ESPN+

What is ESPN+?

ESPN+ is a premium sports streaming service launched by ESPN in April 2018 as part of The Walt Disney Company’s direct-to-consumer streaming strategy. Unlike ESPN’s traditional cable channels, ESPN+ operates as a standalone subscription service offering exclusive live sports, original programming, premium articles, and an extensive on-demand library. With over 25 million subscribers, ESPN+ has become a major player in the sports streaming landscape, complementing rather than replacing traditional ESPN broadcasts.

What distinguishes ESPN+ from the regular ESPN cable networks is its exclusive content that isn’t available on linear television. The service provides access to thousands of live events annually across sports including UFC pay-per-view events, NHL and MLB games, college sports, soccer from La Liga and Bundesliga, PGA Tour Live golf coverage, and much more. ESPN+ serves as the exclusive home for major UFC events, making it essential for mixed martial arts fans.

ESPN+ integrates seamlessly with the ESPN app, allowing subscribers to access both ESPN+ exclusive content and authenticated cable ESPN content in a unified experience. The service is also available as part of the Disney Bundle, which combines Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ at a discounted price, providing exceptional value for households wanting comprehensive entertainment and sports streaming options.

Key Features

• UFC Exclusive: The only streaming home for UFC pay-per-view events, plus exclusive UFC Fight Night cards and comprehensive UFC content library.
• Live Sports Coverage: Thousands of live events annually including NHL, MLB, MLS, college sports, boxing, and international soccer leagues.
• NHL and MLB Games: Extensive out-of-market game coverage for hockey and baseball fans following teams outside their local area.
• Soccer Leagues: Live coverage of La Liga, Bundesliga, FA Cup, EFL Championship, and other major soccer competitions.
• PGA Tour Live: Comprehensive golf coverage with featured groups, featured holes, and exclusive tournament access.
• College Sports: Extensive coverage of NCAA football, basketball, and other college athletics from conferences nationwide.
• 30 for 30 Library: Complete access to ESPN’s acclaimed documentary series exploring sports history and culture.
• ESPN+ Originals: Exclusive original programming including analysis shows, documentaries, and sports entertainment content.
• Fantasy Tools: Integrated fantasy sports tools and analysis to enhance fantasy football, baseball, and other league experiences.
• Multi-Screen Viewing: Watch multiple games simultaneously with multi-view options on compatible devices.

What’s New

ESPN+ continues expanding its sports coverage and enhancing the viewing experience:

• Expanded NHL Coverage: Increased NHL game availability with out-of-market games and exclusive matchups throughout the season.
• Enhanced UFC Experience: Improved UFC pay-per-view purchasing and viewing experience with better quality streaming and pre-fight content.
• Soccer Expansion: Additional international soccer leagues and tournament coverage added to the already comprehensive lineup.
• Improved Multi-View: Enhanced split-screen and multi-game viewing options for following multiple events simultaneously.
• 4K HDR Content: Expanded 4K HDR coverage for select major events delivering premium picture quality.
• BET+ Integration: As part of Disney’s streaming strategy, enhanced integration across Disney’s portfolio of streaming services.
• Fantasy Integration: Deeper fantasy sports integration with real-time stats and notifications during live game coverage.
• Audio Options: Enhanced audio options including alternative commentary tracks and Spanish language coverage for more events.

System Requirements

Windows

• Operating System: Windows 10 or later
• Browser: Latest Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari
• RAM: 4 GB minimum
• Internet: 5 Mbps for HD, 25 Mbps for 4K streaming
• Access via ESPN.com or ESPN app from Microsoft Store

macOS

• Operating System: macOS 10.14 or later
• Browser: Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or Edge
• ESPN app available from Mac App Store
• Internet: 5 Mbps for HD streaming

Smart TVs and Streaming Devices

• Amazon Fire TV: All Fire TV devices
• Apple TV: 4th generation or later
• Roku: Most Roku devices
• Samsung Smart TV: 2017 models and newer
• LG Smart TV: webOS 3.5 and newer
• Android TV: Android TV 5.0 or later
• Chromecast: All generations
• PlayStation: PS4, PS5
• Xbox: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

