ESPN has just secured a landmark deal that is set to redefine the way fans experience NFL content. In a multi-billion-dollar agreement, ESPN will acquire several of the league’s most valuable media assets, including the NFL Network, the ever-popular NFL RedZone, the league’s fantasy football platform, and rights to seven additional regular-season games. This acquisition is one of the largest media agreements in recent history, signaling a major consolidation in sports broadcasting.
This move places ESPN at the center of NFL media distribution, allowing it to offer an unprecedented breadth of content under one roof. NFL RedZone, known for its live, commercial-free coverage of every scoring play, has become a must-watch for fans who want real-time excitement across all games. Meanwhile, the NFL Network offers comprehensive coverage, including analysis, documentaries, and exclusive programming that deepens fan engagement beyond game day.
Adding the league’s fantasy football business to the mix is particularly strategic, as fantasy sports continue to drive fan interaction and digital engagement. Fantasy football has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry, with millions of participants tuning in weekly, making this asset highly valuable for ESPN’s digital and streaming ambitions.
Breakdown Of The Deal
Here is a table illustrating ESPN’s massive deal to acquire several NFL media assets and additional games:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Acquirer | ESPN |
| Assets Acquired | – NFL Network – NFL RedZone – NFL Fantasy Football Business |
| Additional Content | 7 more regular-season NFL games |
| Deal Value | Reportedly worth billions of dollars |
| Significance | One of the largest media deals in recent history; major consolidation of NFL media properties |
| Strategic Impact | Expands ESPN’s NFL content offering and digital footprint; strengthens position for streaming |
| Upcoming Related Launch | ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer streaming service priced at $29.99/month |
| Fan Benefits | More integrated NFL content, including live games, fantasy insights, and exclusive programming |
This table summarizes the key elements of the deal and its implications.
This deal comes at a pivotal time as ESPN prepares to launch a new direct-to-consumer streaming service priced at $29.99 per month. By integrating these NFL assets, ESPN is positioning itself to compete aggressively in the evolving media landscape, where consumers increasingly favor streaming over traditional cable packages. This strategy not only broadens ESPN’s content offering but also enhances its ability to attract and retain subscribers in a crowded market.
For NFL fans, this means more integrated and accessible football content, from live games to fantasy insights, all available through ESPN’s platforms. It also reflects a broader trend in sports media toward consolidation and streaming-first distribution, aiming to meet changing viewer habits and technological advancements.
This historic deal will likely influence how sports content is packaged and consumed for years to come, making ESPN the definitive destination for NFL coverage.
For further details on this groundbreaking development, see coverage by The New York Times and USA TODAY.
How to Get ESPN Plus
ESPN+ has become a go-to service for sports fans looking to catch exclusive live events and original content. The streaming platform offers access to UFC fights, baseball games, college basketball, soccer matches, and much more for $11.99 monthly or $119.99 annually. You can sign up for ESPN+ through the ESPN app or directly on ESPNplus.com, making it easy to start watching your favorite sports right away.
For those wanting full access to ESPN’s cable channels, ESPN+ alone won’t be enough. You’ll need to subscribe to a live TV streaming service like Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Fubo. Some users may also have access through partnerships, like Spectrum customers who can activate ESPN+ through their provider’s website or app.
Getting an ESPN+ subscription is a straightforward process. You can do it through the official ESPN website or app, or as part of a bundle with other streaming services.
Here are the general steps to get ESPN Plus:
- Choose a plan: Decide whether you want a standalone ESPN+ subscription or if you’d like to bundle it with other services like Disney+ and Hulu. The bundle often offers a significant discount compared to subscribing to each service individually. You can also choose between a monthly or an annual ESPN+ plan. The annual plan is typically a better value if you plan on using the service for an extended period.
- Go to the sign-up page: Visit the ESPN+ website or open the ESPN app on your preferred device (phone, tablet, smart TV, etc.).
- Create or use a MyDisney account: You will be prompted to either log in to an existing MyDisney account or create a new one. This account is used for services across The Walt Disney Family of Companies, including ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu.
- Enter your information and payment details: Follow the on-screen prompts to provide your email address, create a password, and enter your payment information.
- Confirm your subscription: Review the details of your chosen plan and confirm your purchase.
- Start streaming: Once your subscription is active, you can begin watching live sports, original shows, and other exclusive content by navigating to the ESPN+ section within the ESPN app or on the ESPN website.
Note: If you sign up for a bundle plan, you may need to take an additional step to activate your ESPN+ subscription after the initial sign-up process. Check your email for instructions or follow the prompts on the platform where you signed up.
