ESPN Plus is definitely worth it for dedicated fans of a wide array of sports, though its value significantly depends on your primary interests.
For sports enthusiasts whose focus lies outside of major professional football and basketball leagues, ESPN+ offers exceptional value. It's a premium add-on streaming service that complements existing ESPN offerings, providing exclusive live sports, original programming, and an extensive on-demand library.
What ESPN+ Offers (Strong Coverage)
ESPN+ shines brightly for specific sports, making it a crucial subscription for fans looking for comprehensive coverage beyond traditional cable TV.
Key Sports with Strong Coverage:
- Soccer: Access to a vast amount of live soccer, including top leagues and tournaments from around the world.
- UFC & MMA: The exclusive home for many UFC Fight Nights and Pay-Per-View events (requiring an additional purchase for PPVs). It's a must-have for mixed martial arts fans.
- Baseball (MLB): Features out-of-market MLB games daily throughout the season.
- Hockey (NHL): Offers out-of-market NHL games, perfect for following your favorite team regardless of location.
- Boxing: Provides access to various boxing events, including Top Rank Boxing.
- Golf: Covers a range of PGA Tour Live events and other golf programming.
- College Sports: A strong offering of college sports across various conferences and disciplines, from football to basketball and beyond, often including games not available on linear TV channels.
Where ESPN+ Falls Short (Limited Coverage)
While ESPN+ excels in many areas, it's important to understand its limitations, especially if your primary interest is in the major professional American football and basketball leagues.
| Sport Category | ESPN+ Coverage Nuance |
|---|---|
| Football (NFL) | Coverage for the bulk of NFL games is not strong. For comprehensive NFL viewing, access to a traditional pay TV service (cable, satellite, or live TV streaming service) is generally recommended to catch most games. |
| Basketball (NBA) | Similar to NFL, ESPN+ does not provide extensive coverage for the bulk of NBA games. Fans looking for widespread NBA access will likely need a pay TV service that carries ESPN, TNT, and regional sports networks. |
This means that while ESPN+ might offer some complementary content for NFL and NBA (like archives or specific shows), it does not replace the need for a traditional TV package if you want to watch the majority of live games for these leagues.
Who Is ESPN+ For?
ESPN+ is an excellent investment for:
- Combat Sports Fans: UFC and boxing aficionados will find immense value in the exclusive content.
- International Soccer Enthusiasts: Get your fill of global soccer action.
- Out-of-Market Game Viewers: MLB and NHL fans who want to follow teams not broadcasting locally.
- College Sports Devotees: A deep dive into college events across numerous sports.
- Niche Sports Followers: Those interested in golf, obscure events, or original sports documentaries.
Making the Decision
Ultimately, the worth of ESPN+ boils down to your personal sports viewing habits.
- If you primarily watch NFL and NBA games: ESPN+ will likely not be enough on its own, and you'll need a supplementary cable or live TV streaming service.
- If your interests align with soccer, UFC, college sports, or out-of-market MLB/NHL games: ESPN+ offers an impressive amount of content at a competitive price point, making it a very worthwhile addition to your sports streaming lineup.
Consider trying a subscription for a month to explore its offerings and determine if it aligns with your specific sports consumption.
