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- ESPN+ is a sports streaming platform that includes exclusive video content, live games, and in-depth news and analysis that's usually behind a paywall.
- You can access it via the existing ESPN app since it's considered a complement to existing content and not an entirely separate streaming service.
- It costs $4.99 per month or $49.99 annually, saving you $10 on the monthly price. You can also bundle ESPN+ with Hulu and Disney+ for $12.99 a month.
- See also: Disney Plus: Everything you need to know about Disney's ad-free streaming service
Streaming has largely overtaken cable and satellite as the preferred method to watch movies and TV shows at your leisure. Low price points and the ability to watch on the go are primary reasons for the migration, but one sector has largely resisted any such paradigm shift — professional sports.
If you're a sports fan, you might be shelling out for traditional cable just to watch your favorite team. Hefty deals between sports leagues and TV networks have prevented services like Netflix from streaming games, but ESPN now has a low-cost service that should satiate many sports fans' appetites.
What is ESPN+?
ESPN+ is a streaming subscription service that's considered a complement to existing ESPN content, not technically a separate platform. Think of it as an add-on to the standard ESPN app with live games, exclusive on-demand video, and access to what was formerly known as ESPN Insider.
Previously, ESPN Insider offered subscribers exclusive written articles for a monthly $4.99 fee. ESPN decided to add video to the mix and created ESPN+ for the same price, giving subscribers access to stories, live streaming, and on-demand videos.
What's included with ESPN+?
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ESPN+ includes a bevy of exclusive video content from live games to on-demand shows and exclusive stories. Unfortunately, the live games come with commercials — just like regular TV.
Subscribers can watch live games from the MLB, NHL, and MLS; there are no live NBA or NFL games. There's also PGA golf, UFC, college football, international soccer, and tennis. And if you're a fan of UFC or boxing, ESPN+ will often offer exclusive PPV matches so you'll get even more content from the service.
There are also original shows exclusive to ESPN+ like in-depth game recaps and analyses hosted by Peyton Manning and Daniel Cormier, and a shorter version of "NFL Primetime." Original shows and documentaries like "30 for 30" as well as full replays of historic NFL games are also available to stream on-demand.
What's not included with ESPN+?
ESPN+ is technically separate from ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNews, so a subscription will not grant you access to live games being broadcast on those networks, including any live games during Monday Night Football and Sunday Night Baseball. That said, MLB games are still available to be streamed.
Your ESPN+ account is not the same as a cable login with access to the ESPN networks, so there's no way of getting around it either.
How much does ESPN+ cost?
An ESPN+ subscription will only run you $4.99 per month, or $49.99 annually — $10 less than what you'd pay if you go month to month.
There's also a combo package that bundles ESPN+ with Hulu and the new Disney Plus streaming service for just $12.99 per month — a $5 savings each month compared to getting all three services separately.
Where can I watch ESPN+?
One of the cool things about ESPN+ is that you can access it on the current ESPN app.
Instead of launching a separate app, all the ESPN+ content is unlocked in the ESPN app once you subscribe. The app is available on virtually every platform you can imagine — phones, tablets, laptops, Roku players, Fire TV products, Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast, PS4, Xbox One, and Samsung smart TVs.
You can also stream on up to three devices simultaneously with one account.
How do I sign up for ESPN+?
Head over to the ESPN+ website and create an account, or open your existing ESPN account and you'll be prompted to sign up.
Read more about ESPN+ on Insider Picks:
- A full price breakdown for ESPN's streaming service, ESPN+ — here's everything you need to know
- How to watch UFC pay-per-view events on ESPN+
- 15 must-see '30 for 30' sports documentaries streaming on ESPN+ right now — a monthly subscription is only $5
- ESPN+ has a ton of new original shows — here are the 5 best ones to stream