In conjunction with ESPN Inc., a joint venture involving The Walt Disney Company and Hearst Communications, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution owns ESPN+, an American over-the-top subscription video streaming service that is available throughout the United States.
It utilizes the technology of Disney subsidiary BAMTech, now known as Disney Streaming Services, and is one of Disney’s three American flagship subscription streaming brands, along with Disney+ and Hulu. Outside of the US, access to ESPN Plus is blocked. Use a VPN if you wish to Watch ESPN Plus Outside the US.
ESPN+ has experienced a lot of adjustments since its debut as a platform for sports-related content. It’s still a great method to watch live TV, documentaries, sports, and other material, though. But in 2022, will ESPN Plus still be worthwhile? Learn more here.
What Exactly Is ESPN+?
Like Netflix or Hulu, ESPN+ is a streaming service that is integrated into the ESPN universe. You can access ESPN+ through a tab in the ESPN app or on ESPN.com in your browser, as opposed to a separate app. From there, you may access a variety of content to watch, such as live broadcasts of sporting events and matches, complete match and game replays, original programs, and “30 for 30” movies.
A plethora of exclusive written content that was previously available only to ESPN’s “Insider” subscribers is also included in ESPN+. This comprises news on college recruiting, extensive statistical analysis, and draft coverage, among other things.
The other “major” thing, in this case, is UFC: To watch PPV events, you’ll now need an ESPN+ subscription. There are no exceptions in this case; you must pay to play.
ESPN vs. ESPN Plus
The independent streaming service ESPN Plus exists independently from the ESPN channel. It reminds me of the side salad to ESPN’s main course. Live NHL games, UFC fights, and some soccer are among the extras not available on ESPN’s primary network.
Additionally, ESPN Plus offers a selection of on-demand ESPN original programming, including the complete run of the highly regarded 30 for 30 sports documentary series. Sports, highlights, and chat shows may all be found on the television channel ESPN.
It airs MLB, NBA, NHL, NFL Monday Night Football, NCAA college football, and basketball games, as well as popular programs like SportsCenter and Pardons the Interruption which is not accessible on ESPN Plus.
The only way to access the ESPN channel right now is to sign up for a cable or streaming plan that includes it. Sling TV Orange, which costs $35 per month, is the lowest streaming option that offers the ESPN channel. The main ESPN app, which is accessible on all popular streaming services, iOS, Android, and ESPN’s website, provides access to both ESPN and ESPN Plus content.
What Can You Watch on ESPN+?
Live sports, ESPN+ originals, and ESPN programs make up the three main categories of content that ESPN+ offers. ESPN+ includes full replays of many of the NHL and MLB games, two of the top national sports leagues in the US, along with living out-of-market coverage of those events. NBA G League games are also available on ESPN+.
ESPN+ offers PGA Tour programming but does not offer complete tournament broadcasts. Instead, it displays highlighted holes for the final two days of the competition. ESPN+ also broadcasts matches from prominent international soccer leagues, out-of-market MLS matches, and other international sports like cricket and rugby.
The coverage of NCAA sports for both men and women, including basketball, baseball, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, football, ice hockey, swimming and diving, softball, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling, is one area in which ESPN+ stands apart. The combat sports on ESPN+, including the Professional Fighting League, Top Rank, and UFC, are a major appeal as well (PFL).
What’s Not Available on ESPN+?
ESPN Plus’s services are viewed as being limited by many viewers, especially those who are interested in pro basketball or football. The reason for this is that no live NFL or NBA football or basketball games are carried on ESPN+. Even though tennis is offered on the site.
The majority of MLB games are also absent from ESPN because they are only available on Apple TV, while WWE fans typically use Peacock or the WWE Network depending on where they are. Nevertheless, ESPN+ enables spectators to watch every kind of international sporting event.
How Much Does ESPN+ Cost?
As a result of the second price rise for ESPN+ in 2021, the service currently costs $6.99 per month or $69.99 annually. For an additional $13.99 a month, you can receive ESPN+ in a package with Disney+ and Hulu (ad-supported). The bundle with ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu’s commercial-free plan costs $19.99 a month if you don’t want to see advertisements on the streaming service. ESPN+ no longer offers a free trial, joining Disney+ and Netflix in this practice.
Final Thoughts
The ESPN Network’s lightweight version is called ESPN+. It would work better as an additional digital streaming service to the primary ESPN channel. The platform has a ton of exclusive material, but it also doesn’t have as many options as the ESPN channel.
However, if you’re a fan of hockey, football, or UFC, ESPN+ is a must-have because you can access all of your favorite shows in one location. There are no additional platforms to pay for, and the monthly subscription charge is only $7. You also have the choice of purchasing the Disney Bundle.
The most recent version of the ESPN App’s ESPN+ page, the internet, iPhone, iPad, AppleTV (Generation 3 and 4), Android smartphones, Roku, Chromecast, FireTV, XBOX One, Playstation 4, Oculus Go, and Samsung-connected TVs all offer the service (Tizen).
Even though several factors could make ESPN Plus less valuable in the long run, it is still worthwhile to pay for it right now. If you are a die-hard sports enthusiast, you should go for it. You may binge-watch live sports events, television episodes, and documentaries for days.
