If you're a sports enthusiast, you're likely no stranger to ESPN, but the network's streaming service, ESPN+, might still be a bit of a mystery to you. Launched in 2018, ESPN+ is designed to complement traditional ESPN channels rather than replace them, offering a variety of live sports and exclusive content to enhance your viewing experience.
Explore our comprehensive guide to ESPN+ below, including an overview of the service, live sports options, pricing, 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. See it at ESPN+. ESPN+ is a subscription-based streaming platform offering access to live sports, exclusive ESPN films and series, premium articles, and more. However, it's important to note that ESPN+ does not include access to traditional ESPN channels like ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNEWS. If you want to watch shows like SportsCenter, you'll still need a cable or live TV subscription.
ESPN+ boasts a growing library of original content, 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 Sunday night highlights and analysis during the NFL season. Subscribers can also enjoy the entire "30 for 30" documentary series. For avid readers, ESPN+ provides access to premium articles on ESPN's website, featuring in-depth analysis, rankings, mock drafts, and more from renowned sports analysts.
ESPN+ Plans and Prices (As of March 2025)
Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ Bundle
You can purchase ESPN+ as a standalone subscription for $11.99 per month or opt for the annual plan at $119.99 per year, which saves you 15% compared to the monthly rate. Alternatively, you can bundle ESPN+ (With Ads) with Disney+ (With Ads) and Hulu (With Ads) for $16.99 per month. $16.99 at Disney+.
Does ESPN+ Have a Free Trial?
Unfortunately, ESPN+ does not currently offer a free trial. While there are no promotions available directly from ESPN, some third parties may offer deals. For those interested in trying out streaming services, other platforms might provide free trials that include sports content.
What Channels Does ESPN+ Include?
ESPN+ does not include traditional channels. Instead, it features a variety of live sporting events and a vast archive of previously aired events, as well as exclusive on-demand ESPN series and shows not found on standard ESPN channels.
Can You Watch Live Sports on ESPN+?
Yes, you can watch thousands of live sporting events with an ESPN+ subscription. This includes select NFL, MLB, and NHL games, various soccer leagues from around the world, F1, golf, boxing, and a range of collegiate sports. Availability can vary by region due to blackouts. ESPN+ is also the exclusive streaming platform for UFC events, including Pay-Per-View (PPV) fights, Fight Nights, and access to the UFC archive. While UFC PPV events cost an additional $79.99, Fight Nights and other events are included with your subscription. Keep in mind that ESPN+ won't replace services like NFL Sunday Ticket or MLB.TV, but it offers substantial content for fans of UFC, NHL, soccer, and college sports.
How to Watch ESPN+ - Available Platforms
ESPN+ is available on various devices, supporting HD streaming and up to three simultaneous streams. For those subscribed to the Disney Bundle Trio, which includes Hulu and ESPN+, content can be accessed through the Disney+ app in the US. ESPN+ is also accessible via 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.