ESPN+ Explained: How Much Does a Subscription Cost?

If you're a sports enthusiast, you're likely no stranger to ESPN, the renowned sports network. However, ESPN's streaming service, ESPN+, might still be a mystery to many fans, despite its launch back in 2018. While ESPN+ does offer live sports streaming, it's designed to complement traditional network channels, enhancing your overall sports viewing experience.

Dive into our comprehensive guide to ESPN+ below, which covers everything you need to know about the service, including the range of live sports you can stream, pricing details, and more for 2025.

What Is ESPN+? The Sports Streaming Service, Explained

ESPN+

You can sign up for a standalone ESPN+ subscription or opt for the Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu. Visit ESPN+ for more details. ESPN+ is a subscription-based streaming platform that offers access to live sports events, exclusive ESPN films and series (many of which are not available on traditional ESPN networks), premium articles, and more.

Despite its name, ESPN+ does not include access to popular ESPN network channels such as ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNEWS. If you want to watch shows like SportsCenter, you'll still need a traditional cable or live TV subscription.

However, ESPN+ boasts an expanding library of original ESPN TV shows, including "Man in the Arena with Tom Brady," "Peyton's Places," and "ESPN FC." It has been the exclusive streaming home for "NFL Primetime" since 2019, offering 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 with an ESPN+ subscription.

For those who enjoy in-depth sports analysis, ESPN+ provides access to ESPN+ Premium Articles on ESPN's website, featuring detailed analyses, rankings, mock drafts, and more from renowned sports writers.

ESPN+ Plans and Prices (As of March 2025)

Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ Bundle

You can purchase ESPN+ as a standalone subscription for $11.99 per month, or choose the ESPN+ Annual Plan for $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.

Does ESPN+ Have a Free Trial?

Unfortunately, ESPN+ does not offer a free trial of its service at the moment. There are no current promotions available directly from ESPN, but they note that some third parties might offer promotions. While ESPN+ itself doesn't provide a trial, other streaming services that include sports content might offer free trials.

What Channels Does ESPN+ Include?

ESPN+ does not include traditional channels. Instead, it features a wide array of live sports events currently airing, along with a vast 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, you can watch thousands of live sporting events with an ESPN+ subscription. The sports selection includes select NFL, MLB, and NHL games, various soccer leagues from around the world, F1, golf, boxing, a range of collegiate sports, and more. Availability may vary based on your location due to regional 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 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.

While ESPN+ cannot replace existing season pass-like streaming services such as 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

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

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