Mobile

• iOS: iPhone and iPad running iOS 14.0 or later
• Android: Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or later
• Storage: 150 MB for ESPN app

How to Install ESPN+

Web Browser Access

1. Visit espn.com or plus.espn.com
2. Click “Subscribe” or “Start Your Free Trial”
3. Choose subscription plan or Disney Bundle
4. Create account and enter payment information
5. Start streaming immediately

# ESPN+ streams via ESPN website and app
# Visit: https://plus.espn.com

# Subscription options:
# - ESPN+ standalone: $10.99/month
# - Disney Bundle: Disney+ / Hulu / ESPN+
# - Annual subscription available

# Sign in with ESPN account credentials

Smart TV Installation

1. Navigate to your TV’s app store
2. Search for “ESPN”
3. Download and install the ESPN app
4. Launch and sign in with ESPN+ credentials
5. Access ESPN+ content from within the app

# Fire TV
# Home > Find > Search > "ESPN"
# Download and Install

# Roku
# Home > Streaming Channels > Search
# "ESPN" > Add Channel

# Apple TV
# App Store > Search "ESPN"
# Get and Install

# Access ESPN+ within the ESPN app
# Not a separate app installation

Mobile Installation

1. Open App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android)
2. Search for “ESPN: Live Sports & Scores”
3. Tap Install or Get
4. Open and sign in or subscribe to ESPN+
5. Access ESPN+ content within the app

UFC Pay-Per-View Purchase

# UFC PPV requires ESPN+ subscription
# Plus separate PPV event purchase

# To purchase UFC PPV:
# 1. Open ESPN app or website
# 2. Navigate to UFC section
# 3. Select upcoming PPV event
# 4. Purchase PPV ($79.99 typically)
# 5. Stream on event night

# ESPN+ subscription required for PPV access

Pros and Cons

Pros

• UFC Exclusive: Only way to watch UFC pay-per-view events, making ESPN+ essential for MMA fans.
• Massive Live Content: Thousands of live sporting events annually across dozens of sports and leagues.
• Disney Bundle Value: Exceptional value when bundled with Disney+ and Hulu for comprehensive streaming package.
• Out-of-Market Games: NHL and MLB out-of-market coverage allows following favorite teams regardless of location.
• 30 for 30 Access: Complete library of ESPN’s acclaimed documentary series unavailable elsewhere.
• Soccer Coverage: Comprehensive international soccer including La Liga, Bundesliga, and English lower leagues.
• PGA Tour Live: Best golf streaming coverage with featured groups and exclusive tournament access.

Cons

• No ESPN Channels: Does not include live ESPN, ESPN2, or ESPNU channels – still requires cable or streaming TV for those.
• Blackout Restrictions: Local game blackouts apply for NHL and MLB, limiting access to in-market games.
• Separate PPV Cost: UFC pay-per-view events require additional purchase ($79.99) on top of subscription.
• Limited Major Events: Major events like Monday Night Football, NBA games, and College Football Playoff remain on cable ESPN.
• Confusing Content Split: Understanding what’s on ESPN+ versus regular ESPN can be confusing for subscribers.

ESPN+ vs Alternatives

Who Should Use ESPN+?

ESPN+ is ideal for:

• UFC Fans: Mixed martial arts enthusiasts have no other option for UFC pay-per-view events on streaming platforms.
• Soccer Enthusiasts: Fans following La Liga, Bundesliga, and other international leagues get comprehensive coverage.
• Out-of-Market Sports Fans: NHL and MLB fans following teams outside their local area benefit from out-of-market game access.
• Golf Watchers: PGA Tour Live provides the most comprehensive golf streaming coverage available.
• Disney Bundle Subscribers: Those already wanting Disney+ and Hulu get ESPN+ essentially free in the bundle pricing.
• College Sports Fans: Extensive NCAA coverage across football, basketball, and other collegiate sports.

