ESPN+ is a streaming service for sports, not a cable replacement

ESPN+ is a standalone streaming service owned by Disney that costs $10.99 per month or $109.99 per year. It shows live sports events, original shows, and replays — but it does not include ESPN's main cable channels or most major live sports like NFL games on Sunday or Monday Night Football. You watch it through an app on your phone, tablet, computer, or connected TV device.

The service focuses on sports that cable ESPN does not show in full: college football, college basketball, UFC fights, NHL games, MLS soccer, and international cricket. It also carries ESPN's original documentary series and analysis shows. If you already have ESPN through a cable or satellite package, you get ESPN+ included at no extra cost.

Key Takeaways

  • ESPN+ costs $10.99 per month or $109.99 per year and requires an internet connection to watch.
  • The service includes live college sports, UFC, NHL, MLS, and some international leagues, but not most NFL or NBA games that air on cable.
  • If you pay for cable or satellite TV that includes ESPN, you already have ESPN+ included.
  • You can cancel anytime with no penalty, and Disney often runs promotional pricing for new subscribers.

What sports and shows ESPN+ actually carries

ESPN+ shows hundreds of live events per year, but the lineup changes by season and sport. College football and basketball make up a large share — games that would otherwise air only on regional cable channels or not at all. The service also carries every UFC pay-per-view event (included in your subscription, not an extra charge), NHL regular season and playoff games, MLS soccer matches, and international cricket.

Original shows include 30 for 30 documentaries, Peyton's Places, coaching clinics, and analysis programs. ESPN+ also offers replays and highlights of games from ESPN's cable channels, though not always immediately after they air. The exact schedule varies week to week, so checking the app before you subscribe is the best way to see if the sports you care about are covered.

How to watch ESPN+ on your devices

You watch ESPN+ through an app available on most devices: iPhones and iPads, Android phones and tablets, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X/S, and web browsers on computers. You log in with your Disney account (the same one you use for Disney+ or Hulu if you have those). The app lets you search by sport, team, or date, and you can set reminders for upcoming games.

Video quality depends on your internet speed. ESPN+ recommends at least 8 Mbps for HD streaming and 35 Mbps for 4K. If your connection is slower, the app will automatically lower the quality to prevent buffering. You can watch on one device at a time with a standard subscription.

Bundling ESPN+ with Disney+ and Hulu

Disney sells three subscription bundles that include ESPN+. The most common is the Disney Bundle, which combines Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ for $14.99 per month (with ads on Hulu) or $24.99 per month (ad-free Hulu). Buying the bundle costs less than paying for each service separately. If you already subscribe to one or two of these services, switching to the bundle usually saves money.

You can also buy ESPN+ alone without the bundle. The choice depends on whether you watch Disney+ and Hulu content regularly. If you do not, the standalone ESPN+ subscription at $10.99 per month is cheaper than the bundle.

Promotional pricing and trial periods

Disney frequently offers discounted rates for new subscribers, such as the first month at $1.99 or three months at $0.99 per month. These promotions change throughout the year and are usually advertised on the ESPN+ website or app. You do not need a credit card to start a trial — Disney will ask for one to continue after the promotional period ends.

If you decide ESPN+ is not for you, you can cancel anytime through your account settings. There is no contract, no cancellation fee, and no waiting period. Your access ends at the end of your current billing cycle.

ESPN+ versus cable ESPN and ESPN2

The main ESPN cable channels (ESPN and ESPN2) show major live sports like Monday Night Football, NBA games, and the College Football Playoff. ESPN+ does not carry these broadcasts. Instead, ESPN+ fills in with sports that cable ESPN does not have time to show — college games that would otherwise be unavailable, international sports, and niche events.

If you want to watch cable ESPN's main programming, you need either a cable or satellite TV subscription that includes ESPN, or you can use the ESPN app (separate from ESPN+) to stream cable ESPN if your TV provider allows it. Some TV providers include ESPN+ with their cable packages, so check your bill or contact your provider before paying for a separate subscription.

Common reasons to cancel ESPN+

People cancel ESPN+ most often because the sports they follow are not on the service, or because they do not watch frequently enough to justify the cost. If you are a casual sports fan who only watches the Super Bowl or March Madness, ESPN+ may not be worth the monthly fee. If you follow a specific team that plays most games on cable ESPN or local channels, you might find ESPN+ has only occasional games you want to see.

Seasonal sports also affect whether ESPN+ makes sense for you. College football and basketball are heavy on ESPN+ in fall and winter, but the service has less content in spring and summer. Some subscribers pause their membership during off-season months and restart it when their sport returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch ESPN+ on my TV?

Yes, if your TV has a built-in app or if you connect a streaming device like Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, or a gaming console. You log in with your Disney account and stream the same way you would on a phone or computer. The app is available on most devices made in the last five years.

Do I get ESPN+ if I have cable ESPN?

It depends on your cable or satellite provider. Some include ESPN+ at no extra cost with an ESPN cable subscription, while others do not. Check your bill or call your provider to confirm. If it is included, you log in through the ESPN app with your TV provider account.

Can I share my ESPN+ account with family members?

You can share your login with people in your household, but Disney's terms say the account is for personal use only. You can watch on only one device at a time with a standard subscription, so multiple people cannot stream simultaneously. Disney does not currently offer a family plan for ESPN+.

What happens if I cancel and want to resubscribe later?

You can resubscribe anytime through the ESPN+ app or website using the same Disney account. Your watch history and settings will still be there. Disney often offers promotional pricing to returning subscribers, so check for discounts before you pay full price.

Is ESPN+ worth it if I only watch one sport?

That depends on how often your sport is on ESPN+. If your team or league plays most games on cable ESPN or local channels, you might see only a few games per month on ESPN+. Check the current schedule for your sport on the ESPN+ website to see if the service covers enough games to justify the cost.