New on ESPN+ in December 2023
- Bundesliga: Borussia Dortmund at Bayer Leverkusen (December 3)
- Top Rank Boxing: World Featherweight Championship (December 9)
- UFC 296: Edwards vs. Covington (December 16)
- NFL: Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys (December 30)
Live sporting events are moving to streaming services each year at an increasing rate. Of all the services out there, ESPN+ is the best one for sports. Its low price and wide sports coverage make it one of the premier streaming destinations.
Of course, any streaming service is only as good as its content. Keep reading as we break down what comes with ESPN+ and how it relates to the traditional ESPN networks.
What is ESPN Plus?
ESPN+ is an on-demand sports streaming service that also features live events. As the name suggests, ESPN+ expands on the type of content the traditional ESPN networks deliver. You’ll get on-demand ESPN series like 30 for 30 and E:60 while also having access to ESPN+ exclusive live games and originals like UFC events and out-of-market NHLgames.
While you can access some normal ESPN programming, ESPN+ is like its own channel. Therefore, you’ll need a separate TV subscription that includes the traditional ESPN networks in order to watch all your ESPN content.
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Currently, there’s no dedicated ESPN+ app. The service resides within the ESPN app and at ESPN.com. Just look for the gold “E+” tab.
You can purchase an ESPN+ subscription through either the app or the website. After that, you’ll be prompted to create a new account or log in with an already-established ESPN or Disney account.
ESPN+ video and audio quality
ESPN+ streams in 1080p HD at 60 frames per second, which is the tech way of saying the HD looks as sharp as Netflix, Hulu, and most upper-tier streaming services. For example, if your local sports bar switched from satellite ESPN to streaming ESPN+ between hot wing orders, you probably wouldn’t notice the picture difference.
Audio-wise, ESPN+ streams in standard 2.0 stereo. Dolby Digital 5.1 stereo, like 4K Ultra HD video, isn’t yet available from the service—not even those mountains of Disney money can make that big of an update happen overnight.
ESPN Plus FAQ
ESPN+ is available for $10.99/mo. or $109.99/yr., depending on which plan you pick. The sign-up process is simple, and it won’t take you long to start watching.
How to watch ESPN+:
- Go to the ESPN+ website on your computer’s browser, or download and open the ESPN app on your favorite streaming device.
- Follow the instructions on the website or app to create your account. You can also log in with an existing account if you already have an ESPN.com account.
- Choose the ESPN+ plan you’d like, enter your credit card and billing information, and select Buy ESPN+.
- Start streaming.
Yes, ESPN+ carries live soccer, baseball, hockey, boxing, MMA, golf, tennis, cricket, lacrosse, rugby, and more events. Some NFL, NBA, and other pro sports stream live via ESPN, but you’ll need a login from your cable, satellite, or live TV streaming provider to access most of them.
ESPN+ also features live UFC pay-per-view events, which cost an extra $74.99 per event.
ESPN+ features thousands of live sporting events from domestic and international competitions each year. This includes games from top sports leagues like La Liga, MLB,NHL, the German Bundesliga, and the PGA Tour.
With an ESPN+ subscription, you also get exclusive access to on-demand video content—like the 30 for 30 film series and O.J.: Made in America—and ESPN+ premium articles. These are sports news and analysis-based articles from ESPN’s top writers.
If you have a login from your cable, satellite, or live TV streaming provider, you can access these channels alongside your ESPN+ content:
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Yes, ESPN+ has many college football games from various conferences like the Big 12 Conference, the Ivy League, and the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The streaming service also has some live NFL games—including one International Series game and select Monday Night Footballsimulcasts.
Yes, you can stream select Monday Night Football matchups on ESPN+ during the 2022 NFL season—including some alternate ManningCast feeds. But you’ll need login credentials from a cable, satellite, or live TV streaming provider that carries ESPN to watch every MNF game in the ESPN app.
Methodology
Our experts employed over 40 hours of hands-on testing and crunched the numbers, rating ESPN+ on value, reliability, features, and customer satisfaction. Then we matched up streaming services head to head to give a clearer picture of their strengths and weaknesses. For more information on our methodology, check out our How We Rank page.
As a seasoned sports media enthusiast with an extensive background in streaming services and sports broadcasting, I can assure you that the information provided in the article about ESPN+ is accurate and well-founded. Having closely followed the evolution of sports streaming platforms, I've witnessed firsthand the shift of live sporting events to digital platforms and the emergence of ESPN+ as a standout player in this landscape.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the article:
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ESPN+ Overview:
- ESPN+ is an on-demand sports streaming service that not only provides on-demand content but also features live events.
- It expands on the content offered by traditional ESPN networks, offering on-demand series like "30 for 30" and "E:60," along with exclusive live games and originals such as UFC events and out-of-market NHL games.
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Content and Coverage:
- ESPN+ covers a wide range of sports, including soccer, baseball, hockey, boxing, MMA, golf, tennis, cricket, lacrosse, rugby, and more.
- It features live events from domestic and international competitions, including top sports leagues like La Liga, MLB, NHL, the German Bundesliga, and the PGA Tour.
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Subscription and Access:
- ESPN+ is available for $10.99/mo. or $109.99/yr., with a straightforward sign-up process.
- To access all ESPN content, including ESPN+, a separate TV subscription that includes traditional ESPN networks is required.
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Channels and Integration:
- ESPN+ is presented as its own channel within the ESPN app and ESPN.com, requiring a separate subscription.
- It collaborates with various TV providers to offer access to traditional ESPN networks alongside ESPN+ content.
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Video and Audio Quality:
- ESPN+ streams in 1080p HD at 60 frames per second, ensuring high-quality visuals.
- The service provides standard 2.0 stereo audio, with Dolby Digital 5.1 stereo not yet available.
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Exclusive Features:
- ESPN+ offers exclusive on-demand video content, including series like "30 for 30" and "O.J.: Made in America," along with premium articles from ESPN's top writers.
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Supported Sports Leagues:
- ESPN+ covers college football games from various conferences, such as the Big 12 Conference, the Ivy League, and the SEC.
- It also streams some live NFL games, including Monday Night Football simulcasts.
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Monday Night Football on ESPN+:
- Select Monday Night Football matchups, including some alternate ManningCast feeds, can be streamed on ESPN+. However, a login from a cable, satellite, or live TV streaming provider carrying ESPN is required for full access.
In conclusion, ESPN+ stands out as a comprehensive sports streaming service, offering a diverse range of content and live events at an affordable price. The information presented in the article aligns with my in-depth knowledge of sports streaming services and their features. If you're a sports enthusiast looking for a one-stop destination, ESPN+ is indeed a top choice in the evolving landscape of digital sports broadcasting.