ESPN+ may not be ideal for:

• Cord-Cutters Wanting ESPN: Those expecting live ESPN channels will be disappointed – this is supplementary content only.
• Local Sports Fans: Blackout restrictions prevent watching in-market games for NHL and MLB.
• NFL Fans: Limited NFL content with major games remaining on broadcast and cable networks.
• Casual Sports Viewers: The specialized content may not justify the subscription for occasional viewers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ESPN+ include live ESPN channels?

No, ESPN+ does not include access to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, or other linear ESPN television channels. These channels still require a cable, satellite, or live TV streaming subscription (like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV). ESPN+ provides exclusive content that is specifically not available on the cable channels, including UFC pay-per-views, out-of-market NHL and MLB games, and various soccer leagues. The ESPN app combines both ESPN+ and authenticated cable ESPN content, which can create confusion about what requires which subscription.

How much do UFC pay-per-view events cost on ESPN+?

UFC pay-per-view events cost $79.99 each for existing ESPN+ subscribers. You must have an active ESPN+ subscription to purchase UFC PPV events – the subscription itself does not include pay-per-views. New subscribers can sometimes find bundle offers combining an ESPN+ annual subscription with a PPV event at a discounted total price. Regular UFC Fight Night events and UFC preliminary cards are included with the standard ESPN+ subscription at no additional cost.

Can I watch my local NHL or MLB team on ESPN+?

ESPN+ is subject to blackout restrictions for NHL and MLB games. If a game involves your local market team (determined by your location), it will be blacked out on ESPN+ and you’ll need to watch through your local regional sports network via cable or a live TV streaming service. ESPN+ primarily provides out-of-market games, meaning you can watch games involving teams outside your area. If you’re traveling outside your home market, you can watch your team’s games through ESPN+.

What’s included in the Disney Bundle?

The Disney Bundle combines Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ into one subscription at a discounted price compared to subscribing to each service separately. Multiple bundle tiers are available: the basic bundle includes ad-supported versions of Disney+ and Hulu with ESPN+; the premium bundle includes ad-free Disney+ and Hulu. The bundle provides access to Disney’s family content, Hulu’s TV shows and originals, and ESPN+ sports content. The bundle represents significant savings and is popular among households wanting comprehensive streaming coverage.

Does ESPN+ have 4K streaming?

ESPN+ offers 4K HDR streaming for select events and content, though not all programming is available in 4K. Major events like some UFC pay-per-views, select college football games, and premium sporting events may be offered in 4K when available. 4K streaming requires compatible devices (4K-capable streaming devices or smart TVs) and sufficient internet bandwidth (25 Mbps or higher recommended). The majority of ESPN+ content streams in HD, with 4K availability expanding as production capabilities increase.

Final Verdict

ESPN+ has carved out a unique position in the sports streaming landscape by offering content that complements rather than replaces traditional ESPN viewing. For specific audiences – particularly UFC fans, international soccer enthusiasts, and out-of-market NHL and MLB followers – ESPN+ provides essential content unavailable anywhere else. The service delivers exceptional value for these sports fans, with thousands of live events annually at a reasonable monthly price.

The platform’s value proposition increases substantially through the Disney Bundle, which combines Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ at pricing that essentially makes ESPN+ free for those wanting all three services. For households already subscribing to Disney+ and Hulu, adding ESPN+ through the bundle is a no-brainer for any sports interest whatsoever. The 30 for 30 documentary library alone provides significant entertainment value.

ESPN+ is recommended for UFC fans (mandatory for PPV access), soccer enthusiasts following La Liga or Bundesliga, golf fans wanting PGA Tour Live coverage, and anyone following out-of-market NHL or MLB teams. However, viewers expecting ESPN+ to replace cable ESPN channels will be disappointed – the service supplements rather than replaces traditional sports television. For its target audience, ESPN+ delivers outstanding sports streaming value that continues to improve as content offerings expand.