ESPN+ Subscription Cost: What You Need to Know

If you're a sports enthusiast, chances are you're already familiar with the powerhouse sports network ESPN. However, its streaming service, ESPN+, still leaves many fans scratching their heads, even though it's been around since 2018. While you can indeed watch live sports on ESPN+, it's more of a supplementary service designed to complement traditional network channels, ensuring you don't miss out on any action.

Let's dive into a comprehensive overview of ESPN+ for 2025, covering everything from what it is, the live sports you can stream, pricing details, 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. See it at ESPN+

ESPN+ is a subscription-based streaming service that offers access to a plethora of live sporting events, exclusive ESPN films and series not available on standard ESPN networks, premium articles, and more. However, it's crucial to note that ESPN+ does not include access to the main ESPN network channels like ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNEWS. If you're eager to catch SportsCenter, for example, you'll still need a traditional cable or live TV subscription.

On the bright side, ESPN+ boasts a growing catalog of original content, including shows 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 Sunday night highlights and analysis during the NFL season. Subscribers can also enjoy the entire archive of the acclaimed 30 for 30 sports documentary series.

For those who appreciate in-depth sports analysis, ESPN+ grants access to ESPN+ Premium Articles on the ESPN website, offering detailed analysis, rankings, mock drafts, and more from top sports writers.

ESPN+ Plans and Prices (As of March 2025)

Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ Bundle

This bundle includes all three services for just $16.99 per month. Get it at Disney+

You can purchase ESPN+ as a standalone subscription for $11.99 per month or choose the annual plan for $119.99 per year, saving you 15% off the monthly price. Alternatively, you can bundle ESPN+ (With Ads) with Disney+ (With Ads) and Hulu (With Ads) for a convenient $16.99 per month.

Does ESPN+ Have a Free Trial?

Unfortunately, ESPN+ does not currently offer a free trial. While there are no ongoing promotions directly from ESPN, some third-party offers might be available. If you're looking for free trials, other streaming services that provide sports content might be worth exploring.

What Channels Does ESPN+ Include?

ESPN+ doesn't include traditional channels but instead offers a wide array of live sporting events. Additionally, it provides 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+?

Absolutely! With an ESPN+ subscription, you can stream thousands of live sporting events. This includes select NFL, MLB, and NHL games, various soccer leagues from around the world, F1, golf, boxing, a variety of collegiate sports, and more. The availability of these games can vary by region and is subject to blackouts.

Notably, 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 at no extra cost. You can also access hundreds of popular fights from the UFC archive.

Keep in mind that ESPN+ doesn't aim to replace existing season pass services like NFL Sunday Ticket or MLB.TV, as most live games throughout the season won't be available. However, for fans of UFC, NHL, soccer, and college sports, ESPN+ offers a substantial selection of content.

How to Watch ESPN+ - Available Platforms

Like many streaming services, ESPN+ is available on a variety of devices in HD and supports up to three simultaneous streams. If you're subscribed to the Disney Bundle Trio (including Hulu and ESPN+), you can enjoy all your content through the Disney+ app (in the US).

ESPN+ is accessible 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.