ESPN Plus is a premier sports streaming service, offering a wealth of live events, on-demand content, and exclusive coverage. Wondering if it aligns with your sports interests? At WHAT.EDU.VN, we’ll break down everything you need to know about ESPN Plus, its features, pricing, and how it compares to other streaming options, giving you all the insights needed to determine if ESPN Plus is the right streaming service for you. Discover the best sports streaming options available and make an informed decision.
1. Understanding ESPN Plus: A Deep Dive
ESPN Plus is a subscription-based streaming service dedicated to sports enthusiasts. It grants members access to live games, exclusive on-demand videos, and written content previously known as ESPN Insider. While a majority of games and events are aired on traditional Disney-owned networks like ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3, certain games are exclusively available on ESPN Plus.
Although ESPN Plus boasts its own array of live sports, on-demand shows, and exclusive programs, it’s important to note that the service doesn’t provide direct access to the regular ESPN cable channel. If you’re looking for a comprehensive sports package, it’s essential to understand the specific offerings of ESPN Plus and how they align with your viewing preferences.
2. How Much Does ESPN Plus Cost? Decoding the Pricing Plans
ESPN Plus offers two straightforward subscription plans:
- Monthly Subscription: $12 per month.
- Annual Subscription: $120 per year.
Opting for the annual subscription translates to approximately 16% savings compared to paying $12 monthly for 12 months ($144 total). This makes the annual plan a more economical choice for dedicated sports fans planning to use the service year-round.
If you’re seeking additional savings, consider bundling ESPN Plus with other streaming services, such as Disney Plus and Hulu, for a discounted rate. These bundles provide a cost-effective way to enjoy a wide range of content beyond sports.
3. What’s Included with ESPN Plus? Unveiling the Content Library
ESPN Plus boasts an extensive library of sports content, including live games, on-demand shows, and exclusive stories. Similar to traditional broadcast TV, live games on ESPN Plus include commercial breaks.
Subscribers gain access to select live games from major leagues such as the NHL, NBA, and NFL during their respective seasons. The service also features PGA golf, UFC events, international soccer matches, tennis tournaments, college football games, and college basketball games. ESPN Plus is particularly appealing to college sports fans, offering comprehensive coverage of national viewing options for key games.
ESPN Plus holds exclusive rights to certain sporting events, meaning that even cable subscribers might need an ESPN Plus subscription to catch every game of the season.
On the downside, the once-ample selection of MLB games on ESPN Plus will no longer be available after the 2025 season. ESPN and MLB have parted ways, marking the 36th year of MLB on ESPN as the league’s final stint on the network.
Beyond live games, ESPN Plus offers a diverse collection of original shows, including game recaps and analyses hosted by sports personalities like Peyton Manning, as well as a shorter version of “NFL Primetime.” Documentary programs like “30 for 30” are also available for on-demand streaming.
Most ESPN Plus content streams at resolutions up to 1080p Full HD. However, unlike Disney Plus and Hulu, 4K resolution streaming is not supported on ESPN Plus.
4. What’s Not Included with ESPN Plus? Understanding the Limitations
Notably, a live stream of the ESPN channel is not included with ESPN Plus. This is a common point of confusion among users. ESPN Plus is separate from the ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNews cable networks, meaning that a subscription does not grant access to live broadcasts of those channels.
To stream ESPN’s cable channels live, you’ll need to subscribe to a live TV streaming service such as Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Fubo TV. Our guide on how to watch ESPN provides a comprehensive breakdown of recommendations for accessing ESPN’s cable channels online.
5. UFC PPV on ESPN Plus: Costs and Bundling Opportunities
A standard ESPN Plus subscription typically includes early preliminary and preliminary bouts on a UFC fight card. However, the main event always requires an additional pay-per-view (PPV) purchase. ESPN Plus acts as a cable PPV broker, with each fight costing an additional $80 PPV fee.
While this might seem expensive, there are opportunities to save money through bundling options.
6. Exploring ESPN Plus Bundle Plans: Maximizing Your Savings
ESPN Plus offers several attractive bundle options:
- Disney Trio Basic: Includes Disney Plus (with ads), Hulu (with ads), and ESPN Plus for $17 per month.
- Disney Trio Premium: Includes Disney Plus (ad-free), Hulu (ad-free), and ESPN Plus for $27 per month.
The Disney Trio Premium bundle only offers ad-free versions of Disney Plus and Hulu, as ESPN Plus does not have an ad-free option, which is typical for live sports streaming services.
UFC fans without an existing subscription can take advantage of a bundle that combines an annual ESPN Plus plan with a PPV purchase for approximately $135. Considering that a standard annual subscription costs $120 and a PPV fight is $80 (totaling $200), this bundle offers savings of around $65.
