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems
