ESPN initially emerged as "The Worldwide Leader in Sports" because of its TV coverage of live events and signature shows like "SportsCenter" and "Pardon the Interruption." But as viewing habits have evolved, so, too, has ESPN.
With the creation of ESPN+ in 2018, the Disney-owned company threw its hat into the streaming ring. In just a few short years, ESPN+ has become one of the most popular direct-to-consumer services on the market.
What makes ESPN+ a great option for sports fans?
Here is everything you need to know about ESPN+, including the plans that are currently available for subscribers.
What is ESPN+?
ESPN+ is a streaming service that gives users access to live games as well as original shows and films. It also allows cord-cutters to watch exclusive sporting events like UFC pay-per-view cards. Avid readers can also read original content from ESPN's stable of writers and commentators on the website.
You can watch ESPN+ anywhere in the United States on the ESPN mobile app, on a desktop web browser, and on most gaming consoles. You can also stream it on Apple TV, FireTV, Chromecast and Roku.
As the service has added more and more sports, it's become a must-have for many sports fans.
ESPN+ subscription plans, prices
An ESPN+ subscription can be purchased by itself or as part of the Disney Bundle. Individual pay-per-view events can be purchased separately.
The Disney bundle not only offers ESPN+ but includes Hulu and Disney+ in one catch-all price. Watch Hulu originals like The Handmaid's Tale and Shogun or rewatch classic Disney movies with the whole family like Moana or Rio 2.
Here is a breakdown of each plan:
ESPN+ ($11.99 per month/$119.99 per year)
- Live sports, including college basketball, MLB, NHL and UFC
- Original shows and movies
- Access to ESPN+ premium articles
Disney Bundle ($16.99 per month for Basic Trio/$26.99 per month for Premium Trio)
- Basic Trio: ESPN+ (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), Hulu (with ads)
- Premium Trio: ESPN+ (with ads), Disney+ (no ads), Hulu (no ads)
Pay-per-view events ($79.99 per event)
- Exclusive live UFC events
Watch every UFC pay-per-view exclusively on ESPN+. Host a watch party or watch all the action on the go as some of mixed martial arts' brightest stars enter the octagon to do battle. Get access to exclusive fight night cards and Dana White's Contender Series.
What shows and movies are on ESPN+?
In addition to live sports, ESPN+ subscribers can watch several original series and movies.
The award-winning Last Dance chronicles Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls' quest for a championship in 1998. The complete 30 for 30 library, including You Don't Know Bo: The Legend of Bo Jackson, Bad Boys, The Two Escobars, Long Gone Summer and more are all at your fingertips on-demand whenever you want to watch them.
- Complete 30 for 30 library
- Detail
- Eli's Places with Eli Manning
- ESPN FC
- Man in the Arena: Tom Brady
- NFL Primetime with Chris Berman and Booger McFarland
- Peyton's Places with Peyton Manning
- The Breakdown with Peyton Manning and Bill Belichick
- The Last Dance
What sports are available to watch on ESPN+?
ESPN+ covers a variety of professional and collegiate sports. The exclusive home of the UFC pay-per-views. Plenty of Top Rank boxing events, golf, tennis and college sports from the American, Big 12, ACC and SEC.
The home for La Liga soccer, FA Cup and Carabao Cup. Every out-of-market local NHL game and some exclusive MLB games.
Add in original programming like the Pat McAfee show, access to premium articles from ESPN's top writers and ESPN's fantasy sports tool just to name a few.
- College sports, including baseball, basketball, football, gymnastics, soccer and volleyball
- Grand Slam tennis
- International soccer, including Bundesliga, Carabao Cup, FA Cup and La Liga
- MLB
- NFL
- NHL
- PGA Tour
- Top Rank Boxing
- UFC
Does ESPN+ have a free trial?
No, ESPN+ is not currently offering a free trial. However, ESPN+ does not require you to sign a contract or commit to a specific plan, so you can start or stop your service at any time.
Current ESPN+ offers and promotions
For a limited time get 12 months of ESPN+ for the price of 9 with the purchase of an annual plan. Stream your favorite teams live and enjoy more sports anywhere with an ESPN+ subscription.
How do I sign up for ESPN+?
1. Go to the ESPN+ website. Select either "Get the Disney Bundle" or "Subscribe to ESPN+ only."
2. Create an account by providing your full name, email address and password.
3. Choose your subscription and provide your payment information.
4. If you have filled out all of the necessary fields, you will be able to start streaming your favorite sports.
ESPN+ pros and cons
Pros
- The ultimate sports fan experience: Whether you want to watch a live sporting event or an award-winning documentary, ESPN+ has you covered.
- The ability to bundle: The Disney Bundle is one of the best deals on the streaming market, as it gives subscribers a terrific combination of sports and entertainment content.
Cons
- Some coverage limitations: An ESPN+ subscription doesn't give you access to channels like ESPN and ESPN2, and there are additional fees for exclusive UFC events.
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