ESPN Plus: Is It Worth It for Sports Fans?

Sports fans today face a complex landscape when trying to watch their favorite games. Traditional cable packages offer extensive sports coverage, but they often come with a hefty price tag and many channels you never watch. This makes “cord-cutting,” or canceling traditional cable/satellite TV in favor of “streaming” video content over the internet, an attractive option for many. ESPN Plus emerges as a popular choice for accessing a wide array of sports without a cable subscription, but understanding its true value requires a closer look. You need to know exactly what ESPN Plus offers, how it fits into your budget, and if it truly delivers the sports content you care about.

This guide dives deep into ESPN Plus, helping you decide if it stands as a worthwhile investment for your sports streaming needs. We cover its content, pricing, benefits, and limitations, providing you with actionable insights to optimize your entertainment choices and potentially save money.

What Is ESPN Plus and How Does It Work?

ESPN Plus is a standalone sports “streaming service” from ESPN and Disney, designed to complement the traditional ESPN cable channels. It provides access to thousands of live sporting events, exclusive original content, and an extensive library of on-demand sports programming that you cannot find on ESPN, ESPN2, or other linear ESPN networks. It is not a replacement for these channels. Instead, it offers additional content, often referred to as “exclusives,” meaning you only find them on ESPN Plus.

You can access ESPN Plus content through the ESPN app on various devices, including “smart TVs” (televisions with built-in internet connection and apps), “streaming devices” (small boxes or sticks like Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV), gaming consoles, and mobile devices. Once you subscribe, you simply open the ESPN app, sign in, and navigate to the ESPN Plus section to begin watching. This makes it a convenient option for many modern sports viewers.

ESPN Plus Content Library: What Sports Are Included?

Many sports fans ask, “ESPN Plus: what sports are included?” The answer involves a broad range of live events and original programming, but with a crucial distinction: it does not include live streams of events airing on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, or other linear ESPN cable channels. To watch those, you still need a valid cable or live TV streaming subscription. ESPN Plus focuses on offering supplemental content. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect:

• UFC Fight Nights: ESPN Plus is the exclusive home for many UFC Fight Night events, plus pay-per-view (PPV) events you can purchase separately. This is a significant draw for mixed martial arts fans.
• College Sports: You will find a substantial amount of college football, basketball, baseball, softball, and other NCAA sports from various conferences. This includes games not broadcast on the main ESPN networks.
• International Soccer: ESPN Plus offers extensive coverage of top international soccer leagues, including LaLiga, Bundesliga, Eredivisie, and the FA Cup. It also features Major League Soccer (MLS) out-of-market games.
• NHL Hockey: Subscribers get access to hundreds of out-of-market NHL games, providing a rich experience for hockey enthusiasts who follow teams beyond their local market.
• MLB Baseball: Similar to the NHL, ESPN Plus carries a significant number of out-of-market MLB games.
• PGA Tour Live: Golf fans benefit from exclusive coverage of PGA Tour events, including featured groups and holes, which enhances the traditional broadcast experience.
• Original Programming: The service boasts a library of exclusive original shows, including the acclaimed 30 for 30 documentary series and shows like Peyton’s Places. These “on-demand” shows allow you to watch whenever you want.
• Tennis: Coverage includes Grand Slam tournaments like Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open, alongside other ATP and WTA tour events.
• Cricket, Rugby, Lacrosse, and More: You will find niche sports coverage, appealing to a diverse audience of sports enthusiasts.

One common misconception is that ESPN Plus provides access to every single ESPN event. This is not true. If a game is airing on ESPN or ESPN2, you generally need a traditional cable TV subscription or a live TV streaming service to watch it. ESPN Plus is a distinct service that expands the overall ESPN content ecosystem, not a replacement for traditional ESPN channels. According to Wirecutter’s streaming service reviews, understanding the distinction between live TV streaming services and specific sports add-ons is crucial for managing your budget effectively.

Understanding ESPN Plus Pricing and Bundles

ESPN Plus offers straightforward pricing, but its integration into the Disney Bundle adds another layer of value for many users. Understanding these options helps you make an informed decision on whether to subscribe to ESPN Plus for your “sports streaming” needs.

As of late 2023 / early 2024, the standalone ESPN Plus subscription costs approximately $10.99 per month. An annual subscription often presents a discount, coming in around $109.99 per year, which translates to roughly $9.17 per month. This annual option saves you approximately $22 over a year compared to paying monthly.

ESPN Plus is an “ad-supported” service. This means commercials interrupt your viewing experience during live events and on-demand content. Unlike some other streaming services, ESPN Plus does not offer a separate “ad-free” tier for its standalone subscription. You simply get the ad-supported version.

