If you're a sports enthusiast, you're likely well-acquainted with ESPN, the go-to network for sports coverage. Yet, its streaming counterpart, ESPN+, launched back in 2018, continues to leave many fans scratching their heads. While ESPN+ does stream live sports, it's designed as a complementary service that enhances your viewing experience when paired with traditional network channels.
Explore our comprehensive guide to ESPN+ below, which covers the service's overview, available live sports, pricing, and more for 2025.
What Is ESPN+? The Sports Streaming Service, Explained
ESPN+
You can subscribe to ESPN+ either as a standalone service or as part of the Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu. Check it out at ESPN+. ESPN+ is a subscription-based streaming platform that offers access to live sporting events, exclusive ESPN films and series not found on standard ESPN networks, premium articles, and more.
Despite its name, ESPN+ does not include access to mainstream ESPN channels like ESPN, ESPN2, or ESPNEWS. To catch shows like SportsCenter, you'll still need a traditional cable or live TV subscription.
However, ESPN+ boasts an expanding collection of original programming, including "Man in the Arena" with Tom Brady, "Peyton's Places," "ESPN FC," and more. Since 2019, it has been the exclusive streaming home for "NFL Primetime," showcasing Sunday night NFL highlights and analysis. Subscribers can also enjoy the entire archive of ESPN's acclaimed "30 for 30" documentary series.
If you're a fan of in-depth sports journalism, ESPN+ provides access to ESPN+ Premium Articles on the ESPN website, offering comprehensive analysis, rankings, mock drafts, and more from top sports writers.
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. Additionally, the Disney Bundle, including ESPN+ (With Ads), Disney+ (With Ads), and Hulu (With Ads), is available for $16.99 per month.
Answer See ResultsDoes ESPN+ Have a Free Trial?
Unfortunately, ESPN+ does not currently offer a free trial. There are no ongoing promotions, though the ESPN website mentions that some third parties might offer them. While ESPN+ lacks a trial, you can find free trials from other streaming services that include sports content.
What Channels Does ESPN+ Include?
ESPN+ doesn't feature 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 sports selection includes select NFL, MLB, and NHL games, various soccer leagues worldwide, F1, golf, boxing, collegiate sports, and more. Availability depends on your location and is subject to regional blackouts.
ESPN+ is also the exclusive platform for streaming 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 without extra charges. You can also stream hundreds of popular fights from the UFC archive.
Don't expect ESPN+ to replace existing season pass-like streaming services such as NFL Sunday Ticket or MLB.TV, as the majority of live games throughout the season won't be available on ESPN+. However, for fans of UFC, NHL, soccer, and college sports, ESPN+ offers a significant amount of content.
How to Watch ESPN+ - Available Platforms
Like many streaming apps, ESPN+ is available on a variety of devices in HD, with support for up to three simultaneous streams. If you subscribe to the Disney Bundle Trio (including Hulu and ESPN+), you can now watch all your content through the Disney+ app (in the US).
ESPN+ is 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.
