What ESPN+ is and who it's for

ESPN+ is a streaming service owned by Disney that shows live sports, original shows, and on-demand replays. It is not the same as the ESPN cable channel — ESPN+ is a separate subscription you pay for directly, and it streams only through the ESPN app or website, not through cable.

ESPN+ carries Major League Baseball, National Hockey League, National Football League, college sports, soccer, tennis, golf, and combat sports. The exact games available depend on broadcast rights, which change year to year. Some games are exclusive to ESPN+ (meaning you can only watch them there), while others are also shown on cable or network television.

You do not need cable to use ESPN+. You need an internet connection and a device that can run the ESPN app — a phone, tablet, computer, smart TV, or streaming device like Roku or Apple TV.

Key Takeaways

  • ESPN+ costs a monthly or annual fee and is separate from cable or any other streaming service.
  • You can watch on up to four devices at the same time with one account, though only one stream per device.
  • Some sports events on ESPN+ are exclusive and will not air anywhere else; others are also on cable or broadcast TV.
  • Disney bundles ESPN+ with Hulu and Disney+ at a lower total price than buying each separately.
  • You can cancel anytime with no penalty, and you keep access until the end of your billing period.

Current pricing and payment options

ESPN+ offers two pricing tiers: a monthly plan and an annual plan. The monthly plan renews every 30 days, and the annual plan renews every 12 months. Both auto-renew unless you cancel, and you can cancel at any time through the ESPN app or website without a penalty.

The exact price varies by region and changes periodically. You can see the current price when you visit the ESPN+ sign-up page. Payment is by credit card, debit card, or through your Apple or Google account if you signed up through those platforms.

Disney also offers a bundle that includes ESPN+, Hulu (with ads), and Disney+ for a single monthly price. This bundle costs less than buying all three separately. A second bundle includes ESPN+, Hulu (ad-free), and Disney+ (ad-free) at a higher price. You choose which bundle when you sign up.

What you can watch on ESPN+

ESPN+ shows live games, replays, and original programming. Live games include regular-season and playoff matches across multiple sports. Replays let you watch games after they air, usually within hours. Original shows include documentaries, analysis programs, and behind-the-scenes content made by ESPN.

Not every game is on ESPN+. Major broadcast events — like playoff finals or championship games — often air on cable (ESPN, ESPN2) or network television (ABC, NBC) instead. ESPN+ typically carries secondary games, regional matchups, and less-watched time slots. The ESPN app shows you which games are on ESPN+ and which are on cable or broadcast TV.

You can search by sport, team, or date to find what you want to watch. The app also lets you set reminders for upcoming games and create a watchlist.

How to sign up and start watching

Visit ESPN.com or open the ESPN app on your device. Select "Sign Up" or "Subscribe to ESPN+." Choose your plan (monthly or annual, or a bundle with Hulu and Disney+). Enter your email address and create a password. Enter your payment method and confirm.

Once you are signed in, you can watch when ready. The ESPN app works on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices. You can read the app from your device's app store or visit ESPN.com in a web browser.

If you already have a Disney account (from Disney+, Hulu, or another Disney service), you can use that same login for ESPN+. If you signed up through Apple or Google, your subscription is tied to that account, and you cancel through that platform's settings, not through ESPN.

Simultaneous streams and account sharing

One ESPN+ account allows up to four simultaneous streams — meaning four people can watch at the same time on four different devices. Each device can stream only one video at a time (you cannot watch two games on the same phone at once).

Account sharing outside your household may violate ESPN's terms of service. Disney has stated it is working to limit password sharing across accounts, similar to what Netflix has done, though the details and timing are not yet final. Check the ESPN+ terms of service for the current policy.

Canceling your subscription

You can cancel anytime through the ESPN app or ESPN.com. Go to your account settings, find the subscription section, and select "Cancel Subscription." You will keep access until the end of your current billing period — if you cancel mid-month on a monthly plan, you can still watch until the next billing date.

If you signed up through Apple or Google, you must cancel through that platform's settings (Apple ID or Google Play), not through ESPN. Open your device settings, find the subscription section, and cancel from there.

ESPN does not charge a cancellation fee. If you cancel and later want to resubscribe, you can sign back up at any time.

Troubleshooting common issues

If you cannot log in, reset your password through the ESPN website. If the app crashes or will not load, try closing it completely and reopening it, or uninstall and reinstall it from your app store. Make sure your device has the latest version of the app and that your internet connection is stable.

If a game is blacked out in your area, it means broadcast rights prevent ESPN+ from showing it in your region. Blackout rules vary by sport and league. Check the ESPN app for details on why a specific game is not available to you.

If you are having trouble with a bundle subscription or if your payment failed, contact ESPN customer service through the app or website. They can help you update your payment method or troubleshoot billing issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need cable to watch ESPN+?

No. ESPN+ is a standalone streaming service. You need only an internet connection and a compatible device. You do not need a cable subscription to any channel.

Can I watch live games on ESPN+ or only replays?

Both. ESPN+ shows many live games as they happen. You can also watch replays of games after they air, usually the same day or within a few hours. The ESPN app tells you whether a game is live or a replay.

What is the difference between ESPN+ and the ESPN cable channel?

ESPN+ is a separate streaming service with its own content. The ESPN cable channel is part of a cable TV package. Some games air on both, but many games are exclusive to one or the other. ESPN+ does not include cable channels.

Can I watch ESPN+ on my smart TV?

Yes. read the ESPN app from your smart TV's app store, or use a streaming device like Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick, or Chromecast. You can also cast from your phone or computer to your TV if your TV supports it.

What happens if I cancel and then want to resubscribe?

You can resubscribe anytime. Your account information is saved, so you can log back in with the same email and password. There is no penalty for canceling and resubscribing later.