ESPN has been bringing top-quality content to sports fans for over four decades. Although TV channels are its main focus, the company also has a streaming service. It’s called ESPN+, and you can use it to watch live sports, too!
In this guide, we’ll focus on everything you should know about live sports on ESPN+. That includes a detailed guide on how to access the platform to watch the desired games, but also an overview of which sports and events are available. Keep reading to learn how to use the service to its full potential!
How to watch live sports on ESPN+ in 3 steps
ESPN+ offers a user-friendly interface and intuitive website and app layouts. Even if you are a newcomer, it won’t take more than a few minutes to subscribe and start watching live sports. Here’s a detailed explanation of the steps to take!
1. Register an ESPN+ account and buy a subscription
If you want to access ESPN+, you’ll need to sign up for a subscription. The first step is to open the ESPN+ app on your device or use a web browser to navigate to the platform’s website.
Once you are there, you’ll see a Sign-Up button. The registration process only takes providing basic details, such as e-mail and password.
2. Access ESPN+ with your credentials
After signing up, some devices will log you into your ESPN+ profile automatically. If not, use the existing credentials to access your account.
You’ll now notice the option to subscribe. Apart from the standard ESPN+ package, you also have the chance to get a Disney Bundle.
3. Check the schedule and play the desired game!
Once you finish payment processing, you’ll become an ESPN+ subscriber. Use the credentials to access your account on the preferred device. As you’ll see, the ESPN+ device support is impressive. You can watch the platform on web browsers, mobile devices, smart TVs, streaming media players, and other gadgets.
The platform offers a huge range of content categories. You want to look in the live sports section. It’s possible to see the schedule, so you don’t miss the upcoming games.
And if you missed a match, you can play recent games on-demand. Simply pick the desired games and enjoy watching them. And the best part is that the ESPN+ simultaneous streams package includes accessing the platform from three devices at the same time!
What live sports can you watch on ESPN+?
Before continuing, it’s important to clarify that the same matches might not be available on ESPN+ and the network’s TV channels. So, it’s best to check the ESPN TV guide to see what’s on that network and consult the app schedule to see what to watch on the platform. Here’s the top selection of ESPN+ live sports!
Watch hockey on ESPN+
NHL fans will appreciate that the National Hockey League airs live on ESPN+. You’ll have access to about 75 matches per season. The platform also offers In the Crease, a daily show with highlights from the latest matches.
If it happens that you come across a blackout for a certain game, there are ways to bypass it. Check out the guide on how to watch NHL games live with a VPN and use a virtual private network to access the platform. The approach is similar for all other sports and platforms, so you can find the guide very useful.
Watch soccer on ESPN+
European soccer fans will love the available matches on ESPN+. They can enjoy the Italian Series A and German Bundesliga, with over 300 matches available.
English FA Cup is another soccer competition with live matches on this platform. ESPN+ covers college soccer, so you can expect various leagues to have their streams available here. Make sure to check the schedule to see which events are on the streaming platform and which will require having the actual ESPN TV channel. If you want to subscribe to the latter, Sling TV is among the most affordable live-streaming TV options.
Watch college football on ESPN+
The first thing to clarify is that there is no NFL on ESPN+. But if you enjoy watching college football games, you’ll get access to over hundreds of matches from many different conferences. The coverage includes FBC conferences ranging from MAC and Sun Belt to ACC and Big 12.
According to announcements, there will be 14 SEC games during the 2022/23 season, as well as the two initial rounds of the FCS Playoffs. It means in-depth coverage of college football is guaranteed on this platform.
Watch basketball on ESPN+
Basketball fans can look forward to matches from the NBA G League, which is an excellent opportunity to see some future prospects. You can do the same by watching live college basketball matches. ESPN+ secured coverage for 15+ conferences and 200 tournament matches.
Female basketball fans will appreciate the chance to watch six college basketball championship matches. It’s interesting to use the Bracket Predictor for all events since it allows predicting the winners and see how you did with your forecasts. Always remember that you can cancel an ESPN+ subscription easily if the content available doesn’t fit your preference.
