What ESPN+ is and what it costs

ESPN+ is a streaming service owned by Disney that shows live sports events, 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 through apps on phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.

The service costs a monthly fee or an annual fee. The exact price changes periodically, so check ESPN's website for the current rate. You can also bundle ESPN+ with Disney+ and Hulu at a discounted combined price if you want all three services.

ESPN+ does not include live broadcasts of major NFL, NBA, MLB, or NHL games that air on ESPN's main cable channel. It focuses on college sports, soccer, hockey, baseball, and other leagues, plus original documentaries and analysis shows.

Key Takeaways

  • ESPN+ is a separate streaming service from cable ESPN and requires its own monthly or annual payment.
  • The service includes live college sports, professional soccer, hockey, and baseball, plus original documentaries and replays.
  • You watch ESPN+ through apps on your phone, tablet, computer, or smart TV using your login credentials.
  • ESPN+ does not include live broadcasts of major league games that air on the main ESPN cable channel.
  • You can bundle ESPN+ with Disney+ and Hulu for a lower combined price than paying for each separately.

How to set up an ESPN+ account

Start by visiting ESPN.com or opening the ESPN app on your device. Look for the ESPN+ section and select the option to start a subscription. You will need to enter an email address and create a password.

Next, choose whether you want to pay monthly or annually. Enter your payment method — a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. Disney will charge you on the date you sign up each month (or each year if you chose annual billing).

After payment goes through, your account is active when ready. You can then log in to the ESPN app or ESPN.com using your email and password on any device. Most people read the ESPN app to their phone or tablet for easier access.

What sports and shows are on ESPN+

ESPN+ carries hundreds of live events each year. College football and basketball make up a large portion of the schedule, especially games that do not air on the main ESPN cable channel. You will also find Major League Soccer (MLS) matches, NHL hockey games, MLB baseball games, and international soccer leagues.

The service also includes original shows and documentaries. These are programs ESPN produces specifically for ESPN+ subscribers — they are not reruns of cable broadcasts. Examples include behind-the-scenes sports documentaries, analysis shows, and interviews with athletes.

On-demand replays of recent games are available so you can watch matches after they air live. The length of time replays stay available varies by sport and league.

How to watch ESPN+ on different devices

You can watch ESPN+ on almost any device with an internet connection. read the ESPN app on your phone or tablet (available on iPhone, iPad, and Android). On a computer, go to ESPN.com, log in, and click on ESPN+ to watch in your web browser.

For your TV, ESPN+ works on smart TVs that have the ESPN app built in, including Samsung, LG, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, and Google TV devices. read the ESPN app from your TV's app store, log in with your account, and start watching.

You can watch on multiple devices at the same time with one account, though the number of simultaneous streams allowed depends on your subscription plan. Check ESPN's current terms for the exact limit.

Pausing, canceling, or changing your subscription

To pause or cancel your ESPN+ subscription, log into your account on ESPN.com. Go to your account settings or subscription management page. You will see options to pause your subscription temporarily or cancel it entirely.

If you cancel, you lose access to ESPN+ when ready. Your payment stops, and you will not be charged again. If you signed up for an annual plan and cancel before the year is up, most services do not refund the unused portion — check ESPN's cancellation policy when you sign up.

To upgrade from monthly to annual billing (or vice versa), go to your subscription settings and look for the option to change your plan. The change usually takes effect on your next billing date.

ESPN+ versus cable ESPN and other streaming options

Cable ESPN and ESPN+ are separate products. Cable ESPN shows major league games, SportsCenter, and live broadcasts during prime time. ESPN+ shows different games — mostly college sports, soccer, and hockey — and original shows you cannot find on cable.

If you want to watch major NFL, NBA, or MLB games, you typically need cable ESPN, a cable subscription, or a separate streaming service like NFL+, NBA League Pass, or MLB.TV. ESPN+ complements these services rather than replacing them.

Other sports streaming services like Peacock (NBC sports), Paramount+ (CBS sports), and Apple TV+ (MLS) carry their own exclusive games. Many people subscribe to multiple services to cover all the sports they want to watch.

Troubleshooting common ESPN+ problems

If you cannot log in, first check that you are using the correct email and password. If you forgot your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the ESPN login page to reset it. You will receive an email with instructions.

If a game or show will not play, try closing the app completely and reopening it. Check that your internet connection is working and that your device has enough storage space. If the problem continues, try logging out and logging back in.

If you are charged but cannot access ESPN+, log into your account and check your subscription status. If it shows as inactive, contact ESPN customer service through the ESPN website. They can reactivate your account or process a refund if there was a billing error.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch ESPN+ on my smart TV?

Yes, if your TV has the ESPN app available. Most modern smart TVs (Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Samsung, LG, Google TV) support ESPN+. read the app from your TV's app store, log in with your account, and start watching. If your TV does not have the app, you can connect a streaming device like Apple TV or Roku to add it.

Do I need cable to watch ESPN+?

No. ESPN+ is a standalone subscription that works without cable. You only need an internet connection and a device to stream on. However, ESPN+ does not include major league games that air on cable ESPN, so if you want those, you would need cable or a separate service.

Can multiple people watch ESPN+ at the same time?

Yes, your account allows simultaneous streams on different devices. The exact number varies by plan — check ESPN's current subscription details for the limit on your plan. Each person logs in with the same account credentials.

What happens if I cancel my ESPN+ subscription?

You lose access to ESPN+ when ready and will not be charged again. If you paid for an annual plan, you typically cannot get a refund for the unused months. You can resubscribe anytime by logging back in and paying again.

Is ESPN+ the same as the ESPN app?

The ESPN app is free and shows scores, news, and highlights. ESPN+ is a paid subscription within that app that unlocks live games and original shows. You can use the free ESPN app without paying for ESPN+, but you will not see live events or ESPN+ exclusive content.