If you're a sports enthusiast, you're likely familiar with ESPN, but the streaming service ESPN+ might still leave you scratching your head. Launched in 2018, ESPN+ complements traditional network channels by offering a variety of sports content that you won't find elsewhere. Dive into our comprehensive guide to understand ESPN+ better, including its offerings, live sports, pricing, and more for 2025.

What Is ESPN+? The Sports Streaming Service, Explained

ESPN+

Sign up for a standalone ESPN+ subscription or opt for the Disney Bundle that includes Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu. Visit ESPN+ to subscribe. ESPN+ is a subscription-based streaming service that provides access to live sporting events, exclusive ESPN films and series not available on standard ESPN networks, premium articles, and more.

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

On the bright side, ESPN+ boasts a growing library of original content, including shows like Man in the Arena with Tom Brady, Peyton's Places, ESPN FC, and more. It's also the exclusive home for NFL Primetime since 2019, offering highlights and analysis of NFL games every Sunday night during the season. Subscribers can also enjoy 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 per month at Disney+. 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, 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. While there are no promotions directly from ESPN+, some third parties may offer deals. If you're looking for free trials, other streaming services might provide access to sports content.

What Channels Does ESPN+ Include?

ESPN+ does not include traditional channels. Instead, it offers a variety of live sporting events, 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 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. Availability may vary by region due 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 cost 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+ 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+ 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 watch all your content through the Disney+ app (in the US).

You can also access ESPN+ through the ESPN app on your mobile device, 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.