If you're a sports enthusiast, you're likely well-acquainted with ESPN, the leading sports network. However, ESPN's streaming service, ESPN+, might still be a bit of a mystery to many fans, despite its launch back in 2018. While ESPN+ does offer live sports, it's designed more as a complementary service that works alongside traditional network channels to give you a comprehensive sports viewing experience.
Dive into our comprehensive guide on ESPN+ for 2025, where we cover everything from the service overview, available live sports, pricing, and more.
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. [ttpp]See it at ESPN+[ttpp] ESPN+ is a subscription-based streaming service that offers access to 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. If you want 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 has been the exclusive home for "NFL Primetime" since 2019, offering highlights and analysis of NFL games every Sunday night during the season. Subscribers 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 ESPN's 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 3 services [ttpp]$16.99 at Disney+[ttpp] ESPN+ can be purchased as a standalone subscription for $11.99 per month, or you can choose the ESPN+ Annual Plan for $119.99 per year, which saves 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. There are no promotions available directly from ESPN, but the ESPN website mentions that some third parties may offer promotions. While ESPN+ doesn't provide a trial, other streaming services with sports content might offer free trials.
What Channels Does ESPN+ Include?
ESPN+ does not include traditional channels. Instead, it features a variety of live sporting events that are 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! With an ESPN+ subscription, you can watch thousands of live sporting events. The lineup includes select NFL, MLB, and NHL games, various soccer leagues from around the world, F1, golf, boxing, a range of collegiate sports, and more. The availability of these games can vary by region and may be subject to 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
ESPN+, like many other streaming apps, is available on a variety of devices in HD, supporting 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+ 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.