“When evaluating any streaming service, always consider the total cost of ownership. A small monthly fee can add up, and bundling often provides significant savings if you use all included services.”

ESPN Plus Versus The Disney Bundle: A Value Proposition

For many, the most compelling way to get ESPN Plus is through the Disney Bundle. This package combines ESPN Plus, Disney+, and Hulu, often resulting in substantial savings compared to subscribing to each service individually. The Bundle offers several tiers, impacting both price and whether Hulu includes ads.

Consider the common Disney Bundle options:

Note: Prices were accurate at the time of writing and are subject to change. Always check current pricing directly on the official service websites.

The Disney Bundle Trio Basic, priced at about $14.99 per month, is a particularly attractive option. For just $4 more than the standalone ESPN Plus subscription, you also gain access to the extensive content libraries of Disney+ (movies, shows, Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, National Geographic) and Hulu (current TV series, movies, originals). This effectively means you get Disney+ and Hulu for a very low additional cost if you already intended to subscribe to ESPN Plus. This is a prime example of how bundling can offer significant value for “cost-conscious viewers.”

Simultaneous Streams and Device Compatibility

When you invest in a streaming service, you want to ensure it works across all your devices and that everyone in your household can watch what they want. ESPN Plus allows for up to 3 simultaneous streams from a single account. This means three different people can watch different ESPN Plus programs at the same time on three separate devices. This is a generous allowance, especially compared to some competitors, and it typically meets the needs of most families.

Device compatibility is excellent, ensuring you can access ESPN Plus virtually anywhere. You can watch on:

• Smart TVs: Samsung, LG, Vizio, Roku TV, Fire TV Edition, Android TV
• Streaming Devices: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast
• Mobile Devices: iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets
• Gaming Consoles: PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S
• Web Browsers: Any modern web browser on a computer

This broad compatibility means you likely already own a device capable of running the ESPN app and accessing ESPN Plus content, simplifying your setup process.

The Pros and Cons of ESPN Plus for Sports Fans

To determine if “is ESPN Plus worth it for sports,” you must weigh its advantages against its limitations. No service is perfect for everyone, and ESPN Plus has distinct strengths and weaknesses.

Pros:

• Exclusive Live Sports Content: It offers thousands of live events unavailable on traditional ESPN channels, including UFC Fight Nights, a vast array of college games, international soccer, NHL, and MLB out-of-market games.
• Original Programming: The library of 30 for 30 documentaries and other ESPN Originals provides high-quality, in-depth sports storytelling you cannot get elsewhere.
• Value with the Disney Bundle: When purchased as part of the Disney Bundle, ESPN Plus becomes incredibly cost-effective, essentially adding sports for a minimal increase in price alongside Disney+ and Hulu. This is a key selling point for value-conscious consumers, as noted by PCMag’s guide to best streaming services.
• Broad Device Support: Excellent compatibility across smart TVs, streaming devices, mobile devices, and gaming consoles ensures you can watch on your preferred screen.
• Simultaneous Streams: With up to 3 concurrent streams, multiple family members can enjoy different content at once.

Cons:

• No Linear ESPN Channels: This is the biggest drawback. ESPN Plus does not replace ESPN, ESPN2, or other linear ESPN networks. You still need a cable or live TV streaming subscription to watch those channels.
• Ad-Supported: All content on ESPN Plus includes commercials, with no option to upgrade to an ad-free experience even at a higher price. This can be disruptive for some viewers.
• Content Fragmentation: Sports content remains fragmented. Even with ESPN Plus, you might need other services (like Peacock for Premier League, Paramount+ for Champions League, MLB.TV for all MLB out-of-market games, NBA League Pass for all NBA out-of-market games) to cover all your specific sport interests.
• Limited Free Trial: ESPN Plus generally does not offer a standalone free trial. You must subscribe to experience the content.

Who Is ESPN Plus Best For?

ESPN Plus is not a universal solution for every sports fan, but it offers immense value for specific viewer profiles.

• UFC Fans: If you primarily watch UFC, ESPN Plus is almost mandatory for exclusive fight nights and access to PPV events.
• College Sports Enthusiasts: Fans who follow a wide range of college sports beyond just the major televised games will find significant value in the extensive NCAA coverage.
• International Soccer Aficionados: Supporters of LaLiga, Bundesliga, and other European leagues will appreciate the dedicated coverage.
• Budget-Conscious Bundlers: If you already subscribe to or plan to subscribe to Disney+ and Hulu, adding ESPN Plus via the Disney Bundle provides tremendous value, making it a “smart decision” for your entertainment dollar.
• Supplement to a Basic Live TV Plan: For those who have a basic live TV streaming service for main channels and want to fill gaps with specific niche sports or out-of-market games, ESPN Plus serves as an excellent complement.

