ESPN+ Subscription: Cost Explained

If you're a sports enthusiast, you're likely familiar with ESPN, the go-to network for all things sports. Yet, ESPN's streaming service, ESPN+, launched in 2018, still leaves many fans scratching their heads. While ESPN+ does offer live sports streaming, it's designed as a complementary service that works best alongside traditional network channels, ensuring you don't miss out on any action.

Explore our comprehensive guide to ESPN+ for 2025, covering everything from what the service offers, the live sports you can stream, pricing details, and much more.

What Is ESPN+? The Sports Streaming Service, Explained

ESPN+

You can subscribe to ESPN+ as a standalone service or opt for the Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu. Visit ESPN+ to sign up. ESPN+ is a subscription-based streaming platform that provides access to a wide array of live sports, exclusive ESPN films and series, premium articles, and more.

However, it's crucial to understand that despite its name, ESPN+ does not include access to the traditional ESPN channels like ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNEWS. For example, if you want to catch SportsCenter, you'll still need a cable or live TV subscription.

ESPN+ boasts a growing collection 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 platform for "NFL Primetime" since 2019, offering highlights and analysis of NFL games every Sunday during the season. Additionally, subscribers can dive into the entire archive of the acclaimed 30 for 30 sports documentary series.

For those who enjoy in-depth sports analysis, ESPN+ offers access to ESPN+ Premium Articles, featuring detailed insights, rankings, mock drafts, and more from renowned sports writers.

ESPN+ Plans and Prices (As of March 2025)

Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ Bundle

You can get all three services for $16.99 per month at Disney+. ESPN+ can be subscribed to independently for $11.99 per month, or you can save 15% by choosing the annual plan at $119.99 per year. Alternatively, bundle ESPN+ (With Ads) with Disney+ (With Ads) and Hulu (With Ads) for just $16.99 per month.

Does ESPN+ Have a Free Trial?

Unfortunately, ESPN+ does not offer a free trial at this time. There are no current promotions available directly through ESPN+, though the website mentions that some third parties might offer deals. While ESPN+ itself doesn't provide a trial, other streaming services with sports content do.

What Channels Does ESPN+ Include?

ESPN+ does not feature traditional channels. Instead, it offers a variety of live sports events, an extensive archive of past events, and exclusive on-demand ESPN series and shows, many of which are not accessible through standard ESPN channels.

Can You Watch Live Sports on ESPN+?

Absolutely! With an ESPN+ subscription, you can enjoy thousands of live sports events, including select games from the NFL, MLB, and NHL, as well as various soccer leagues worldwide, F1, golf, boxing, collegiate sports, and more. Availability of these games may vary by region and can be subject to blackouts.

ESPN+ is the exclusive streaming home 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, Fight Nights and other events are included at no extra cost. You can also access hundreds of fights from the UFC archive.

Don't expect ESPN+ to replace comprehensive sports packages like NFL Sunday Ticket or MLB.TV, as most live games throughout the season won't be available. However, for fans of UFC, NHL, soccer, and college sports, ESPN+ offers a substantial amount of content.

How to Watch ESPN+ - Available Platforms

Like many streaming services, ESPN+ is available on a variety of devices in HD and supports up to three simultaneous streams. If you're subscribed to the Disney Bundle Trio (which includes Hulu and ESPN+), you can conveniently access all your content through the Disney+ app in the US.

ESPN+ can also be watched via the ESPN app on your mobile device, streaming devices such as Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, and Google Chromecast, select smart TVs, and gaming consoles including PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.