ESPN: What you should know before signing up

Sports streaming has evolved beyond traditional cable packages, with ESPN+ emerging as a standout platform for dedicated fans seeking flexible viewing options.

Your viewing experience now extends beyond the couch to any device at any time, transforming how you connect with your favorite sports content.

But is ESPN Plus the right streaming platform for you? What kind of content does it provide? How about subscription costs?

Well, read on for a breakdown of each aspect of the service to support your subscription decision.

What exactly is ESPN+, and how does it differ from regular ESPN?

ESPN Plus operates as a digital streaming complement to ESPN’s traditional networks, bringing you an additional layer of sports content directly to your screens.

The service exists alongside ESPN’s cable channels rather than replacing them, expanding your access to sports coverage beyond conventional broadcasting limits. This complementary platform provides:

• Exclusive live sports events not available on regular ESPN
• Original programming and documentaries
• Access to an extensive archive of sports content

The key distinction lies in its content offering:

What sports can I actually watch on ESPN+?

Your ESPN+ membership unlocks access to thousands of live events across a diverse sports landscape. The service puts a specific focus on the following categories:

Combat sports

• UFC: Exclusive rights to all Fight Night events
• Boxing: Top Rank boxing events and classic fights
• Access to PPV events (additional fee required)

Soccer coverage

• Major League Soccer (MLS)
• LaLiga
• Bundesliga
• Serie A
• FA Cup matches
• International matches

Other major sports

• NHL: Over 1,000 out-of-market games per season
• MLB: Select regular-season games
• NBA: G League games and classic matchups
• College Sports: Thousands of events across multiple sports
• Tennis: Grand Slam coverage and other major tournaments
• Golf: PGA Tour coverage and analysis

Niche sports

• Rugby
• Cricket
• Lacrosse
• Swimming
• Track and Field

How much will ESPN+ actually cost me?

The platform offers various ways to subscribe based on your viewing preferences. Whether you want a standalone sports streaming experience or value broader entertainment options, there are several subscription plans for you.

The basic options are as follows:

• Monthly plan: $11.99 per month
• Annual plan: $119.99 per year (saving you about $24 compared to monthly)

For those seeking more entertainment beyond sports, Disney offers compelling bundle packages that combine ESPN+ with Hulu.

These bundles give you significant savings compared to subscribing to each service separately. They include:

• Disney Bundle Trio Basic: Costs $16.99 per month and gives you access to ESPN+, Hulu and Disney+ with advertisements on all the three.
• Disney Bundle Trio Premium: This plan costs $26.99/month and only has advertisements on ESPN+. There are no ads on Disney+ and Hulu.

For dedicated UFC fans, ESPN+ offers additional purchasing options for premium fight content. These special packages ensure you won’t miss major UFC events while potentially saving on your annual subscription.

UFC Content Options:

• Individual PPV events: Costs $79.99 but requires an active ESPN+ subscription.
• New subscriber PPV package: For $134.98, you get an annual ESPN+ subscription and access to one UFC PPV event.

You should note that the prices mentioned above might include additional sales tax depending on your location. Also, ESPN+ doesn’t offer free trials.

What devices can I use to watch ESPN+?

ESPN+ works well across a wide range of devices, making it simple to catch your favorite sports on up to 5 gadgets simultaneously. The platform is compatible with the following:

Mobile devices

• iOS devices (iPhone, iPad)
• Android phones and tablets
• Mobile web browsers

TV-connected devices

• Amazon Fire TV
• Apple TV
• Chromecast
• Roku
• Samsung Smart TVs
• Xbox (One, Series X/S)
• PlayStation (4, 5)

Computer access

• All major web browsers
• ESPN.com website
• ESPN app for desktop

To ensure the best streaming experience on the chosen device, ensure that you have a minimum 5 Mbps for HD content, also update to the latest OS version and if you are using a browser ensure you are on its newest version.

How does ESPN+ compare to other sports streaming services?

Streaming options for sports content have expanded significantly in recent years. There are several ESPN+ competitors, each offering distinct advantages. Let’s have a look:

Is ESPN+ worth it for casual fans?

Your decision to subscribe should weigh heavily on your specific viewing habits and favorite sports. Understanding your needs helps determine if ESPN+ fits into your entertainment budget or if you’d be better served by other options.

This service is ideal for:

• Soccer enthusiasts following international leagues
• UFC fans seeking complete fight coverage
• College sports followers beyond major conferences
• Sports documentary and analysis enthusiasts
• Viewers who enjoy niche sports content

It is less suitable for:

• NFL-only viewers
• Fans focused solely on major league games
• Local sports team followers
• Cable-replacement seekers

Pros

• Budget-friendly: $11.99/month provides extensive sports access without cable costs.
• Exclusive content: Unique access to UFC fights, soccer matches, and original programming.
• Diverse coverage: Expansive selection of non-mainstream sports like rugby, cricket, and lacrosse.
• Flexible viewing: Stream on up to 5 devices simultaneously.
• Rich archive: Complete 30 for 30 documentary library and classic games.
• Bundle options: Cost-effective packages with Disney+ and Hulu.

Cons

• Limited major league coverage: Minimal NFL, NBA, and MLB live game access.
• Blackout restrictions: Geographic limitations within the United States and its territories.
• Additional Costs: Premium events like UFC PPVs require extra payment.
• No free trial: Unable to test the service before committing.
• Live content ads: Commercials remain even with premium subscriptions.
• Not a cable replacement: Best serves as a complement to existing sports subscriptions.