If you're a sports enthusiast, you're likely well-acquainted with ESPN, the go-to network for sports coverage. However, ESPN's streaming service, ESPN+, might still be a bit of a mystery to you, even though it's been available since 2018. While ESPN+ does offer live sports streaming, it's designed to complement traditional network channels, ensuring you don't miss out on any action.
Dive into our comprehensive guide on ESPN+ for 2025, which covers 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 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 sporting events, exclusive ESPN films and series not available 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. For example, if you want to watch 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 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 per month. See it at Disney+
You can subscribe to ESPN+ as a standalone service for $11.99 per month, or opt for the annual plan at $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.
Does ESPN+ Have a Free Trial?
Unfortunately, ESPN+ does not currently offer a free trial. While there are no ongoing promotions directly from ESPN, the website mentions that some third parties may offer promotional deals. If you're looking for free trials, other streaming services that include sports content might be worth exploring.
What Channels Does ESPN+ Include?
ESPN+ does not include traditional channels. Instead, it offers a wide range of live sporting events, an extensive 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 from around the world, F1, golf, boxing, a variety of collegiate sports, and more. Availability can vary based 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 require an additional $79.99 fee on top of your ESPN+ subscription, UFC Fight Nights and other events are included at no extra cost. You can also access hundreds of popular fights from the UFC archive.
While ESPN+ won't replace season pass-like services such as 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 conveniently 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.