If you're a fan of sports, odds are you're already familiar with the popular sports network ESPN. However, ESPN's streaming service, ESPN+, still has many sports afficionados puzzled, despite being around since 2018. While you can watch live sports on ESPN+, it's more of a supplementary streaming service that pairs nicely with standard network channels to ensure you have all of your bases covered. Check out our full rundown of ESPN+ below, including an overview of the service, available live sports to stream, pricing, and more.
What Is ESPN+?
ESPN+ is a subscription-based streaming service that includes access to live sporting events, exclusive ESPN films and series (many of which aren't available on standard ESPN networks), premium articles, and more.
However, despite the name, ESPN+ doesn't actually include access to popular ESPN network channels such as ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, and more. If you're looking to watch SportsCenter for instance, you'll still need a traditional cable or live TV subscription.
ESPN+ does have a growing catalog of original ESPN TV shows, though, 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, which features highlights and analysis of NFL games every Sunday night during the season. You can also watch the entire archive of ESPN's acclaimed 30 For 30 sports documentary series with an ESPN+ subscription.
Additionally, if you enjoy reading articles from popular sports analysts, ESPN+ includes acccess to ESPN+ Premium Articles on ESPN's website, allowing you to read in-depth analysis, rankings, mock drafts, and more from popular writers.
How Much Does ESPN+ Cost?
ESPN+ can be purchased as a standalone subscription for for $10.99 per month, or you can opt for the ESPN+ Annual Plan which will run you $109.99 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 $14.99 per month.
What Channels Does ESPN+ Include?
ESPN+ doesn't include traditional channels, instead, it features a varying number of live sporting events that are currently airing. Additionally, there is a massive archive of previously aired events, as well as exclusive on demand ESPN series and shows, most of which aren't available on standard ESPN channels.
Can You Watch Live Sports on ESPN+?
Yes! You can watch thousands of live sporting events with an ESPN+ subscription. The selection of sports include select NFL, MLB, and NHL games, as well as various soccer leagues from around the world, F1, golf, boxing, a variety of collegiate sports, and more. The availability of these games depends on where you live and is subject to regional blackouts.
ESPN+ is also the exclusive location for streaming UFC events including Pay-Per-View (PPV) fights, Fight Nights, and more. While UFC PPV events will still run you an additional $79.99 on top of your ESPN+ subscription price, UFC Fight Nights and other events are included at no additional cost, and you can even 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, for instance, as the vast majority of live games throughout the season won't be available to watch on ESPN+. However, for UFC, NHL, soccer, and college sports fans, ESPN+ does have a surprising amount to offer.
How to Watch ESPN+ - Available Platforms
ESPN+, like many other streaming apps, is available to watch on a variety of devices in HD with support for up to three simultaneous streams. You can watch 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 consoles such as PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.
Matthew Adler is a Commerce, Features, Guides, News, Previews, and Reviews writer for IGN. You can follow him on the website formerly known as Twitter @MatthewAdler and watch him stream on Twitch.