Key Takeaways
- ESPN+ costs $11.99 monthly or $119.99 annually and offers exclusive live sports events and original content.
- Sign-up is available through the ESPN app or ESPNplus.com with additional UFC pay-per-view events available for purchase.
- Some users can access ESPN+ through partnerships with providers like Spectrum or bundled with Disney+ and Hulu.
Getting Started with ESPN+
ESPN+ offers sports fans access to live events, exclusive content, and original programming. The platform works alongside the regular ESPN channels to give subscribers more viewing options for their favorite sports.
Understanding ESPN+ and Its Offerings
ESPN+ is a subscription-based streaming service that provides access to thousands of live sporting events and original content not available on regular ESPN channels. The service features a wide range of sports including UFC, MLB, NHL, NFL, NBA, and college football.
Subscribers can watch exclusive live events, replays, and studio shows. ESPN+ is particularly valuable for fans of soccer, combat sports, and college athletics, offering coverage that extends beyond what’s available on cable.
The platform also includes award-winning original content like “30 for 30” documentaries, “Detail” with Peyton Manning, and exclusive written articles.
Users should note that ESPN+ does not include access to ESPN’s regular cable channels. It serves as a complementary service with different content.
Subscription Options: Monthly and Annual Plans
ESPN+ offers flexible subscription options to fit different budgets and viewing habits. The monthly plan allows users to pay month-to-month with the freedom to cancel anytime.
The annual plan provides a cost savings compared to the monthly option. Subscribers who choose the annual plan can save approximately 15% compared to paying monthly for a year.
ESPN+ occasionally offers promotional pricing for new subscribers, though free trials are generally not available.
For UFC fans, ESPN+ is essential as it’s the exclusive home for UFC Pay-Per-View events. These events require an additional purchase on top of the regular subscription.
All plans include full access to the ESPN+ library of content, live events, and original programming with no hidden fees for the base subscription.
Signing Up for ESPN+
Getting started with ESPN+ is straightforward. Users can sign up through the ESPN app or directly on ESPNplus.com. The process requires creating an account with an email address and setting up payment information.
After signing up, subscribers should download the ESPN app on their preferred device. The ESPN app is available on smartphones, tablets, streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
To access ESPN+ content, users need to log in to the ESPN app with their account credentials. The ESPN+ tab within the app contains all exclusive content.
New subscribers can manage their accounts through the settings section of the app or website. This includes updating payment information, changing subscription plans, or canceling the service if needed.
Exploring the Disney Bundle: Combining Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu
The Disney Bundle offers significant savings by combining ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu subscriptions. This option provides a comprehensive entertainment package covering sports, movies, TV shows, and family content.
Several bundle configurations are available, including options with or without ads on Hulu. The bundle can save subscribers up to 25% compared to purchasing each service separately.
Existing subscribers to any of the individual services can typically upgrade to the bundle while receiving credit for their current subscription.
Users can access ESPN+ content either through the ESPN app or within the Disney+ app, which now offers select ESPN+ programming. However, the full ESPN+ experience is still best accessed through the dedicated ESPN app.
The bundle is ideal for households with varied entertainment interests, providing sports coverage alongside Disney’s family content and Hulu’s diverse TV offerings.
Maximizing Your ESPN+ Experience
Once subscribers have ESPN+ set up, they can take several steps to enhance their viewing experience. Getting the most from this sports streaming service involves understanding device compatibility, troubleshooting common issues, optimizing stream quality, and exploring the full content library.
Compatible Devices and How to Watch
ESPN+ works on a wide range of devices, making it accessible almost anywhere. Subscribers can watch on their smartphones through the ESPN app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. The service also works well on tablets for fans who prefer a larger screen while maintaining portability.
For home viewing, ESPN+ supports numerous smart TVs, including Samsung, LG, and Sony models. Streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast also provide excellent ways to watch ESPN+ content on a television.
Computer users can access ESPN+ through web browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, and Safari by visiting ESPNplus.com and logging into their accounts. This option works well for watching on laptops or desktop computers.
Game consoles like PlayStation and Xbox also support the ESPN app, giving gamers an easy way to switch between playing and watching sports.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Streams and Access
Connection problems are among the most common issues ESPN+ users face. If streams buffer or fail to load, users should:
- Check internet speed – ESPN+ requires at least 5 Mbps for HD streaming
- Restart the app or browser – Often fixes temporary glitches
- Update the ESPN app – Outdated versions may cause problems
- Clear cache and cookies – Helps resolve loading issues on browsers
Login problems can usually be solved by resetting passwords through the account management page. Users sometimes encounter blackout restrictions for certain events based on their location. These blackouts typically affect local games that are broadcast on regional networks.