Watch baseball on ESPN+
Baseball fans might get the best premium coverage from ESPN+. The platform will run 180 MLB matches this season, with one match streamed live nightly. It’s everything you might need for all-around MLB coverage, but that’s not everything available on this platform.
ESPN+ also covers college baseball and softball. Since the conference variety is excellent, the odds are you’ll be able to watch teams from your neighborhood.
Watch UFC and boxing on ESPN+
Fighting sports actually take a significant portion of live coverage on ESPN+. The platform covers the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), as well as UFC Fight Night events. If you miss any match, you can enjoy replays, and there’s even a Best of UFC section to access the sports’ classics.
Top Rank Boxing is also available on ESPN+. It covers live fights throughout the year, including undercard and main event matches. Replays are also available, and you might even watch some PPV events on demand. While our DAZN US review talks about this platform being an alternative to PPV for boxing, the truth is that ESPN+ isn’t that far behind.
Watch tennis on ESPN+
At this moment, it seems that ESPN+ covers Wimbledon and US Open from Grand Slam tournaments. That means you might be able to watch Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, as well as upcoming talents like Daniil Medvedev and Holger Rune.
If you want to remind yourself of some spectacles throughout tennis history, you’ll appreciate the platform’s comprehensive match archive. There’s also coverage of college tennis in the United States for this sport’s hardcore fans.
Other sports on ESPN+
The list of sports available on ESPN+ doesn’t end with the ones above. You can also watch the following content:
- Golf: The platform secured streaming rights for 35 events from the PGA tour for gold fans. And there’s a huge archive of previous championships to enjoy and remind you of some of the best golf players in the game’s history.
- Rugby: Rugby fans will actually appreciate the impressive line of events available. These range from the Rugby Championship to the Currie Cup and Mitre10 Cup.
- Cricket: Among other matches, you can enjoy Cricket Ireland and New Zealand Cricket.
Swimming, lacrosse, gymnastics, track and field (athletics), and many other sports events might also find their place on ESPN+. Don’t hesitate to check the schedule regularly and find what fits your preference.
What Is ESPN+ best for?
As you can see, ESPN+ has decent live sports coverage. But it’s worth noting that’s not their strongest suit. Live sports are rather a bonus, and the platform focuses on offering top-quality sports shows and documentaries.
The famous docuseries 30 for 30 that ESPN+ launched has brought us some great titles. These include OJ: Made in America, Hillsborough, Once Brothers, The Two Escobars, etc.
As for the shows, you shouldn’t miss Peyton’s Places, NFL Primetime, NBA Cross Court, State of Boxing, and other specials dedicated to different sports. With loads of content and professional hosts and guests, you’ll get detailed previews and analyses of the latest sports events.
Our takeaway: ESPN+ offers top-value live sports content
If you need a specialized sports streaming service, you won’t find much better than ESPN+. The platform’s focus isn’t on live sports. However, you’ll still appreciate the impressive live coverage of NLB, MHL, college football, and other sports.
You shouldn’t underestimate the behind-the-scenes shows that focus on previews, analysis, and other interesting details about specific sports competitions. And there are many shows and documentaries worth watching if you are a true sports fan. Overall, ESPN+ provides excellent value for the money, so you shouldn’t hesitate to give it a chance!
Aneeca Younas • Author
Aneeca Younas is a graduated journalist with years of experience writing in different niches based in Oakland, CA. She is a huge movie fan that also enjoys watching sports. That's why she spends hours daily using various streaming services. Over the years, Aneeca profiled herself as an expert in cable-free and VOD platforms.
Lisa Holden • Editor
Lisa Holden is an editor and creative based in Houston, TX. Lisa holds a BA in African-American Studies from Temple University and has spent her career working in news publications and magazines, even founding a magazine herself. She began working as an editor for Flixed in 2023. When she’s not editing or working on one of her many creative endeavors (whenever that is), she enjoys traveling to new places and biking on sunny days.
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