If you're a sports enthusiast, chances are you're already well-acquainted with ESPN, the renowned sports network. However, ESPN's streaming service, ESPN+, may still leave some fans scratching their heads, even though it's been available since 2018. While ESPN+ does offer live sports streaming, it's designed more as a complementary service that enhances your sports viewing experience when paired with traditional network channels.
Below is a comprehensive guide to ESPN+, 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 subscribe to ESPN+ as a standalone service or as part of the Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu. [ttpp]Visit ESPN+ for more details.[ttpp] ESPN+ is a subscription-based streaming platform that offers access to live sports events, exclusive ESPN films and series not typically found on standard ESPN networks, 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 catch 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," "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. Subscribers can also access the full archive of ESPN's acclaimed "30 for 30" sports documentary series.
For avid readers, ESPN+ provides access to ESPN+ Premium Articles on the ESPN website, offering in-depth analysis, rankings, mock drafts, and more from top sports analysts.
ESPN+ Plans and Prices (As of March 2025)
Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ Bundle
The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu (With Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads), is available for $16.99 per month. [ttpp]Explore the Disney Bundle at Disney+.[ttpp] Alternatively, you can opt for a standalone ESPN+ subscription at $11.99 per month or choose the annual plan for $119.99 per year, saving you 15% off the monthly price.
Does ESPN+ Have a Free Trial?
Unfortunately, ESPN+ does not offer a free trial at the moment. While there aren't any current promotions directly from ESPN, the website mentions that some third-party providers may offer deals. Although ESPN+ lacks a trial, other streaming services with sports content do provide free trials.
What Channels Does ESPN+ Include?
ESPN+ doesn't feature traditional channels but instead offers a variety of live sporting events, an extensive archive of past events, and exclusive on-demand ESPN series and shows, many of which are not available on standard ESPN channels.
Can You Watch Live Sports on ESPN+?
Absolutely! With an ESPN+ subscription, you can stream thousands of live sporting events, including select NFL, MLB, and NHL games, various soccer leagues from around the world, Formula 1, golf, boxing, a range of collegiate sports, and more. Availability varies by region and may be subject to blackouts.
Additionally, 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, along with access to hundreds of fights from the UFC archive.
While ESPN+ isn't meant to 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 wide range of devices, supporting up to three simultaneous streams in HD. If you're subscribed to the Disney Bundle Trio (including Hulu and ESPN+), you can watch all your content conveniently 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.
