If you're a sports enthusiast, you're likely no stranger to ESPN, but ESPN+'s streaming service might still leave you scratching your head, even though it's been around since 2018. While ESPN+ does offer live sports, it serves as a complementary streaming platform that enhances your viewing experience when paired with traditional network channels.

Explore our comprehensive guide to ESPN+ below, including service details, live sports streaming options, pricing, and more for 2025.

What Is ESPN+? The Sports Streaming Service, Explained

ESPN+

You can sign up for ESPN+ as a standalone service or as part of the Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu. Check it out at ESPN+. ESPN+ is a subscription-based streaming platform that offers access to live sports events, exclusive ESPN films and series not available on regular 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 traditional cable or live TV subscription.

ESPN+ boasts a growing library of original ESPN shows, including "Man in the Arena" with Tom Brady, "Peyton's Places," "ESPN FC," and more. It's been the exclusive home for NFL Primetime since 2019, delivering highlights and analysis of NFL games every Sunday night during the season. Plus, with an ESPN+ subscription, you can dive into the entire archive of the acclaimed 30 for 30 sports documentary series.

If you're into in-depth sports analysis, ESPN+ provides access to ESPN+ Premium Articles on their 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

This bundle includes all three services for $16.99 at Disney+. ESPN+ can be subscribed to independently for $11.99 per month, or you can opt for the annual plan at $119.99 per year, saving you 15% compared to the monthly rate. Alternatively, 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 ongoing promotions directly from ESPN, some third-party providers might offer deals. Although ESPN+ doesn't have a trial, other streaming services with sports content do.

What Channels Does ESPN+ Include?

ESPN+ doesn't feature traditional channels but instead offers a wide array of live sports events currently airing, along with an extensive archive of past events and exclusive on-demand ESPN series and shows, many of which are not available on standard ESPN channels.

Can You Watch Live Sports on ESPN+?

ESPN Sports

Absolutely! With an ESPN+ subscription, you can stream thousands of live sports events. This includes select NFL, MLB, and NHL games, as well as soccer leagues from around the globe, F1, golf, boxing, various college sports, and more. Availability can vary by region and is subject to blackouts.

ESPN+ is 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, Fight Nights and other events are included at no extra charge, and you can also access 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 various devices in HD, supporting up to three simultaneous streams. If you subscribe to the Disney Bundle Trio, you can watch all your content conveniently through the Disney+ app (in the US).

You can access ESPN+ via the ESPN app on your mobile device, streaming devices like 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.