ESPN+ Subscription: Cost Breakdown Revealed

If you're a sports enthusiast, you're likely familiar with ESPN. However, ESPN's streaming service, ESPN+, might still leave you with questions, despite being available since 2018. While ESPN+ does offer live sports, it primarily serves as a supplementary streaming service that enhances your viewing experience when paired with traditional ESPN channels.

Dive into our comprehensive guide on ESPN+ for 2025, which covers everything from the service's overview to live sports streaming options, pricing, and beyond.

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. See it at ESPN+

ESPN+ is a subscription-based streaming platform that offers access to live sporting 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 traditional ESPN channels like ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNEWS. For shows like SportsCenter, you'll still need a cable or live TV subscription.

Despite this, ESPN+ boasts a growing library of original programming, 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, offering highlights and analysis of NFL games on Sunday nights 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 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 three services for $16.99 per month at Disney+

ESPN+ can be subscribed to as a standalone service for $11.99 per month, or you can opt for the annual plan at $119.99 per year, saving 15% off the monthly rate. 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 no promotions are available directly from ESPN, their website mentions that third-party promotions might be available. Although ESPN+ itself doesn't offer a trial, other streaming services with sports content may provide free trials.

What Channels Does ESPN+ Include?

ESPN+ does not include traditional channels but offers a variety of live sporting events, a vast archive of past events, and exclusive on-demand ESPN series and shows that are not available on standard ESPN channels.

Can You Watch Live Sports on ESPN+?

Yes, ESPN+ allows you to watch thousands of live sporting events. This includes select NFL, MLB, and NHL games, various soccer leagues from around the world, F1, golf, boxing, and a range of collegiate sports. The availability of these games 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 cost an additional $79.99 on top of your ESPN+ subscription, Fight Nights and other events are included at no extra cost, and you can access hundreds of popular fights from the UFC archive.

While ESPN+ cannot replace comprehensive season pass services like NFL Sunday Ticket or MLB.TV, it offers a significant amount of content for fans of UFC, NHL, soccer, and college sports.

How to Watch ESPN+ - Available Platforms

ESPN+ is accessible on a variety of devices in HD and supports 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 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.