ESPN+ Subscription: Cost Breakdown Revealed

If you're a sports enthusiast, you're likely already acquainted with ESPN, the renowned sports network. However, ESPN's streaming platform, ESPN+, might still be a bit of a mystery to you, despite its launch back in 2018. While ESPN+ does offer live sports streaming, it's designed to complement rather than replace traditional network channels, ensuring you get a comprehensive sports viewing experience.

Dive into our detailed guide on ESPN+ below, which covers everything from the service overview to available live sports, pricing, and more for 2025.

What Is ESPN+? The Sports Streaming Service, Explained

ESPN+

You can sign up for ESPN+ as a standalone 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 grants access to a wide range of 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, and ESPNEWS. 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's also been the exclusive home for "NFL Primetime" since 2019, offering highlights and analysis of NFL games every Sunday night during the season. Additionally, with an ESPN+ subscription, you can watch the entire archive of ESPN's acclaimed "30 For 30" sports documentary series.

If you're a fan of in-depth sports analysis, ESPN+ includes access to ESPN+ Premium Articles on ESPN's website, where you can read detailed analysis, rankings, mock drafts, and more from popular sports writers.

ESPN+ Plans and Prices (As of March 2025)

Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ Bundle

Includes all three services for $16.99 at Disney+.

You can subscribe to ESPN+ as a standalone service for $11.99 per month, or opt for the ESPN+ Annual Plan at $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 ongoing promotions available, but the ESPN website mentions that some third parties might offer promotions. While ESPN+ itself doesn't offer a trial, you can find other streaming services that provide free trials with access to sports content.

What Channels Does ESPN+ Include?

ESPN+ does not include traditional channels; instead, it offers a variety of live sporting events that are currently airing. Additionally, there is a vast archive of previously aired events, as well as 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 selection 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 depends on your location and may be subject to regional 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 fee 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 surprisingly robust selection.

How to Watch ESPN+ - Available Platforms

Like many other streaming apps, 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 now watch all your content conveniently through the Disney+ app (in the US).

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