What ESPN+ is and who runs it

ESPN+ is a streaming service owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company through its ESPN division. It is not a free service — you pay a monthly or annual fee to watch live sports, original shows, and on-demand content that ESPN+ holds the rights to stream.

ESPN+ is separate from the cable ESPN channel. If you have cable TV with ESPN included, you already have access to some ESPN content, but ESPN+ streams different games and shows. The two services do not automatically come together, and you cannot watch ESPN+ through a cable box — you need a connected device like a phone, tablet, computer, or smart TV.

ESPN+ is also separate from the Disney Bundle, which combines ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu under one subscription. If you already subscribe to Disney+ or Hulu, you may find the bundle cheaper than paying for each service alone, but that is a separate purchase decision.

Key Takeaways

  • ESPN+ costs a set monthly or annual price; the exact amount changes over time and may differ based on promotions or your location.
  • You watch ESPN+ on phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs — not on a cable box — and you need an internet connection.
  • ESPN+ includes live games from college sports, professional soccer, hockey, baseball, and other leagues, plus original documentaries and shows.
  • You can cancel your subscription at any time; there is no contract or early termination fee.
  • Some live games and events require an additional pay-per-view fee on top of your ESPN+ subscription.

Current pricing and what changes it

ESPN+ pricing is set by Disney and changes periodically. The company has raised prices multiple times since the service launched in 2018. To find the current price, visit the ESPN+ website or open the ESPN app on your device — the price shown there is what you would pay if you signed up today.

Prices may vary depending on whether you choose monthly or annual payment, and Disney sometimes offers promotional rates for new subscribers. If you already subscribe, your price may be locked in at an older rate until your next billing cycle, at which point it may increase. You will receive notice before a price increase takes effect.

The Disney Bundle (ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu together) costs less than buying each service separately, but only if you want all three. If you only want ESPN+, the bundle does not save you money.

What sports and content ESPN+ streams

ESPN+ holds streaming rights to hundreds of live games and events each year across multiple sports. The lineup includes college football and basketball, Major League Baseball, National Hockey League games, Major League Soccer, UFC events, tennis, golf, and rugby. However, not every game in these leagues streams on ESPN+ — some air on cable ESPN, ABC, or other networks instead.

ESPN+ also produces original documentaries, analysis shows, and interview series. These are available only to ESPN+ subscribers and do not air on cable ESPN. The content library changes as new shows premiere and older content rotates off.

To see which specific games are coming up on ESPN+, use the ESPN app or website and filter by sport or date. This shows you what is available without a subscription as well, so you can plan ahead.

How to sign up and what you need

To subscribe to ESPN+, you need an email address, a payment method (credit card, debit card, or PayPal), and a device that can connect to the internet. You create an account on the ESPN+ website or through the ESPN app, enter your payment information, and your subscription begins immediately.

If you already have an ESPN account (from using ESPN.com or the ESPN app for free content), you can use that same login to subscribe to ESPN+. You do not need a separate account.

Once you are subscribed, you can watch on any device where you sign in with your account — phone, tablet, computer, or smart TV. You can stream on multiple devices at the same time, though Disney limits how many people can watch simultaneously from the same account (typically four streams at once).

Canceling your subscription

You can cancel ESPN+ at any time through your account settings on the ESPN website or app. There is no contract, no cancellation fee, and no penalty for stopping. Your access ends at the end of your current billing period — if you cancel mid-month on a monthly plan, you keep access until the next billing date.

If you subscribed through the Disney Bundle or through a third-party platform (like Apple, Google Play, or Amazon), you cancel through that same platform, not directly through ESPN. Check your account settings to see where your subscription is billed.

Pay-per-view events and additional costs

Some major sporting events — typically UFC pay-per-view fights and occasionally other premium events — require an additional one-time fee beyond your ESPN+ subscription. These are listed separately in the app and on the website, and you choose whether to purchase each one.

The cost of pay-per-view events varies depending on the event. ESPN+ subscribers sometimes receive a discount on the pay-per-view price compared to non-subscribers, but you still pay extra.

Technical requirements and streaming quality

ESPN+ streams over the internet, so you need a stable connection. The service recommends at least 8 Mbps download speed for HD quality and 25 Mbps for 4K quality, though you can watch at lower quality on slower connections.

ESPN+ is available on most major platforms: iOS and Android phones and tablets, web browsers on computers, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Google TV, Samsung Smart TVs, and others. Check the ESPN+ website for a full list of supported devices. If your device is not listed, you may still be able to watch through a web browser.

The app is free to download; you only pay for the subscription itself. Updates to the app are also free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch ESPN+ on my smart TV?

Yes, if your smart TV is one of the supported models (Samsung, LG, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, and others). Download the ESPN app from your TV's app store, sign in with your ESPN+ account, and start watching. If your TV is not supported, you can connect a compatible streaming device or use a cable to connect a computer or tablet to your TV.

What happens if I cancel and then want to subscribe again?

You can resubscribe at any time. If you cancelled recently, you may not be may be able to access for a promotional rate, but you can still sign up at the standard price. Your old account information may still be there, or you may need to create a new account — check the ESPN+ website when you are ready to resubscribe.

Can multiple people watch from the same ESPN+ account at the same time?

Yes, up to four streams can play simultaneously from one account. This is useful for households where multiple people want to watch different games, but it means four people watching at once is the limit. Disney may change this policy in the future.

Do I need cable TV to use ESPN+?

No. ESPN+ works on its own with just an internet connection. You do not need a cable subscription or a cable box. However, some games still air only on cable ESPN or ABC, so if you want to watch all games in a league, you may need both ESPN+ and cable.

Is there a free trial?

Disney occasionally offers free trial periods for new subscribers, but this is not may provide and changes over time. Check the ESPN+ website to see if a trial is currently available in your area.