ESPN Plus is also included in all Hulu + Live TV subscriptions, starting at $83 per month. This live TV streaming bundle includes Disney Plus, on-demand Hulu, and ESPN Plus.
7. ESPN Plus Free Trial: Is There a Way to Try Before You Buy?
Currently, ESPN Plus does not offer a free trial. While the streaming service previously offered a free trial for new members, this option is no longer available.
However, the Hulu + Live TV bundle occasionally includes a free trial, typically lasting around three days. This promotion grants eligible customers limited-time free access to live TV, on-demand Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus. Keep an eye out for these promotional periods to potentially test the service before committing to a subscription.
8. Signing Up for ESPN Plus: A Step-by-Step Guide
Subscribing to ESPN Plus is a straightforward process:
- Visit the ESPN Plus website.
- The landing page will likely highlight the Disney bundle trio. To subscribe to ESPN Plus independently, click the “Subscribe to ESPN+ only” link located beneath the bundle promotion.
- You’ll be redirected to a page where you can “Browse Plans.”
- Log in with your existing ESPN account or create a new account using your email address.
- Follow the prompts to complete the subscription process.
9. Where Can You Watch ESPN Plus? Device Compatibility
One of the key advantages of ESPN Plus is its accessibility across a wide range of devices. You can access ESPN Plus content through the regular ESPN app, unlocking all features once you subscribe.
The ESPN app is available on virtually every platform imaginable, including:
- Smartphones (iOS and Android)
- Tablets (iOS and Android)
- Laptops and desktop computers
- Roku players
- Fire TV products
- Apple TV
- Android/Google TV
- Chromecast
- PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5
- Xbox One and Xbox One X|S
- Smart TVs
With a single account, you can stream most content on up to three devices simultaneously. However, pay-per-view events are limited to two devices.
10. The Future of Sports Streaming: ESPN Plus and Venu Sports
Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery initially announced plans to launch a new sports streaming service called Venu Sports that would bundle each company’s sports properties, including ESPN Plus, into a single app. The proposed platform was set to include channels like ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, ABC, Fox, FS1, FS2, BTN, TNT, TBS, and truTV, in addition to content from ESPN Plus.
While Venu Sports was initially slated for a Fall 2024 launch, a lawsuit from Fubo delayed its release. In January 2025, Disney announced that Hulu + Live TV and Fubo would merge in business (although the apps will remain separate), settling litigation over Venu Sports and paving the way for a potential launch. However, the three companies discontinued plans for Venu shortly after.
Disney is now planning to launch a new ESPN streaming service in the fall, called ESPN Flagship, as a way to stream everything on the ESPN channel (plus some other ESPN properties). Currently, the only way to do that is through cable or a live TV streaming service, since ESPN Plus has some major gaps when it comes to the network. According to Variety, Flagship will include ESPN Plus content.
11. Delving Deeper: Frequently Asked Questions about ESPN Plus
To further clarify the ins and outs of ESPN Plus, let’s address some frequently asked questions:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is ESPN Plus worth it for casual sports fans? | If you only occasionally watch sports, the monthly subscription might be worthwhile when specific events or games interest you. However, consider whether other streaming services or free options might better suit your limited viewing habits. |
| Can I watch ESPN Plus outside the US? | No, ESPN Plus is currently only available in the United States. Attempting to access the service from outside the US may require a VPN, but this may violate ESPN’s terms of service. |
| Does ESPN Plus offer refunds? | ESPN Plus does not typically offer refunds for partial months or unused subscriptions. Cancellation policies vary, so review the terms and conditions during sign-up. |
| How often is content updated on ESPN Plus? | ESPN Plus content is updated regularly, with live events, new on-demand shows, and documentaries added frequently. The specific frequency varies depending on the sports season and content agreements. |
| Are there any student discounts for ESPN Plus? | Unfortunately, ESPN Plus does not currently offer specific student discounts. However, students can still take advantage of the Disney bundle, which provides a cost-effective way to access ESPN Plus along with Disney Plus and Hulu. |
| How does ESPN Plus compare to other sports streaming services? | ESPN Plus offers a focused selection of sports content, whereas services like Fubo TV and Sling TV provide broader access to live TV channels, including ESPN networks. The best option depends on your preferred sports and desired channel lineup. |
| Can I record live games on ESPN Plus? | ESPN Plus does not offer a traditional DVR feature for recording live games. However, many games and events are available for on-demand viewing shortly after they air live. |
| Does ESPN Plus have ads? | Yes, live games on ESPN Plus include commercial breaks, similar to traditional broadcast TV. On-demand content may also include ads, depending on the specific program. |
| What happens if I cancel my ESPN Plus subscription? | Upon cancellation, you will retain access to ESPN Plus content until the end of your current billing cycle. After that, your subscription will be terminated, and you will no longer be able to stream content. |
| How do I contact ESPN Plus customer support? | You can find contact information for ESPN Plus customer support on the ESPN website. Customer service options may include online chat, email support, and phone assistance. |
12. ESPN Plus: A Service Tailored to Sports Enthusiasts
ESPN Plus stands as a robust streaming service for sports aficionados seeking a diverse range of live events, on-demand content, and exclusive programming. Its affordability, particularly when bundled with Disney Plus and Hulu, enhances its appeal.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge its limitations, most notably the absence of live ESPN channel streams. This necessitates a separate live TV streaming service subscription for individuals seeking comprehensive access to ESPN’s cable networks.
