ESPN+ Cost: Subscription Price Explained

For sports fans, ESPN is a familiar name. But ESPN+, its streaming service launched in 2018, often leaves people wondering what it offers. While ESPN+ *does* stream live sports, it's best understood as a supplement to traditional ESPN channels, filling in gaps and providing exclusive content.

This guide explores ESPN+ in detail, covering its features, live sports offerings, pricing, and more for 2025.

What Is ESPN+? A Deep Dive into the Sports Streaming Service

ESPN+ Explained

ESPN+ is a subscription streaming service offering live sporting events, exclusive ESPN films and series (unavailable on standard ESPN channels), premium articles, and more. Subscribe standalone or as part of the Disney Bundle (Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu). See it at ESPN+.

Crucially, ESPN+ doesn't include access to main ESPN channels like ESPN, ESPN2, or ESPNEWS. To watch SportsCenter, you'll still need cable or a live TV service.

However, ESPN+ boasts a growing library of original shows such as Man in the Arena with Tom Brady, Peyton's Places, and ESPN FC. Since 2019, it's been the exclusive streaming home for NFL Primetime, offering Sunday night NFL game highlights and analysis. The entire archive of ESPN's acclaimed 30 for 30 documentaries is also available.

ESPN+ also provides access to ESPN+ Premium Articles on ESPN's website, featuring in-depth analysis, rankings, mock drafts, and more from renowned sportswriters.

ESPN+ Plans and Prices (March 2025)

Pricing Breakdown

ESPN+ offers a standalone monthly subscription for $11.99 or an annual plan at $119.99 (15% savings). A bundled option with Disney+ (With Ads) and Hulu (With Ads) is available for $16.99 per month.

Free Trial?

Currently, ESPN+ doesn't offer a free trial. While promotions may be offered by third parties, there are no current promotions directly from ESPN. Other streaming services with free trials may offer some sports content as an alternative.

What Channels Are Included in ESPN+?

ESPN+ doesn't include traditional channels. Instead, it offers a rotating selection of live sporting events, a large archive of past events, and exclusive on-demand ESPN shows and series not found on regular ESPN channels.

Can You Watch Live Sports on ESPN+?

Yes! ESPN+ streams thousands of live sporting events, including select NFL, MLB, and NHL games, various international soccer leagues, F1 racing, golf, boxing, and many collegiate sports. Availability depends on your location and regional blackouts may apply.

Importantly, ESPN+ is the exclusive streaming home for UFC events, including PPV fights (at an additional $79.99), Fight Nights, and an extensive fight archive.

While ESPN+ won't replace services like NFL Sunday Ticket or MLB.TV, it provides a significant amount of live sports content, especially for UFC, NHL, soccer, and college sports fans.

How to Watch ESPN+ - Available Platforms

ESPN+ is available on numerous devices in HD, supporting up to three simultaneous streams. The Disney Bundle allows convenient access through the Disney+ app (in the US). The ESPN app, Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, Google Chromecast, select smart TVs, and consoles (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One) also support ESPN+.