If you're a sports enthusiast, chances are you're well-acquainted with ESPN, the go-to network for sports coverage. However, ESPN's streaming service, ESPN+, launched in 2018, often leaves fans scratching their heads. While ESPN+ does offer live sports, it's designed as a complementary service to traditional ESPN channels, ensuring you don't miss out on any action.
Dive into our comprehensive guide on ESPN+ for 2025, covering everything from what the service offers, the live sports you can stream, pricing details, and more.
What Is ESPN+? The Sports Streaming Service, Explained
ESPN+
Sign up for a standalone ESPN+ subscription or opt for the Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu. [ttpp]See it at ESPN+[ttpp] ESPN+ is a subscription-based streaming platform that provides access to live sports events, exclusive ESPN films and series not found on standard ESPN networks, premium articles, and more.
However, despite its name, ESPN+ does not include access to traditional ESPN channels like ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNEWS. If you're eager 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 highlights and analysis of NFL games every Sunday night during the season. Subscribers can also enjoy 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
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 choose the ESPN+ Annual Plan for $119.99 per year, saving you 15% off the monthly rate. Alternatively, 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 offer a free trial at the moment. While there are no current promotions directly from ESPN, the website mentions that some third parties may provide promotional offers. Although ESPN+ itself doesn't offer a trial, other streaming services with sports content might.
What Channels Does ESPN+ Include?
ESPN+ does not include traditional channels. Instead, it offers a variety of live sporting events, 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 lineup includes select NFL, MLB, and NHL games, various soccer leagues worldwide, F1, golf, boxing, a range of collegiate sports, and more. Availability can vary 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, UFC Fight Nights and other events are included at no extra cost. You can also stream hundreds of popular fights from the UFC archive.
While ESPN+ won't replace comprehensive season pass services like NFL Sunday Ticket or MLB.TV, it offers a substantial 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 watch all your content through the Disney+ app (in the US).
You can also access ESPN+ through the ESPN app on your mobile device, 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.
