Want to watch live NFL games, UFC fights, and college basketball without a cable subscription? ESPN+ isn’t just another streaming service - it’s the go-to hub for live sports, original documentaries, and events you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re already paying for Disney+, Hulu, or Apple TV+, you might be wondering if ESPN+ is worth adding. Here’s the real breakdown: what you actually get, what’s exclusive, and who it’s best for in 2025.
What ESPN+ Actually Offers in 2025
ESPN+ doesn’t show the main ESPN TV channel. Instead, it’s a standalone streaming service packed with live events you can’t watch elsewhere. Think of it as the backstage pass to sports you love - but without the ticket prices.
Every week, you get hundreds of live games. That includes:
- MLB: Over 1,000 regular-season games, including out-of-market matchups and exclusive Sunday night games.
- NHL: 75+ exclusive games per season, plus all out-of-market games and the entire Stanley Cup Playoffs.
- UFC: Every UFC Pay-Per-View event is included in your subscription - no extra fees. That’s over 40 events a year, from Fight Nights to title bouts.
- College Sports: Big Ten, ACC, SEC, and more. Watch football, basketball, soccer, and volleyball games from schools you didn’t even know had teams.
- US Soccer: MLS matches, USMNT and USWNT friendlies, and NWSL games - all live.
- Boxing and MMA: Top Rank boxing cards, Bellator fights, and PFL events.
You’re not just watching games - you’re watching exclusive content. No other service offers this many live events in one place. And unlike cable, you can pause, rewind, or watch on five devices at once.
ESPN+ Originals: More Than Just Highlights
Most people think ESPN+ is just about live games. But the originals? That’s where it gets interesting.
Take 30 for 30. You’ve seen the movies on ESPN TV - but ESPN+ has the deep cuts. The Last Dance wasn’t on ESPN+ - but The Fab Five, The U, and 9.79* (about the 1988 Olympic 100m final) are all there. These aren’t re-runs. These are full-length documentaries with new interviews, never-before-seen footage, and behind-the-scenes access.
Then there’s Detail with Kobe Bryant’s former coach, Phil Jackson, and now with analysts like Andre Iguodala. It breaks down NBA games shot-by-shot. You see how a player sets a screen, how a defense rotates, why a shot was taken. It’s like having a coach in your pocket.
And don’t sleep on ESPN FC - the only place to get weekly breakdowns of Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A with insider access to locker rooms and training grounds. One episode showed how Manchester City’s fitness staff used AI to cut injury rates by 40% in two seasons. That’s not hype. That’s real insight.
Exclusive Events You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
Some events only happen on ESPN+. No other platform has the rights. These aren’t filler content - they’re major moments.
- US Open Tennis: Every match from the qualifying rounds to the finals - including the women’s singles and doubles you won’t see on TV.
- WrestleMania Pre-Show: WWE’s pre-event show with exclusive interviews, backstage footage, and fan reactions.
- FA Cup: Live matches from the early rounds, including non-league teams playing Premier League giants.
- College Football Playoff Selection Show: Watch the full reveal with real-time reactions from coaches and players.
- International Cricket: Matches from the ICC T20 World Cup, England’s Test series, and India’s home games - all streamed live.
These aren’t reruns or highlights. These are live, uncut, commercial-free broadcasts. If you’re a fan of niche sports or want to follow a team that doesn’t make the mainstream headlines, ESPN+ is the only place to get it.
How ESPN+ Fits Into the Disney Bundle
If you’re paying for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ together, you’re getting a lot. But is it worth it?
The Disney Bundle (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+) costs $16.99/month in the U.S. That’s less than a single movie ticket. Here’s what you’re actually getting:
- Disney+: Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and National Geographic content.
- Hulu: Current-season TV shows, next-day episodes, and original series like The Bear and Only Murders in the Building.
- ESPN+: Live sports, originals, and exclusive events.
