ESPN+ Subscription: Cost Breakdown Revealed

If you're a sports enthusiast, you're likely already familiar with the powerhouse that is ESPN. Yet, its streaming service, ESPN+, which has been around since 2018, often leaves fans scratching their heads about what it offers. While ESPN+ does stream live sports, it's best thought of as a complementary service that works in tandem with traditional ESPN channels to provide a comprehensive sports viewing experience.

Dive into our comprehensive guide on ESPN+ for 2025, which covers everything from what the service entails, the sports you can stream live, pricing details, and more.

What Is ESPN+? The Sports Streaming Service, Explained

ESPN+

You can subscribe to ESPN+ as a standalone service or opt for the Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu. Sign up at ESPN+. ESPN+ is a subscription-based platform that grants access to a range of live sports events, exclusive ESPN films and series not found on regular ESPN networks, premium articles, and more.

However, despite its name, ESPN+ does not include access to mainstream ESPN channels such as ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNEWS. For example, if you want to catch SportsCenter, you'll still need a traditional cable or live TV subscription.

ESPN+ boasts an expanding library of original ESPN programming, including shows like "Man in the Arena" with Tom Brady, "Peyton's Places," "ESPN FC," and more. Since 2019, it has been the exclusive home for "NFL Primetime," offering highlights and in-depth analysis of NFL games each Sunday night during the season. Subscribers can also enjoy the entire "30 for 30" sports documentary series archive.

For those who enjoy in-depth sports analysis, ESPN+ provides access to ESPN+ Premium Articles on the ESPN 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

You can purchase ESPN+ as a standalone subscription for $11.99 per month, or opt for the ESPN+ Annual Plan at $119.99 per year, which saves you 15% compared to the monthly fee. Alternatively, you can bundle ESPN+ (With Ads) with Disney+ (With Ads) and Hulu (With Ads) for $16.99 per month. Bundle at Disney+.

Does ESPN+ Have a Free Trial?

Unfortunately, ESPN+ does not offer a free trial at the moment. No promotions are currently available directly from ESPN, though some third-party services might offer deals. While ESPN+ lacks a trial, other streaming services with sports content do offer free trials.

What Channels Does ESPN+ Include?

ESPN+ does not feature traditional channels. Instead, it offers a dynamic lineup of live sports events, an extensive archive of past 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! ESPN+ subscribers can enjoy thousands of live sporting events, including select NFL, MLB, and NHL games, a variety of soccer leagues from around the world, F1, golf, boxing, numerous college sports, and more. The availability of these games can vary by region and is subject to blackouts.

Moreover, 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 come at no extra charge, and you can also stream hundreds of fights from the UFC archive.

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

How to Watch ESPN+ - Available Platforms

ESPN+ is accessible on various devices in HD, supporting up to three simultaneous streams. If you're subscribed to the Disney Bundle Trio (including Hulu and ESPN+), you can watch all your content conveniently 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, on select smart TVs, as well as gaming consoles such as PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.