ESPN+ Subscription: Cost Revealed

If you're a sports enthusiast, you're likely no stranger to ESPN. Yet, despite its launch back in 2018, ESPN+ continues to be a source of confusion for many fans. While it does offer live sports streaming, ESPN+ is designed to complement, rather than replace, traditional ESPN network channels, ensuring a comprehensive sports viewing experience.

Explore our comprehensive guide to ESPN+ below, covering everything from the service's overview, available live sports, pricing, and more as we look ahead to 2025.

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. Visit ESPN+ to learn more. ESPN+ is a subscription-based streaming service that offers access to a range of live sporting events, exclusive ESPN films and series (many of which are not available on standard ESPN networks), premium articles, and more.

However, despite its name, ESPN+ does not include access to popular ESPN network channels like ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, and others. To watch shows like SportsCenter, you'll still need a traditional cable or live TV subscription.

ESPN+ boasts a growing catalog of original ESPN TV shows, including "Man in the Arena with Tom Brady," "Peyton's Places," "ESPN FC," and more. It's also been the exclusive home for NFL Primetime since 2019, offering highlights and analysis of NFL games every Sunday night during the season. With an ESPN+ subscription, you can also access 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 at Disney+. ESPN+ can be purchased as a standalone subscription for $11.99 per month, or you can opt for the ESPN+ Annual Plan at $119.99 per year, saving you 15% off the monthly price. Additionally, 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 of its service. While there are no current promotions available directly from ESPN, the website mentions that some third parties may offer promotions. Although ESPN+ doesn't provide a trial, other streaming services with sports content do offer free trials.

What Channels Does ESPN+ Include?

ESPN+ does not include traditional channels. Instead, it features a variety of live sporting events currently airing, a massive archive of previously aired 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! With an ESPN+ subscription, you can watch thousands of live sporting events. The selection includes select NFL, MLB, and NHL games, various soccer leagues from around the world, F1, golf, boxing, a variety of collegiate sports, and more. The availability of these games depends on your location and is subject to regional blackouts.

ESPN+ is also 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 on top of your ESPN+ subscription, UFC Fight Nights and other events are included at no extra cost. You can also stream hundreds of popular fights from the UFC archive.

Don't expect ESPN+ to replace existing season pass-like streaming services like 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 substantial amount of content.

How to Watch ESPN+ - Available Platforms

Like many other streaming apps, ESPN+ is available on a variety of devices in HD, supporting up to three simultaneous streams. If you subscribe to the Disney Bundle Trio (including Hulu and ESPN+), you can conveniently watch all your content through the Disney+ app (in the US).

ESPN+ is also accessible through the ESPN app on mobile devices, streaming devices such as Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, and Google Chromecast, select smart TVs, as well as gaming consoles like PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.