If your primary goal is to watch major prime-time NFL, NBA, or college football games that air on ESPN’s main linear channels, ESPN Plus alone will not suffice. You will still need a live TV streaming service or traditional cable.

Alternatives to ESPN Plus for Live Sports

Understanding ESPN Plus involves comparing it to other options. While ESPN Plus excels in specific areas, a robust “sports streaming” setup often involves a combination of services. Here are some alternatives and complements:

• Live TV Streaming Services: Services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV include ESPN, ESPN2, and other major sports channels. These are full cable replacements, offering a broader range of channels, including local networks, but at a higher monthly cost (typically $40-$75+). Hulu + Live TV notably includes ESPN Plus, Disney+, and Hulu (ad-supported) as part of its base package, making it a comprehensive choice for those who need linear ESPN.
• Niche Sports Streaming Services:
  • Paramount+: Exclusive home for UEFA Champions League and Europa League soccer, along with NFL on CBS local market games.
  • Peacock: Premier League soccer, some Sunday Night Football games, and other NBC Sports content.
  • Apple TV+: Exclusive home of MLS Season Pass for Major League Soccer.
  • NBA League Pass / MLB.TV / NHL.TV: These services offer comprehensive out-of-market coverage for their respective leagues, often at a premium price. ESPN Plus only offers a selection of these games.

Each service fills a specific content gap. You might find yourself combining ESPN Plus (especially via the Disney Bundle) with a live TV streaming service and perhaps one or two niche sports services to get all the content you desire. This is part of the modern “cord-cutting” experience, requiring careful selection to manage costs.

Making Your Decision: Is ESPN Plus Worth It?

Ultimately, “is ESPN Plus worth it for sports” depends on your individual viewing habits and budget. If you are a fan of UFC, college sports, international soccer (LaLiga, Bundesliga), or out-of-market NHL/MLB games, ESPN Plus provides substantial value. Its exclusive original content, like the 30 for 30 series, also adds significant appeal.

For budget-conscious viewers, the Disney Bundle remains the most compelling reason to subscribe. Getting ESPN Plus alongside Disney+ and Hulu for a combined price often makes the sports component feel like an incredible deal. If you only want ESPN Plus and nothing else, $10.99 per month for the standalone service requires you to be a dedicated follower of its specific content offerings.

Evaluate your current streaming subscriptions. Consider which sports you absolutely cannot miss. If those sports are prominently featured on ESPN Plus, especially the exclusive content, then it likely represents a good investment for your entertainment budget. If you primarily watch major events on ESPN’s linear channels, remember that ESPN Plus is not a replacement, and you will need a separate live TV solution.

Take an inventory of your favorite teams and leagues. Check the ESPN Plus schedule for upcoming events. You need to verify if the content you want to watch is actually available on the platform before committing to a subscription. This diligent approach helps you avoid frustration and ensures you spend your money wisely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ESPN Plus show all live ESPN games?

No, ESPN Plus does not show all live ESPN games. It offers exclusive live events, original content, and an extensive library of on-demand programming that complements the linear ESPN channels. To watch games airing on ESPN, ESPN2, or other traditional ESPN networks, you need a cable TV subscription or a live TV streaming service that includes those channels.

Can I watch NFL games on ESPN Plus?

ESPN Plus offers very limited NFL content. It features some NFL Films programming and occasional simulcasts, but it is not a primary destination for live NFL regular season or playoff games. For most live NFL action, you typically need local broadcast channels (NBC, CBS, FOX), ESPN, NFL Network, or NFL RedZone, often accessible through a live TV streaming service.

Is there an ad-free option for ESPN Plus?

No, ESPN Plus does not offer a separate ad-free subscription tier. All content on ESPN Plus, whether live events or on-demand shows, includes commercials. Even when you subscribe to the Disney Bundle Trio Premium, which offers ad-free Disney+ and Hulu, the ESPN Plus component remains ad-supported.

Does ESPN Plus offer a free trial?

ESPN Plus generally does not offer a standalone free trial. Occasionally, specific promotions or bundles might include a trial period, but it is not a standard offering. You typically need to subscribe to access the content. However, if you subscribe to a service like Hulu + Live TV, ESPN Plus is included, and Hulu + Live TV often provides a free trial.

Disclaimer: Streaming service prices, content libraries, and features change frequently. Prices shown were accurate at time of writing but may have changed. Always verify current pricing on the official service website before subscribing.