Before committing to ESPN Plus, meticulously assess your sports viewing preferences, budgetary constraints, and willingness to explore bundled offerings. By adopting this strategy, you can ascertain whether ESPN Plus aligns with your unique streaming requirements.
13. Unveiling the Best Sports Streaming Services: Alternatives to ESPN Plus
If ESPN Plus doesn’t quite align with your specific needs, several alternative sports streaming services warrant consideration:
| Service | Description | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fubo TV | A live TV streaming service with a strong focus on sports, offering a wide selection of channels, including ESPN networks. | Extensive channel lineup, 4K streaming for select events, cloud DVR storage. | Starting at $79.99/month |
| Sling TV | A more budget-friendly live TV streaming service with customizable channel packages, including options for sports fans. | Affordable base packages, add-on sports packages, cloud DVR storage. | Starting at $40/month |
| YouTube TV | A comprehensive live TV streaming service with a wide range of channels, including ESPN networks and regional sports networks. | Unlimited cloud DVR storage, access to YouTube Originals, family sharing features. | Starting at $72.99/month |
| Paramount Plus | A streaming service with a mix of live sports (including NFL on CBS), on-demand movies, and original shows. | Live NFL games, UEFA Champions League soccer, original series like “Star Trek: Discovery.” | Starting at $5.99/month |
| Peacock | A streaming service offering a mix of live sports (including Premier League soccer and select NFL games), movies, and TV shows. | Premier League soccer, select NFL games, original series like “The Office” (US). | Starting at $5.99/month |
| DAZN | A dedicated sports streaming service focusing on boxing, MMA, and other combat sports. | Extensive library of boxing and MMA fights, live events, on-demand documentaries. | Starting at $19.99/month or $224.99/year |
| Bleacher Report | Known for its curated sports content, B/R features a mix of written articles, videos, and social media updates. | A large community, a wide range of sports content, and is available to anyone with an internet connection. | Free |
14. Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Sports Streaming
The sports streaming landscape is constantly evolving, with new services and content deals emerging regularly. Keeping abreast of these developments is crucial for making informed decisions about your streaming subscriptions.
Before subscribing to any sports streaming service, consider the following factors:
- Your preferred sports: Do you primarily watch specific leagues or sports, or do you enjoy a broader range of events?
- Your budget: How much are you willing to spend on sports streaming each month?
- Desired features: Do you need cloud DVR storage, 4K streaming, or simultaneous streams?
- Bundling options: Are there any bundled packages that offer better value for your money?
By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose the sports streaming service that best fits your individual needs and preferences.
15. Stay Informed with WHAT.EDU.VN: Your Trusted Resource for Streaming Insights
At WHAT.EDU.VN, we are committed to providing you with the latest information and insights on the ever-changing world of streaming. Whether you’re seeking guidance on selecting the right sports streaming service, navigating the complexities of bundled offerings, or staying informed about emerging platforms, we’re here to assist you.
Our team of experts continuously monitors the streaming landscape, providing unbiased reviews, comprehensive comparisons, and up-to-date news to empower you to make informed decisions. Trust WHAT.EDU.VN to be your reliable resource for all things streaming.
Still have questions? At WHAT.EDU.VN, we understand that finding quick, free answers can be a challenge. Don’t hesitate to ask your questions on WHAT.EDU.VN and connect with our community of experts! We’re here to provide fast, accurate, and easy-to-understand information, offering a free consultation service for your simpler questions.
Need help finding the right sports streaming package? Ask WHAT.EDU.VN today!
Contact Us:
Address: 888 Question City Plaza, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
WhatsApp: +1 (206) 555-7890
Website: what.edu.vn
