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+ streams only through the internet to phones, tablets, computers, and connected TV devices. You do not need cable to use it.

ESPN+ carries live games from college football, college basketball, MLB, NHL, MLS, and professional boxing. It also shows original documentaries, analysis shows, and behind-the-scenes content. The exact sports and games available change based on broadcast rights, which vary by league and season.

ESPN+ is for people who want to watch sports outside of cable TV, either because they do not have cable or because they want additional games beyond what their cable package includes. It is not a replacement for cable ESPN — some major games still air only on cable or network TV.

Key Takeaways

  • ESPN+ costs a monthly fee with no contract, and you can cancel anytime without penalty.
  • The service streams to phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs, but requires an internet connection.
  • ESPN+ carries live games, replays, and original shows, but does not include all games that air on cable ESPN.
  • You can bundle ESPN+ with Hulu and Disney+ through Disney for a lower combined price than buying each separately.
  • ESPN+ requires you to create a Disney account and set up a payment method before you can watch.

Monthly cost and payment options

ESPN+ charges a monthly subscription fee. The exact price changes periodically, so check the ESPN+ website directly for the current rate. You pay the same amount each month unless you cancel.

You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or PayPal. Disney also offers the option to pay through Apple's App Store or Google Play if you sign up through their apps, though the price may differ slightly. Your payment renews automatically on the same day each month.

If you do not want to pay month-to-month, Disney sometimes offers annual plans at a discounted rate compared to paying monthly. Check the ESPN+ website to see whether an annual option is currently available.

Bundle pricing with Hulu and Disney+

Disney offers a bundle that combines ESPN+, Hulu, and Disney+ at a single monthly price lower than buying each service separately. The bundle price varies depending on whether you choose Hulu with ads or Hulu without ads — the ad-free version costs more.

If you already subscribe to one or more of these services, switching to the bundle may lower your total monthly cost. You can manage all three services through one Disney account once you bundle them.

The bundle does not lock you into a contract. You can cancel anytime, and cancellation ends all three services at once unless you choose to keep paying for individual services separately.

What devices ESPN+ works on

ESPN+ streams to most modern devices: iPhones and iPads, Android phones and tablets, computers running Windows or Mac, Amazon Fire devices, Apple TV, Roku, Google Chromecast, and Samsung Smart TVs. You can also watch through a web browser on any computer.

You need an active internet connection to stream. ESPN+ does not read shows for offline viewing, so you cannot watch without internet access. The video quality depends on your internet speed — faster connections support higher resolution.

You can stream on one device at a time with a standard ESPN+ account. If you want to watch on multiple devices simultaneously, check the ESPN+ website to see whether a higher-tier plan that allows simultaneous streams is available.

How to set up your account

To start using ESPN+, go to the ESPN+ website or open the ESPN app on your device. You will need to create a Disney account if you do not already have one. This requires an email address and a password.

After creating your Disney account, enter your payment information. Disney will charge your payment method on the date you sign up and then on the same day each month. You can change your payment method or billing address anytime through your account settings.

Once your account is set up, you can log in and start watching when ready. You do not need to wait for anything to arrive in the mail or set up anything by phone — access begins as soon as your payment is processed.

Canceling your subscription

You can cancel ESPN+ anytime through your Disney account settings. There is no penalty for canceling, and you do not have to call anyone or contact customer service. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period, so you can still watch until that date.

If you cancel before your next billing date, Disney will not charge you again. If you want to restart ESPN+ later, you can sign back in with the same Disney account and payment method.

If you subscribed through Apple's App Store or Google Play, you must cancel through that app store rather than through the ESPN+ website. Open the app store on your device, find your subscriptions, and cancel from there.

What ESPN+ does not include

ESPN+ does not carry every game from every sport. Major games often air on cable ESPN, ABC, or network TV instead. For example, some college football games and playoff games may not be available on ESPN+ even though other games from the same league are.

ESPN+ does not include live access to ESPN's cable channels. You cannot watch the ESPN cable channel itself through ESPN+ — you would need cable TV for that. ESPN+ is a separate service with its own content.

ESPN+ does not include local sports channels or regional broadcasts. Games that air on regional sports networks are not part of the ESPN+ catalog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch ESPN+ on my TV?

Yes, if your TV is a smart TV or if you have a streaming device like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, or Google Chromecast connected to it. You read the ESPN app on the device, log in with your Disney account, and watch on the big screen. Standard cable TV is not required.

Do I need cable to use ESPN+?

No. ESPN+ streams over the internet, so you only need an internet connection and a device that can read the ESPN app or access a web browser. You do not need a cable subscription.

Can I share my ESPN+ account with family members?

You can share your login information with people in your household, but ESPN+ terms of service state that accounts are for personal use only. Simultaneous streaming on multiple devices may be limited depending on your plan. Check the ESPN+ website for current policies on account sharing.

What happens if I cancel and then want to resubscribe?

You can resubscribe anytime using the same Disney account and payment method. Your previous watch history and preferences will still be there. There is no waiting period or penalty for restarting your subscription.

Does ESPN+ have a free trial?

Disney periodically offers free trial periods for ESPN+, but availability and length vary. Check the ESPN+ website to see whether a trial is currently available. Trials typically require you to enter a payment method upfront, and your subscription converts to paid after the trial ends unless you cancel.