If you're a fan of sports, you're likely familiar with ESPN, but its streaming service, ESPN+, might still be a bit of a mystery to you. Launched in 2018, ESPN+ is designed to complement traditional ESPN network channels, offering a range of live sports and exclusive content that enhances your viewing experience.
Check out our comprehensive guide to ESPN+ below, including an overview of the service, the live sports you can stream, pricing, and more for 2025.
What Is ESPN+? The Sports Streaming Service, Explained
ESPN+
You can 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 service that provides access to live sporting events, exclusive ESPN films and series, premium articles, and more.
Despite its name, ESPN+ does not include access to traditional ESPN channels like ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNEWS. If you want to watch shows like SportsCenter, you'll still need a cable or live TV subscription. However, ESPN+ offers a growing library of original content, such as 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, which features highlights and analysis of NFL games every Sunday night during the season. Additionally, you can access the entire archive of ESPN's acclaimed 30 for 30 sports documentary series.
For sports enthusiasts who enjoy in-depth analysis, ESPN+ includes access to ESPN+ Premium Articles on ESPN's website, offering detailed insights, rankings, mock drafts, and more from popular 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+ is available as a standalone subscription for $11.99 per month, or you can opt for the annual plan at $119.99 per year, which saves you 15% off the monthly price. Alternatively, you can bundle ESPN+ (With Ads) with Disney+ (With Ads) and Hulu (With Ads) for $16.99 per month.
Answer See ResultsDoes ESPN+ Have a Free Trial?
Unfortunately, ESPN+ does not offer a free trial of its service. While there are no current promotions directly from ESPN, the website mentions that some third parties might offer promotional deals. Although ESPN+ itself doesn't have a trial, other streaming services with sports content may offer free trials.
What Channels Does ESPN+ Include?
ESPN+ doesn't include traditional channels but instead offers a wide range of live sporting events. You'll find a vast archive of previously aired events, as well as exclusive on-demand ESPN series and shows, many of which are not available on standard ESPN channels.
Can You Watch Live Sports on ESPN+?
Yes, ESPN+ offers thousands of live sporting events. This includes select NFL, MLB, and NHL games, as well as various soccer leagues from around the world, F1, golf, boxing, collegiate sports, and more. Availability can vary by region and is subject to blackouts.
ESPN+ is also the exclusive streaming home 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, Fight Nights and other events are included at no extra cost. You can also access hundreds of popular fights from the UFC archive.
Don't expect ESPN+ to replace existing season pass-like services like NFL Sunday Ticket or MLB.TV, as most 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
ESPN+ is available on various devices in HD, supporting 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.