If you're a sports enthusiast, you're likely familiar with ESPN, but ESPN+'s streaming service might still leave you scratching your head. Launched in 2018, ESPN+ complements traditional ESPN channels by offering additional sports content that you won't find on regular broadcasts.
Dive into our comprehensive guide on ESPN+ for 2025, covering everything from the service's overview, the sports you can watch live, pricing details, and more.
What Is ESPN+? The Sports Streaming Service, Explained
ESPN+
Sign up for a standalone ESPN+ subscription or opt for the Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu. See it at ESPN+
ESPN+ is a subscription-based streaming platform offering access to live sports events, exclusive ESPN films and series not available on standard ESPN networks, premium articles, and more. However, it's important to note that ESPN+ does not include access to ESPN's traditional channels like ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNEWS. For shows like SportsCenter, you'll still need a cable or live TV subscription.
ESPN+ boasts a growing library of original content, including series like "Man in the Arena" with Tom Brady, "Peyton's Places," and "ESPN FC." It's also the exclusive home for "NFL Primetime" since 2019, featuring weekly NFL game highlights and analysis. Subscribers can also access the entire "30 for 30" documentary series.
For avid readers, ESPN+ offers access to ESPN+ Premium Articles, providing in-depth sports 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+ is available as a standalone subscription for $11.99 per month, or you can save 15% with the annual plan at $119.99 per year. Alternatively, 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. While no direct promotions are available from ESPN, the website suggests that third-party providers might offer special deals. However, other streaming services provide free trials that include sports content.
What Channels Does ESPN+ Include?
Contrary to what the name might suggest, ESPN+ does not include traditional channels. Instead, it streams a variety of live sports events, an extensive archive of past events, and exclusive on-demand ESPN series and shows not found on regular ESPN channels.
Can You Watch Live Sports on ESPN+?
Absolutely! ESPN+ offers thousands of live sports events, including select NFL, MLB, and NHL games, various soccer leagues worldwide, F1, golf, boxing, college sports, and more. The availability of these events can vary by region and is subject to blackouts.
ESPN+ is 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 fee, Fight Nights and other events are included with your subscription. You can also access hundreds of fights from the UFC archive.
While ESPN+ won't replace season pass services like NFL Sunday Ticket or MLB.TV, it offers a substantial amount of content for fans of UFC, NHL, soccer, and college sports.
How to Watch ESPN+ - Available Platforms
ESPN+ can be enjoyed on various devices in HD, supporting up to three simultaneous streams. Subscribers to the Disney Bundle Trio (Hulu and ESPN+) can now access all content through the Disney+ app (in the US).
Additionally, ESPN+ is available on the ESPN app for 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.
