Observed Signal · Aug 3, 2026 · Product Launch · Source: Cord Cutters News · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Audio & Broadcast Market: SiriusXM Launches $5 Sports-Only Subscription
SiriusXM announced Sports Pass, a sports-only subscription plan launching September 1, 2026, priced at $5 per month or $49 per year for new U.S. subscribers. The plan provides access to SiriusXM’s full sports programming, including live games and events across major professional leagues (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL), motorsports (NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula 1), PGA Tour golf, WWE Premium Live Events, international and domestic soccer, tennis, and extensive college sports coverage. Sports Pass will also include exclusive SiriusXM sports channels, national analysis, podcasts, and 24 local sports talk stations (including 23 added Audacy stations plus ESPN LA 710). Access will be available via compatible vehicles and the SiriusXM app, with some local and team-specific play-by-play channels limited to the app and vehicles equipped with SiriusXM 360L radios. The launch consolidates SiriusXM’s sports audio inventory into a low-priced, single package ahead of the NFL and college football seasons.
Major audio publisher launching a new low-cost sports subscription increases consumer options and consolidates sports audio inventory, which could modestly affect audio audience segmentation and advertising inventory but is not industry-shifting.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- SiriusXM will launch Sports Pass on September 1, 2026.
- Sports Pass is priced at $5 per month or $49 annually for new U.S. subscribers.
- The plan includes live coverage across NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula 1, PGA Tour, WWE events, soccer, tennis, and extensive college sports.
- The offering includes 24 local sports talk stations, featuring 23 recently added Audacy stations plus ESPN LA 710.
- Access is available via the SiriusXM app and in vehicles; some local and team-specific channels are limited to the app and SiriusXM 360L‑equipped radios.
Connected Companies & Entities
5 Entities mappedSiriusXM
Subscription audio platform with advertising and specialist data services.
“SiriusXM has announced a new subscription option called Sports Pass, set to become available on September 1, 2026....”
Audacy
US audio broadcaster, streaming platform, podcast network and ad seller.
“The local lineup features 23 recently added Audacy sports stations plus ESPN LA 710, all of which join the SiriusXM platform on the launch d...”
Liberty Media
Owner of premium motorsport media rights and fan subscription platforms.
“which later came under majority ownership by Liberty Media before a 2024 corporate restructuring made Sirius XM Holdings an independent publ...”
ESPN
Sports media network spanning publishing, streaming, broadcast and fantasy games.
“The local lineup features 23 recently added Audacy sports stations plus ESPN LA 710, all of which join the SiriusXM platform on the launch d...”
Cord Cutters News
Streaming news publisher monetised through affiliate commerce and advertising.
“By Luke Bouma on August 3, 2026 in All News, News (article published on Cord Cutters News)....”
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