If you're a sports enthusiast, you're likely no stranger to ESPN, the go-to network for sports coverage. However, ESPN's streaming service, ESPN+, might still be a bit of a mystery to many, even though it's been around since 2018. While ESPN+ does offer live sports, it's designed as a complementary service that works best alongside traditional network channels, ensuring you don't miss out on any action.
Explore our comprehensive guide to ESPN+ below, including an overview of the service, the live sports you can stream, pricing details, and more for 2025.
What Is ESPN+? The Sports Streaming Service, Explained
ESPN+
You can sign up for ESPN+ as a standalone service or as part of the Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu. Visit ESPN+ to sign up. ESPN+ is a subscription-based streaming platform that offers live sporting events, exclusive ESPN films and series not found on traditional ESPN networks, premium articles, and more.
However, it's important to note that ESPN+ does not provide access to the standard ESPN channels like ESPN, ESPN2, or ESPNEWS. If you want to catch shows like SportsCenter, you'll still need a traditional cable or live TV subscription.
ESPN+ boasts a growing library of original programming, including shows like "Man in the Arena" with Tom Brady, "Peyton's Places," and "ESPN FC." It's also the exclusive home for "NFL Primetime" since 2019, offering highlights and analysis of NFL games every Sunday night during the season. Subscribers can also access the entire archive of ESPN's acclaimed "30 for 30" sports documentary series.
For those who enjoy in-depth sports analysis, ESPN+ provides access to ESPN+ Premium Articles on the ESPN website, featuring detailed analysis, rankings, mock drafts, and more from renowned sports writers.
ESPN+ Plans and Prices (As of March 2025)
Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ Bundle
You can get all three services for $16.99 per month at Disney+. ESPN+ is available as a standalone subscription for $11.99 per month or as an annual plan for $119.99 per year, which saves you 15% off the monthly rate. Alternatively, you can bundle ESPN+ (With Ads) with Disney+ (With Ads) and Hulu (With Ads) for $16.99 per month.
Answer See ResultsDoes ESPN+ Have a Free Trial?
Unfortunately, ESPN+ does not offer a free trial at this time. While there are no current promotions directly from ESPN, their website mentions that third parties may occasionally offer deals. Although ESPN+ doesn't provide a trial, other streaming services with sports content might offer free trials.
What Channels Does ESPN+ Include?
ESPN+ does not include traditional channels. Instead, it offers a range of live sporting events that are currently airing, a vast archive of previously aired events, and exclusive on-demand ESPN series and shows, most of which are not available on standard ESPN channels.
Can You Watch Live Sports on ESPN+?
Yes, you can watch thousands of live sporting events with an ESPN+ subscription. The lineup includes select NFL, MLB, and NHL games, various soccer leagues from around the world, F1, golf, boxing, a wide range of collegiate sports, and more. Availability of these games varies by region and may be subject to blackouts.
ESPN+ is the exclusive streaming platform for UFC events, including Pay-Per-View (PPV) fights, Fight Nights, and more. While UFC PPV events cost an additional $79.99 on top of your ESPN+ subscription, Fight Nights and other events are included at no extra cost. You can also stream hundreds of fights from the UFC archive.
While ESPN+ won't replace comprehensive season pass services like NFL Sunday Ticket or MLB.TV, it offers a significant amount of content for fans of UFC, NHL, soccer, and college sports.
How to Watch ESPN+ - Available Platforms
ESPN+ is available on a variety of devices, supporting HD streaming and up to three simultaneous streams. If you subscribe to the Disney Bundle Trio (including Hulu and ESPN+), you can conveniently watch all your content through the Disney+ app (in the US).
You can also access ESPN+ through the ESPN app on mobile devices, streaming devices like Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, and Google Chromecast, select smart TVs, and gaming consoles such as PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.
