Roku announced that ESPN+ will now be offered to their Roku Player, and Roku TV users. The service will be made available via the new ESPN channel on the Roku platform. ESPN+ is currently a one of a kind, multi-sport, direct-to-consumer premium subscription streaming service which offers thousands of additional live events and on-demand content which is not available on ESPN’s linear TV or Digital Network. Hence it should be understood that the programmings made available on ESPN+ will be distinctly different from those available on ESPN.
According to the General Manager of the Platform Business at Roku, Scott Rosenberg, “Roku customers have enjoyed the ESPN channel for years. The launch of ESPN+ marks an exciting moment for the OTT sports experience, giving consumers more sports content from their favorite pastimes than ever, [...] Roku customers that subscribe to ESPN+ will enjoy access to more live sports events, original shows and films, exclusive studio programs, and ESPN’s unmatched on-demand library.”
The service is set to deliver a vast catalog of content including exclusive ESPN films, such as the “30 for 30” documentary - which is essentially the highlight for getting the service. Other notable content on ESPN+ includes a sports archive of thousands of hours of on-demand programs, past sporting events and many ESPN original sports documentaries. Other than this, the platform will also focus on delivering niche sports such as MLB, NHL and MLS games, Top Rank Boxing, international Rugby, Grand Slam tennis, PGA Tour golf, college sports, cricket, and so much more.
Now the availability of ESPN+ on Roku devices is currently strictly restricted to the US. Users will be able to enroll for with a 7-day free trial, after which they can subscribe for a $4.99/month fee, or get an annual subscription at $49.99.