In today’s rapidly evolving landscape of sports entertainment, streaming services have emerged as a dominant force. ESPN+, the standalone streaming service offered by ESPN, has garnered significant attention for its extensive sports coverage and exclusive content. However, the question often arises: How much is ESPN+?
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various aspects of ESPN+ pricing, subscription plans, available bundles, and ultimately help you determine the true value proposition of this popular streaming service.
Understanding ESPN+
Before we dive into the specifics of how much is ESPN+, let’s first grasp what the service entails. ESPN+ is a subscription-based streaming service that offers a vast array of live sports events, original shows, documentaries, and exclusive content that you won’t find on traditional ESPN channels.
Key Features of ESPN+
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Live Sports: ESPN+ provides live coverage of a wide range of sports, including:
- College Sports: Football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, wrestling, gymnastics, track & field, and more from over 20 conferences.
- Soccer: MLS, LaLiga, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Eredivisie, Bundesliga, and more.
- UFC: Exclusive UFC Fight Nights, original series, and a vast library of on-demand content.
- NHL: Out-of-market games, exclusive shows, and on-demand content.
- MLB: One out-of-market game per day during the regular season.
- Other Sports: Boxing, PGA Tour Live coverage, Grand Slam tennis, international cricket, and more.
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Original Programming: ESPN+ offers a growing collection of original shows and documentaries, including “Peyton’s Places,” “Detail,” “30 for 30,” and “E:60.”
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On-Demand Content: Access a vast library of on-demand sports content, including classic games, highlights, and interviews.
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Exclusive Articles and Analysis: Read in-depth articles and analysis from ESPN’s top writers and experts.
ESPN+ Subscription Plans
how much is espn+
Currently, ESPN+ offers two primary subscription plans:
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Monthly Plan:
- Cost: $9.99 per month
- Features: Access to all ESPN+ content, including live sports, original shows, and on-demand library.
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Annual Plan:
- Cost: $99.99 per year (equivalent to $8.33 per month)
- Features: Same as the monthly plan, but with a discounted price for committing to a year.
Additional Costs and Considerations
While the base subscription cost is transparent, certain additional costs and considerations might affect your overall ESPN+ cost:
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Pay-Per-View (PPV) Events: ESPN+ also offers select PPV events, such as UFC main cards and special boxing matches. The cost of these events is separate from your subscription fee and can range from $74.99 to $99.99 per event.
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Disney Bundle: You can bundle ESPN+ with Disney+ and Hulu for a discounted monthly price.
- With Ads: $12.99/month
- Without Ads: $19.99/month (Hulu with ads) or $25.99/month (Hulu without ads)
This bundle provides a cost-effective way to access a wide variety of content across sports, entertainment, and family-friendly programming.
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Taxes: Depending on your location, you might be charged additional taxes on top of your subscription or PPV event price.
Is ESPN+ Worth the Cost?
The value of ESPN+ ultimately depends on your individual preferences and viewing habits.
It’s a great option for:
- Sports Enthusiasts: If you’re passionate about a wide variety of sports, especially college sports, soccer, UFC, or NHL, ESPN+ offers extensive coverage that’s hard to find elsewhere.
- Cord-Cutters: If you’ve ditched cable or satellite TV, ESPN+ provides an affordable way to access live sports and exclusive content.
- Fans of ESPN Originals: If you enjoy ESPN’s original programming and documentaries, ESPN+ offers a vast library of on-demand content.
- Budget-Conscious Viewers: Compared to traditional cable or satellite TV packages, ESPN+ provides a cost-effective way to watch live sports.
It might not be the best fit for:
- Fans of Major League Sports: While ESPN+ offers some MLB and NHL coverage, it doesn’t include live access to every game in those leagues. If you’re a die-hard fan of a specific MLB or NHL team, you might need additional subscriptions or services to watch all their games.
- Those Who Prefer Ad-Free Viewing: While most of the on-demand content on ESPN+ is ad-free, live events and some original shows may include commercials.
How to Sign Up for ESPN+
Signing up for ESPN+ is simple:
- Visit the ESPN+ website or download the ESPN app.
- Choose your desired plan (monthly or annual).
- Create an account or log in with your existing ESPN account.
- Enter your payment information.
- Start streaming!
Tips for Maximizing Your ESPN+ Experience
- Explore the Content Library: Take some time to browse through the extensive library of live events, original shows, and on-demand content to discover hidden gems and personalize your viewing experience.
- Set Reminders: Don’t miss your favorite games or shows by setting reminders within the ESPN app.
- Download Content for Offline Viewing: If you plan to be on the go, download select content for offline viewing on your mobile device.
- Connect with Other Fans: Engage with the ESPN+ community through social media or online forums to discuss your favorite sports and shows.
Conclusion
The question of “How much is ESPN+?” has a clear answer, but the true value of the service lies in the wealth of sports content and exclusive programming it offers. Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or a casual viewer, ESPN+ provides a flexible and affordable way to stay connected to the games and athletes you love. By understanding the pricing structure, weighing the pros and cons, and utilizing its features effectively, you can make the most of your ESPN+ subscription and enjoy a fulfilling sports streaming experience.
So, if you’re ready to dive into the world of live sports, original shows, and on-demand content, consider giving ESPN+ a try. It might just be the perfect addition to your streaming lineup.
