ESPN+ Review: Plans, Availability and Sports Rights
In this new era where streaming services rule supreme, ESPN+ stands out as a premier option for sports enthusiasts. Launched by the Walt Disney Company in 2018, ESPN+ offers an extensive array of live sports events and original shows. Thanks to exclusive rights to various major leagues, college sports and international competitions, it is a stellar option for any sports fan looking to expand their viewing experience.
This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of ESPN+ and everything you need to know if you are considering becoming a subscriber.
Key information:
- Affiliation: ESPN (The Walt Disney Company)
- Notable Sports Rights: MLB, NHL, UFC, college sports, international soccer (FA Cup, Serie A, Bundesliga), boxing, PGA Tour
- Cheapest Subscription Plan: $11.99 per month; $119.99 per year
- Free Trial: None
- Availability: United States only; accessible via the ESPN app on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices (Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV)
What is ESPN+
ESPN+ is a sports streaming service that acts as an upgrade to your traditional ESPN viewing experience. It offers a vast array of live sports, exclusive original content and on-demand action, which will greatly bolster the viewing options of any sports fan. ESPN+ subscribers will benefit from access to MLB, NHL, UFC and college sports, along with international soccer (English FA Cup, Serie A and Bundesliga), PGA Tour Golf and various other sports.
On top of the live sports available, subscribers will also benefit from access to a whole host of original shows and documentaries that will fuel your inner sport-fanatic. For example, Inside 30 for 30, O.J. Made in America and Quest For the Stanley Cup, to name just a few.
It is worth noting that the ‘+’ element of ESPN+ is reflective of the channel being best used as an addition to your traditional ESPN offering. Whilst ESPN+ will cover some of the normal ESPN programming, you won’t get everything. For example, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU are not included. Therefore, this is best suited to people who already have ESPN and are looking to upgrade.
Why ESPN+
Streaming is becoming an increasingly popular option in the US, and it is no surprise why. Users have increased flexibility, cheaper prices and a ton of on-demand content to consume. The same is true with ESPN+ but with a sporting twist. With ESPN+ you can open the doors to a vast array of sports at a bargain price of just $11.99 a month or $119.99 a year. Subscribers can enjoy up to 3 simultaneous streams but there are no DVR capabilities.
The downsides to consider are the absence of the primary ESPN channels, a lack of NFL and NBA action and the frustration of blackout restrictions, but these are greatly outweighed by an awesome library of sports to enjoy.
MLB
ESPN+ will showcase MLB games throughout the year, but they will be subject to blackout restrictions. The service offers a variety of live games, including exclusive matchups, detailed analysis, highlights and behind-the-scenes action. The ESPN Archives features MLB footage all the way back to 1996, giving you even more excuses to nerd out.
NHL
ESPN+ is a great option for NHL fans, with ESPN+ getting exclusive broadcasts of 50 games as well as access to those games shown on ABC. This makes ESPN+ an ideal streaming option for any fan wanting to cheer on their team in the hunt for a Stanley Cup.
UFC
For UFC fans, ESPN+ is a fantastic option, giving you exclusive access to live fights, pay-per-view events (for an additional fee), and a large library of past bouts. Subscribers will also benefit from original series such as The Ultimate Fighter and Dana White’s Contender Series.
College Sports
Whilst there is limited access to NFL and NBA action on ESPN+, subscribers will at least get to enjoy extensive coverage of college sports, including football, basketball and baseball. Fans can follow their favorite college teams and access a huge amount of live games and on-demand content throughout the year.
Subscription Plan
ESPN+ keeps it nice and simple when it comes to its subscription options. You can either pay a monthly fee of $11.99, or an annual fee of $119.99. Both packages are identical, offering you the full array of ESPN+ goodness. It simply comes down to what your payment preference is.
For people who are looking to add more than just sports to their television library, there is a Disney+ Bundle for $16.99 a month. This includes ESPN+, Hulu and Disney+, which will greatly expand your entertainment options. In addition to all the sports that ESPN+ will give you, subscribers to this bundle can enjoy shows such as The Mandalorian, Loki and Shogun.
This is a pretty enticing offer, but if it is purely a sport you are interested in, we would recommend saving the extra few dollars and opting for ESPN+ on its own.
Offers & Free trial
ESPN+ does not offer a free trial, however, they do provide a discounted price of $119.99 if you opt for the annual payment option. This will save you just over $20 on the overall cost. Aside from that, there are currently no special offers available. It is worth keeping an eye out though, as streaming services such as this sometimes offer cheaper prices to students or discounts alongside certain packages.
Author: Venuse, Inc