For sports fans, the value is clear. You’re paying $5.66 per service. If you watch just one UFC PPV a month (normally $74.99), you’ve already saved over $800 a year. Add in 100+ live college games and you’re getting more content than most cable packages.
And if you live outside the U.S.? ESPN+ is still available in Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe - but the content varies. In New Zealand, for example, you get UFC, MLS, and college sports - but not NHL or MLB. Check your region before signing up.
Who ESPN+ Is For - And Who Should Skip It
Not everyone needs ESPN+. Here’s who should consider it:
- Live sports fans: If you follow at least two of these - NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, UFC, college football - you’ll get your money’s worth.
- Documentary lovers: If you like 30 for 30, The Last Dance, or The Rise of the NFL, you’ll binge the originals.
- International sports fans: Cricket, soccer, rugby - ESPN+ has more global coverage than any other U.S. streaming service.
Who should skip it?
- Only NBA or NFL fans: You’ll still need NBA League Pass or NFL+ for full access to those leagues.
- People who only watch big games: If you only care about the Super Bowl or Finals, cable or free broadcasts might be enough.
- Those on tight budgets: If you can’t afford the bundle, stick with free highlights on YouTube or your local sports channel.
How to Watch ESPN+ - On Any Device
You don’t need a smart TV to use ESPN+. It works on:
- Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire Stick
- Android and iOS phones
- PlayStation and Xbox
- Web browsers on Mac and PC
- Smart TVs from Samsung, LG, and Vizio
Download the app. Log in with your Disney account. Start watching. No extra boxes. No complicated setup. You can even download games to watch offline - perfect for flights or commutes.
And if you’re using the Disney Bundle, you can switch between services with one click. No need to log out and back in. Just tap the profile icon and choose Disney+, Hulu, or ESPN+.
Is ESPN+ Worth It in 2025?
Yes - if you care about live sports beyond the mainstream. It’s not for everyone. But if you’re the kind of fan who watches every playoff game, follows college teams you grew up with, or loves behind-the-scenes stories about athletes - then ESPN+ isn’t just worth it. It’s essential.
The original content alone is worth the price. And with UFC, college sports, and international events all included, you’re getting more than just a streaming service. You’re getting a front-row seat to the sports world - without the ticket scalpers.
Try it free for seven days. Cancel anytime. If you don’t watch at least three live games or one original documentary in that time, you’ve lost nothing. If you do? You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Does ESPN+ include live NFL games?
No, ESPN+ does not carry live NFL regular-season games. Those are on ESPN TV, Amazon Prime Video, and local broadcasters. But ESPN+ does show NFL-related content like NFL Films documentaries, pre-game shows, and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage.
Can I watch ESPN+ outside the United States?
Yes, ESPN+ is available in Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe. However, the content varies by region. For example, New Zealand subscribers get UFC, MLS, and college sports, but not NHL or MLB. Always check the ESPN+ website for your country’s available content before subscribing.
Is UFC included in ESPN+ or do I need to pay extra?
All UFC events - including Pay-Per-Views - are included in your ESPN+ subscription. There are no extra fees. You get every Fight Night, every title fight, and every prelim card live and on-demand. This is one of the biggest value points of ESPN+ in 2025.
Can I download games to watch offline?
Yes. The ESPN+ app lets you download live games and originals to watch offline on your phone or tablet. This is great for travel, commutes, or areas with poor internet. Downloads expire after 30 days or when you log out of your account.
How does ESPN+ compare to YouTube TV or FuboTV?
YouTube TV and FuboTV are live TV streaming services that include ESPN as a channel. But they don’t offer the exclusive UFC, college games, or original documentaries that ESPN+ has. ESPN+ is a standalone service focused on deep sports content - not general TV. If you want more than just ESPN channel reruns, ESPN+ is the better choice.
Do I need a Disney+ subscription to get ESPN+?
No, you can subscribe to ESPN+ on its own for $11.99/month. But if you want the full bundle - Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ - you can get all three for $16.99/month. That’s the best deal if you like movies, TV shows, and sports.
