ESPN Tennis Streaming Cost, Packages & Tips for Aussie Fans in 2025
Jul, 1 2025
You’d think tennis would be easy to catch in Australia. We host our own Grand Slam, after all. But if you’re trying to follow the US Open, Wimbledon, or the ATP and WTA Tours, especially on ESPN, it gets a bit complicated. I still remember trying to stream the US Open final while stacking school lunches for Finley and Quinn—let’s just say, there’s a reason I’m obsessed with this topic now. So, here’s the full breakdown of how much ESPN tennis costs, the ins, outs, and money-saving moves that might just let you watch that first serve without breaking the bank.
Where ESPN Tennis Lives: Platforms, Channels & Regional Differences
Let’s get real: ESPN has long been the top dog for tennis in the US, with a lineup that covers the Australian Open, the US Open, Wimbledon, and a ton of tour matches. But here in Australia, ESPN's setup is different. Traditional ESPN on cable is available, but not every channel or digital solution is the same as in the States. ESPN content in Australia usually comes through Foxtel, Fetch TV, or via a stand-alone streaming option like Kayo Sports. There’s no ESPN Plus down under, at least not as a solo service like US audiences have. That's why Aussies trying to stream Rafael Nadal or Coco Gauff sometimes find themselves navigating a jungle of packages and apps.
Here’s a basic rundown:
- Foxtel: ESPN (including tennis) is bundled in the Sports Pack. Foxtel’s Sports Pack is an extra cost on top of the basic plan.
- Kayo Sports: ESPN channels, including tennis coverage, are included in all plans—no need to get a basic pack first.
- Fetch TV: ESPN is part of the Vibe Pack or available a la carte.
And here’s the kicker for Aussies—the rights for some Grand Slam events switch around. The Australian Open is shown live on Channel Nine and its digital platform (9Now), not ESPN, which confuses a lot of people. ESPN does, however, get the nod for slinging US Open action, and a good hunk of the ATP and WTA events.
ESPN Tennis Cost: Every Plan & Package in 2025
Here’s the part you scrolled for. What’s the damage? This nifty table sums up the current prices for ESPN access where tennis is live in Australia (July 2025):
| Platform | Monthly Cost (AUD) | ESPN Tennis Included? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foxtel (Sports Pack) | $74 / month | Yes | Base Foxtel Plus ($28) + Sport add-on ($46) |
| Kayo Sports | $25 (One device) $35 (Unlimited) |
Yes | Stream ESPN, Fox Sports, beIN & more |
| Fetch TV (Vibe Pack) | $6 / month (added to Fetch base) | Yes | Fetch box needed, base subscription $15+ |
| ESPN Plus (USA) | $10.99 USD | Yes (most tennis) | US only, geo-restricted |
This means for most Aussie tennis fans, ESPN tennis cost is tied to a larger sports or pay TV package. The cheapest way to stream ESPN specifically for tennis without fluff is Kayo’s $25/month entry-level plan. Foxtel will run you more, but you get classic cable TV style with a physical box.
For comparison, an annual plan on Kayo (if you pay upfront) can snag a bit of a discount, but you’ve got to be ready for that year-long commitment. Fetch is a wild-card option—great if you already use their device for the family, but less convenient as a first-time setup.
What Tennis Coverage Do You Really Get?
ESPN is famous for its blanket coverage during Grand Slams in the US, but don’t expect all the same matches down here. In Australia, ESPN’s tennis lineup includes live US Open coverage, select ATP and WTA tour events, and replays of classic matches—think old Roddick vs. Federer battles. Wimbledon’s main rights moved away from ESPN, so you’ll likely need Stan Sport to watch those matches here.
For major tournaments:
- Australian Open: Channel Nine/9Now, not ESPN.
- US Open: ESPN (via Kayo, Foxtel, Fetch).
- ATP/WTA events: Most are on ESPN, but some regional events or 250-level tourneys may end up on beIN Sports or Stan Sport instead.
- Wimbledon/French Open: Rights jump between Stan Sport or SBS.
Don’t forget ESPN also covers some legends’ tours and doubles—so on a late night, you might catch a random Serena Williams exhibition and then switch over to watch Australian Davis Cup highlights from the archives. I’ve even gotten Finley obsessed with a classic Nadal comeback set or two. Not all platforms keep full match replays up for long, so it’s worth checking recorded match windows if you watch on catch-up.
Tips to Save on ESPN Tennis: Bundles, Trials & Money Hacks
You want world-class tennis, but you don’t want to pay a full Foxtel bill just for a late-night semi-final. Good news is, there are a few tricks to save. Kayo and Fetch often give out free trials—up to 7 or 14 days—around major tournaments. So if you just want to binge-watch the US Open’s second week, you can start your Kayo account in August and cancel after, only paying for one month.
- Time your subscription: Activate at the start of Slam weeks or tour events, then drop out once your favorite is eliminated.
- Split the bill: Kayo’s multi-device plans let households watch on multiple screens, so make a friend a ‘family’ member or split the cost with a colleague.
- Check for bundle deals: Some mobile providers or broadband companies (like Telstra or Optus) toss in a few months of Kayo or Foxtel with new plans—always ask before signing up somewhere else.
- Churn & return: Don’t be afraid to pause your sports plan in the off-season. Tennis gets quiet in December and after Slams, so keep that money for next year’s racquet upgrade.
New Tennis Streaming Trends: What's Next for ESPN & Aussie Fans?
ESPN’s tennis coverage has shifted a lot in recent years. Tech companies like Amazon Prime and broadcasters like Stan Sport are muscling in on tennis rights. By July 2025, it’s almost a game of musical chairs for who streams what. ESPN still holds on to US Open rights in Australia—and their quality for replays, analysis, and on-demand matches is easily among the best. You get full HD streams, some 4K content (on select platforms like Foxtel iQ5), and multi-camera feeds on finals days.
Kids these days (mine included) want interactive options—ESPN started rolling out player stat overlays, live social media chats, and alternate commentary feeds just last year. It’s a sign that streaming is only going to get deeper, not cheaper, so mastering these platforms pays off. I try to set up a separate tablet with stats running for big matches (Quinn loves that sort of thing).
Paying for tennis will only get more complicated as rights keep leaping across services. My best advice? Stick with one app at a time, shop around for free trials before big tournaments, and ask your local sports-mad mates to trade logins or split plans.
One last stat for the road: According to recent reports, Australian streaming sports subscriptions climbed by 24% from 2023 to 2025, with Kayo and Stan Sport leading the charge. So you’re definitely not alone in the late-night tennis quest. As for ESPN tennis cost? The sweet spot remains Kayo or Fetch if you want ESPN in your streaming mix without having to sign up for a monster cable bill. If my kids can figure out how to pause live play for a snack break, you’ll have the whole match sorted in no time.