Should you try ESPN+?Here’s what it does and doesn’t include

Main points

• ESPN+ provides exclusive access to live games, original content, and ESPN series such as 30 for 30. But you cannot access the ESPN live TV channel.
• You can subscribe through the ESPN app. ESPN+ actually exists within the ESPN app, which can be accessed on most devices and over the web.
• You can save money on ESPN+ with the Disney+ bundle, but keep in mind that it won’t replace ESPN’s cable channels.

ESPN+ is a subscription service perfect for sports fans, offering a wide range of content including live games, game clips, highlights from ESPN programming, and exclusive access to ESPN’s library of original content, such as the popular 30 for 30 documentary series . Subscribers also have full access to all premium content on the ESPN website.

You can easily watch ESPN+ by subscribing through the ESPN app. Keep in mind that ESPN+ does not provide access to ESPN live TV channels. To watch these channels, you’ll need a subscription to a live TV streaming service like cable TV, YouTube TV, or you can wait for the new ESPN/Fox/Warner Bros. sports streaming app launching in fall 2024.

The evolution of ESPN+

ESPN+ is ESPN’s streaming platform. It aims to provide content not shown on its cable channels. This includes games and events from the NFL, MLB, NHL, PGA Tour and more. While ESPN+ provides additional coverage for major tournaments like the Masters, it focuses on smaller tournaments that don’t attract enough cable viewers.

Disney owns ESPN+, and its BAMTech division manages the service — as does the team behind apps like HBO, WWE, and more.

ESPN has long profited from cable TV fees, making it wary of moving its cable content to streaming. But change is coming, with the recent announcement of a new streaming service that will feature sports content from ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros., scheduled to launch in the fall of 2024. It will most likely replace ESPN+.

How ESPN+ works

To start watching, simply log into the ESPN app or ESPN.com on any supported device. Of course, you’ll need a subscription to start watching.

1. Purchase an ESPN+ subscription

ESPN+ subscriptions can be purchased through the ESPN app and ESPN.com. You can only access ESPN+ content with a subscription. Sign in with your current ESPN account, or create a new account through the ESPN app or from the web (here). When purchasing a subscription, you will be prompted to log in or create a new account. Note: The ESPN app itself remains free. You still get all the same news, highlights, and more.

2. Find the ESPN+ icon and the Watch tab

A few years ago, the entire ESPN app was redone using a card-based UI, complete with rounded corners and cool transitions and effects. You’ll get relevant news, smarter video recommendations, and more. You’ll also see ESPN+ highlighted throughout the app.

That’s because all ESPN+ content is designated as a gold icon in the ESPN app, so you can easily see what’s available with your subscription. ESPN also has an improved Watch tab, which has a new black background (while all other tabs are light). Here you can access free highlights, live streams from ESPN channels (pay TV customers only) and ESPN+ content, which has its own section.

ESPN+ is included in Disney+ bundles

ESPN+ costs $10.99 per month ($109.99 if paid annually). You can also access it by purchasing the Disney Bundle, which gives you access to EPSN+, Hulu and Disney+ in one package for $14.99 per month, although this will include ads that run within your content.

What does ESPN+ include?

ESPN+ promises live games, studio series and original programming.

live game

ESPN+ streams “thousands” of hours of live games, but most of it is niche content. In addition to UFC fight cards and football, boxing, golf, tennis, rugby and cricket events, you can also watch live Major League Baseball and National Hockey League games regularly on the service. The service also broadcast the first NFL game of the 2023 season, a game between Jacksonville and Denver in London. College sports fans will take advantage of ESPN+ to watch football, basketball and baseball games, including upcoming basketball conference tournaments leading up to March Madness. You can also add packages like MLB.TV or NHL.TV for even more money.

original content

Yes, ESPN+ has live events, but it also has original programming, exclusive studio programming and a rich catalog of content (including titles like E:60 and OJ: Made in America). ESPN+ is also the only place you can find the complete archive of the 30 for 30 documentary series.

When the new 30 for 30 airs on cable, pay TV customers will be able to watch the show on-demand briefly, but then, it will move to ESPN+. Many movies will also be available exclusively on ESPN+.

What’s not included in ESPN+?

ESPN+ is not a replacement for the traditional ESPN cable channel, but a complement to it. It enriches your sports viewing options with exclusive games, events and original programming you won’t find on ESPN cable channels. However, it’s worth noting that ESPN+ doesn’t carry some of ESPN’s headline news, such as live NBA games, Monday Night Football and Sunday Night Baseball. While the service does offer one free MLB and NHL game per day during the season, those games are subject to restricted rules.

Additionally, ESPN+ does not allow access to ESPN’s live TV channels. For these, you’ll need a traditional cable TV subscription to a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV.

Should you subscribe to ESPN+?

Yes, subscribing to ESPN+ is a good idea if you love sports and want to watch exclusive games, special events, and shows you can’t find on the regular ESPN channel. It’s great for following less mainstream sports or leagues. Keep in mind that it won’t give you live coverage of NBA games or Monday Night Football.

If you already use Disney+ or Hulu, buying an ESPN+ bundle can save you money and provide you with more entertainment.

Going forward, ESPN+ will be part of a new service in the fall of 2024. It will combine live sports from ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros. into one streaming platform. While details suggest the new service may be pricier, it could be a comprehensive sports streaming option. With the addition of ESPN+, it will become a hub for sports fans looking for a wide range of content.

More ESPN+ FAQs

Q: How to access and watch ESPN+

The new ESPN+ service is not a standalone application. It lives within the existing ESPN app, which is available on a variety of devices, including smartphones, game consoles, and streaming TV boxes and players. ESPN+ is also available on the network. GSee the table below for a complete list of currently supported devices.

Q: What is the quality of the ESPN+ live broadcast?

ESPN+ HD video streams at 60 frames per second.

Q: Can you have multiple ESPN+ streams?

Each ESPN+ account allows 5 simultaneous live streams.

Q: Does ESPN+ have ads?

Yes, ESPN+ does have ads. They play in spots where you would normally see commercial breaks during live sporting events. The original content also contains ads that will play. There is no ad-free tier of the service.

Q: Where can I watch ESPN+?

ESPN+ is currently only available in the United States.