ESPN Select Plan is a streaming option that costs less than the full ESPN+ subscription but limits which sports and events you can watch

ESPN Select Plan is not a separate product you can buy on its own. Instead, it is a lower-cost tier within ESPN+ that restricts access to certain live games and events. If you choose Select Plan, you pay a reduced monthly or annual fee but cannot watch every game that ESPN+ offers — the platform decides which matchups fall under your tier and which require the higher ESPN+ Premium plan.

The exact sports and events available under Select Plan change based on ESPN's licensing agreements and scheduling. You will see at the time of purchase which events are included in your tier and which are locked behind Premium. This matters because a game you want to watch might be Premium-only, meaning you would need to upgrade to see it.

Key Takeaways

  • ESPN Select Plan costs less per month than ESPN+ Premium but excludes some live games and events that require the higher tier.
  • You cannot buy Select Plan as a standalone product — it is only available as an option when you sign up for or modify an ESPN+ subscription.
  • The specific games and sports included in Select Plan vary by season and depend on ESPN's broadcast rights agreements.
  • If a game is marked Premium-only, you must upgrade your subscription tier to watch it; Select Plan will not give you access.
  • You can switch between Select Plan and Premium at any time, though the price difference applies to your next billing cycle.

How ESPN Select Plan pricing works

ESPN Select Plan costs less than ESPN+ Premium, but the exact price depends on whether you pay monthly or annually and what current promotions are running. ESPN changes these prices periodically, so the amount you see when you sign up may differ from what someone else pays in a different month or year.

When you create an ESPN+ account, you choose your tier at signup. If you later want to switch from Select to Premium, or from Premium to Select, you can do so through your account settings. The price change takes effect on your next billing date, not immediately.

What sports and events are included in Select Plan

ESPN Select Plan includes a subset of live games across sports like college football, college basketball, Major League Baseball, and others, but not every matchup. For example, you might be able to watch some college football games but not marquee matchups or conference championships. The exact lineup changes week to week and season to season.

When you browse ESPN+ to find a specific game, the app or website will show you whether it is available under Select Plan or if it requires Premium. You cannot know the full schedule of Select Plan games in advance — ESPN publishes them as the season approaches, and some games are added or moved between tiers based on demand and licensing.

Original ESPN+ shows, documentaries, and on-demand replays are typically available to both Select and Premium subscribers. The tier difference mainly affects live sports events.

Upgrading from Select Plan to Premium

If you are on Select Plan and want to watch a Premium-only game, you can upgrade your subscription through your ESPN+ account at any time. The upgrade takes effect immediately, and you will be charged a prorated amount for the remainder of your current billing period. On your next billing date, you will pay the full Premium price.

You do not need to cancel and restart your subscription to upgrade. Your watch history, saved shows, and account settings remain the same. If you later downgrade back to Select Plan, the same process applies in reverse.

How to sign up for ESPN Select Plan

Go to ESPN.com or open the ESPN app on your device. Look for the subscription or sign-up option, usually located in the account menu or at the top of the page. You will see both Select Plan and Premium options with their current prices displayed side by side.

Choose Select Plan and enter your payment information. ESPN accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and sometimes other payment methods depending on your region. After your payment processes, you can start watching immediately. You will receive a confirmation email with your account details and billing date.

If you already have an ESPN+ subscription at a different tier, you cannot sign up for Select Plan as a new account. Instead, log into your existing account and change your plan through the settings menu.

Canceling or pausing ESPN Select Plan

You can cancel your Select Plan subscription at any time through your account settings. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period — you will retain access until that date, then your subscription ends. ESPN does not charge you again after cancellation.

Some regions offer the option to pause your subscription for a set period rather than cancel outright. If this option is available in your area, you can temporarily stop your membership and resume it later without losing your account information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch all ESPN+ shows and movies with Select Plan?

Yes. Select Plan includes access to original shows, documentaries, replays, and on-demand content. The tier restriction applies mainly to live sports events. If a show or movie is available on ESPN+, you can watch it under Select Plan unless it is specifically marked as Premium-only.

What happens if I want to watch a game that requires Premium?

You must upgrade to ESPN+ Premium to watch it. You can upgrade through your account settings and the change takes effect immediately. You will be charged a prorated amount for the current billing period, then the full Premium price on your next billing date.

Can I switch between Select and Premium multiple times?

Yes. You can change your tier as often as you want through your account settings. Each change takes effect on your next billing date. There is no penalty for switching, though ESPN may have terms about how frequently you can change if you are trying to exploit pricing differences.

Does ESPN Select Plan include the ESPN app?

Yes. Both Select and Premium subscribers can use the ESPN app on phones, tablets, and streaming devices. The app shows you which games are available under your tier and which require Premium before you try to watch.

What if I share my ESPN+ account with family members?

ESPN's terms of service restrict account sharing to members of your household. If you are on Select Plan and a family member wants to watch a Premium-only game, you would need to upgrade the entire account to Premium — the tier applies to all users on that subscription, not individual profiles.