ESPN+ Explained: How Much Does a Subscription Cost?

If you're a sports enthusiast, you're likely no stranger to ESPN. Yet, the streaming service ESPN+, which has been around since 2018, still leaves many fans scratching their heads. While ESPN+ does offer live sports streaming, it's more of a complementary service that works best alongside traditional network channels, ensuring you don't miss any action.

Explore our comprehensive guide to ESPN+ below, featuring details on the service, live sports available for streaming, 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, which includes Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu. [ttpp]See it at ESPN+[ttpp] ESPN+ is a subscription-based streaming service that provides access to live sports 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. For instance, if you want to watch SportsCenter, you'll still need a traditional cable or live TV subscription.

ESPN+ boasts a growing catalog of original ESPN TV shows, such as "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.

If you enjoy in-depth sports analysis, ESPN+ includes access to ESPN+ Premium Articles on the ESPN website, where you can read detailed analysis, rankings, mock drafts, and more from top sports writers.

ESPN+ Plans and Prices (As of March 2025)

Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ Bundle

Includes all three services for $16.99 at Disney+. ESPN+ can be purchased as a standalone subscription for $11.99 per month, or you can opt for the ESPN+ Annual Plan, which costs $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.

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Does ESPN+ Have a Free Trial?

Unfortunately, ESPN+ does not currently offer a free trial. There are no promotions available at the moment, though the ESPN website mentions that some third parties may offer promotions. While ESPN+ doesn't provide a trial, other streaming services offer free trials that include access to sports.

What Channels Does ESPN+ Include?

ESPN+ does not include traditional channels but features a variety of live sporting events. It also offers a massive 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 sports selection includes select NFL, MLB, and NHL games, various soccer leagues worldwide, F1, golf, boxing, a range of collegiate sports, and more. Availability of these games varies by region and is subject to blackouts.

ESPN+ is also the exclusive platform for streaming 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.

Don't expect ESPN+ to replace existing season pass-like streaming services like NFL Sunday Ticket or MLB.TV, as most 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 various 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 conveniently through the Disney+ app (in the US).

ESPN+ can also be accessed through the ESPN app on mobile devices, 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.