If you're a sports enthusiast, you're likely familiar with ESPN. However, ESPN's streaming service, ESPN+, often leaves fans puzzled despite its launch in 2018. While ESPN+ does offer live sports, it's more of a complementary service that enhances your viewing when paired with traditional network channels, ensuring you don't miss out on any action.
Dive into our comprehensive guide on ESPN+ for 2025, covering everything from its features to pricing and more.
What Is ESPN+? The Sports Streaming Service, Explained
ESPN+
Sign up for a standalone ESPN+ subscription or as part of the Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu. See it at ESPN+. ESPN+ is a subscription-based streaming platform that provides access to live sports events, exclusive ESPN films and series not available on standard ESPN networks, premium articles, and more.
Despite its name, ESPN+ does not include access to popular ESPN channels like ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNEWS. For example, if you want to watch SportsCenter, you'll still need a traditional cable or live TV subscription.
ESPN+ boasts a growing library of original ESPN TV shows, such as "Man in the Arena" with Tom Brady, "Peyton's Places," "ESPN FC," and more. It's also the exclusive home for "NFL Primetime" since 2019, offering highlights and analysis of NFL games every Sunday night during the season. Additionally, subscribers can access the entire archive of ESPN's acclaimed "30 for 30" sports documentary series.
If you enjoy in-depth sports analysis, ESPN+ provides access to ESPN+ Premium Articles on their 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
Includes all three services for $16.99 at Disney+. ESPN+ can be subscribed to as a standalone service for $11.99 per month, or you can opt for the annual plan at $119.99 per year, which saves you 15% off the monthly price. Additionally, you can bundle ESPN+ (With Ads) with Disney+ (With Ads) and Hulu (With Ads) for $16.99 per month.
Does ESPN+ Have a Free Trial?
Unfortunately, ESPN+ does not currently offer a free trial of its service. While there are no current promotions directly from ESPN, their website mentions that some third parties may offer deals. Although ESPN+ lacks a trial, other streaming services provide free trials that include access to sports.
What Channels Does ESPN+ Include?
ESPN+ does not include traditional channels but offers a wide array of live sporting events that are currently airing. It also features a vast archive of past 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 service includes select NFL, MLB, and NHL games, various international soccer leagues, F1, golf, boxing, and a range of collegiate sports, though availability depends on your location and is subject to regional 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 the ESPN+ subscription, UFC Fight Nights and other events are included at no extra cost, and you can access hundreds of fights from the UFC archive.
While ESPN+ won't replace services like NFL Sunday Ticket or MLB.TV for comprehensive season coverage, it offers a substantial selection for fans of UFC, NHL, soccer, and college sports.
How to Watch ESPN+ - Available Platforms
ESPN+ is available on various devices in HD, supporting up to three simultaneous streams. If you subscribe to the Disney Bundle Trio (including Hulu and ESPN+), you can 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.
