ESPN+ is a direct subscription to ESPN's streaming service, separate from cable or other bundles

ESPN+ is a streaming service you pay for monthly or annually, delivered through an app or web browser. You do not need cable, a satellite dish, or any other ESPN package to use it. You subscribe directly to ESPN, and ESPN sends you a login that works on phones, tablets, computers, and some smart TVs.

The service includes live sports events, original shows, and on-demand replays. What you get depends on which sports are available in your region and which leagues have licensed their content to ESPN+. Not every game from every league appears on ESPN+ — some games air on cable channels, network television, or other streaming services instead.

ESPN+ is owned by Disney. If you already subscribe to Disney+ or Hulu, you may see bundle pricing that combines all three services at a lower total cost than buying them separately.

Key Takeaways

  • ESPN+ costs a set monthly or annual rate with no cable subscription required, and you can cancel anytime without penalty.
  • Not all games from major leagues appear on ESPN+ — some air on cable, broadcast networks, or other platforms, so check the schedule before subscribing.
  • You can watch on multiple devices at the same time if your subscription plan allows it, though simultaneous streams are limited.
  • ESPN+ works alongside cable ESPN if you have it, but you do not need cable to use ESPN+ alone.
  • Disney offers bundle pricing that combines ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu at a discount compared to buying each separately.

What sports and events are included

ESPN+ carries live games and events from leagues including Major League Baseball, the NHL, MLS, college football and basketball, boxing, UFC, and international soccer. The exact lineup changes year to year as ESPN renews or loses broadcasting rights. Some leagues split their games across multiple platforms — for example, some NFL games air on ESPN+ while others air on cable ESPN, ABC, or other networks.

The service also includes original ESPN shows, documentaries, and replays of past events. You can usually watch games on demand after they air live, though some content is available only during a set window.

To see what is currently available in your region, visit ESPN+ directly or check their schedule before you commit to a subscription. Availability varies by country and changes seasonally as different sports begin and end their seasons.

Pricing and payment options

ESPN+ offers a monthly plan and an annual plan. The monthly plan renews automatically each month unless you cancel. The annual plan is paid in full upfront and renews after 12 months. Both plans can be cancelled at any time without early termination fees.

Disney also sells a bundle that includes ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu. The bundle costs less per month than buying all three services separately. Within the bundle, you can choose whether Hulu includes ads or runs ad-free, which affects the total bundle price.

Payment is made by credit card, debit card, or through your Apple or Google account if you subscribe through their app stores. If you subscribe through an app store, that store handles the payment and renewal, not ESPN directly.

How to watch on your devices

Once you subscribe, you log in with your ESPN+ account on any supported device. The ESPN+ app is available on iOS and Android phones and tablets, on computers through a web browser, and on smart TVs including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Samsung TVs. You can also cast from your phone to a Chromecast or AirPlay to an Apple TV.

Most ESPN+ subscriptions allow you to stream on multiple devices at the same time, though the exact number of simultaneous streams depends on your plan. Check your plan details to see how many devices can watch at once. If you exceed the limit, one stream will stop.

You can download some events to watch offline on the mobile app, though not all content is available for download. Downloaded content expires after a set period.

ESPN+ versus cable ESPN and ESPN2

Cable ESPN and ESPN2 are traditional television channels included in most cable and satellite packages. ESPN+ is a separate streaming service. They are not the same thing, and having one does not automatically give you the other.

If you have cable ESPN, you can sometimes use your cable login to unlock additional content on the ESPN app or website. But this is different from ESPN+ — it is a benefit tied to your cable subscription, not a separate purchase.

Many people use ESPN+ alongside cable ESPN because different games air on different platforms. Some games are only on ESPN+, some only on cable ESPN, and some on neither. Check the schedule for the specific teams or leagues you want to watch before deciding whether ESPN+ alone meets your needs.

Bundling ESPN+ with Disney+ and Hulu

Disney owns ESPN, Disney+, and Hulu. The company sells a bundle that combines all three services at a lower monthly cost than buying them separately. Within the bundle, you choose whether Hulu includes ads or runs ad-free, and this choice affects the bundle price.

If you already subscribe to Disney+ or Hulu, switching to the bundle usually costs less than keeping both separate subscriptions. You can manage all three services through one Disney account and one login.

The bundle renews monthly and can be cancelled anytime. If you cancel the bundle, you lose access to all three services unless you resubscribe to them individually.

Cancelling your subscription

You can cancel ESPN+ at any time through your account settings on the ESPN+ website or app. There is no penalty for cancelling, and you will not be charged again after you cancel. You keep access to ESPN+ until the end of your current billing period, then your access stops.

If you subscribed through an app store (Apple, Google, Amazon), you must cancel through that app store, not through ESPN directly. Go to your account settings in the app store and manage your subscriptions there.

If you subscribed to the Disney bundle, cancelling removes all three services. If you want to keep Disney+ or Hulu, cancel only ESPN+ within your bundle settings, or switch to a plan that does not include ESPN+.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need cable to watch ESPN+?

No. ESPN+ is a standalone service that works without cable, satellite, or any other TV subscription. You pay ESPN directly for ESPN+ and watch through the app or website.

Can I watch live games or only replays?

ESPN+ includes both live games and on-demand replays. Which games are live versus replay-only depends on the league and the specific matchup. Check the ESPN+ schedule to see whether a game you want to watch is available live or only after it airs.

How many people can watch ESPN+ at the same time?

Most ESPN+ plans allow multiple simultaneous streams, but the exact number varies by plan. Check your subscription details to see how many devices can watch at once. If you exceed the limit, one stream will stop.

What happens if I cancel and then want to resubscribe later?

You can resubscribe to ESPN+ anytime. There is no waiting period or penalty. You will create a new login or use your existing Disney account, and your subscription will begin immediately.

Is ESPN+ the same as the ESPN app?

No. The ESPN app is free and shows scores, news, and highlights. ESPN+ is a paid subscription that unlocks live games and exclusive content within the app. You need an ESPN+ subscription to watch live events.