For payment issues, subscribers should verify their billing information is current in their account settings. If problems persist, ESPN+’s customer service is available through their support portal.
Enhancing Streaming Quality and Using VPNs
To improve streaming quality on ESPN+, viewers should connect to the fastest available internet. Wired ethernet connections typically provide more stability than WiFi, especially for live events where buffering is particularly frustrating.
Adjusting video quality settings can help viewers with bandwidth limitations. The ESPN app allows users to lower resolution to prevent buffering on slower connections. Closing other bandwidth-heavy applications and limiting the number of devices using the network simultaneously can also improve performance.
Some subscribers use VPNs like ExpressVPN to access ESPN+ content that might be restricted in their region. However, using VPNs may violate ESPN+’s terms of service and could potentially result in account restrictions.
For the best viewing experience during major events like UFC fights or US Open tennis matches, viewers should start streams a few minutes early to allow the connection to stabilize before the action begins.
Exploring Additional Content Beyond Live Sports
ESPN+ offers much more than just live events. The service features an extensive library of documentaries, including the popular “30 for 30” series that explores compelling sports stories and figures. These documentaries provide fascinating insights into sports history and culture.
Original shows like “Detail” with Peyton Manning and “More Than an Athlete” offer analysis and behind-the-scenes content that casual broadcasts don’t cover. ESPN+ also produces exclusive studio shows that dive deep into various sports.
Combat sports fans will find a robust selection of boxing and UFC content, including exclusive fight nights and pay-per-view events (though PPV requires additional purchase). The service also provides access to niche sports that rarely appear on cable TV, such as cricket, rugby, and lacrosse.
For readers and data enthusiasts, ESPN+ includes premium articles and analysis from ESPN Insider that aren’t available with a standard ESPN account. Fantasy sports players can access exclusive tools and insights to gain an edge in their leagues.
Frequently Asked Questions
ESPN Plus offers various subscription options and viewing features. The following questions address common concerns about signing up, accessing content, and understanding what’s included with the service.
How do I sign up for an ESPN Plus subscription?
Users can sign up for ESPN Plus through multiple platforms. The easiest methods are visiting ESPNplus.com directly or using the ESPN app.
On the website, select “Subscribe to ESPN+ only” and enter your email address. Then provide your name and create a password to complete the registration.
Through the ESPN app, navigate to the ESPN+ tab and follow the on-screen instructions to subscribe. Both methods require payment information to complete the signup process.
Can I watch ESPN Plus on multiple devices simultaneously?
ESPN Plus allows streaming on up to three devices at the same time. This feature enables household members to watch different content simultaneously.
The service works across various platforms including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices. Users simply need to log in with the same account credentials on each device.
What streaming services offer ESPN Plus as part of their package?
The Disney Bundle includes ESPN Plus alongside Disney+ and Hulu. This combination offers significant savings compared to purchasing each service separately.
Some Hulu + Live TV plans now include ESPN Plus automatically. Additionally, recent updates allow Disney+ subscribers to access ESPN+ content directly through the Disney+ app interface.
Verizon also offers certain wireless and internet plans that include ESPN Plus as part of their promotional packages.
Are there any promotional offers or free trials available for new ESPN Plus subscribers?
ESPN Plus occasionally offers free trials for new subscribers, though these promotions change frequently. The standard free trial typically lasts 7 days.
The Disney Bundle often provides the best value for those interested in ESPN Plus. Current pricing makes the bundle more economical than subscribing to each service individually.
Some credit card companies and mobile carriers offer special ESPN Plus promotions for their customers. These deals may include discounted rates or extended free trial periods.
How does one access ESPN Plus content after completing the subscription process?
After subscribing, users can access ESPN Plus content through the ESPN app on smartphones, tablets, and connected TV devices. Look for content marked with the ESPN+ logo.
On computers, subscribers can watch directly through the ESPNplus.com website. Content exclusive to ESPN Plus is clearly labeled within the interface.
The newest option allows Disney+ subscribers to access ESPN+ content directly within the Disney+ app through a dedicated ESPN tile in the navigation menu.
Does an Amazon Prime membership include access to ESPN Plus at no additional cost?
Amazon Prime membership does not include ESPN Plus. The services remain separate, and Prime members must purchase ESPN Plus separately.
While Amazon devices like Fire TV support the ESPN app, having Prime doesn’t provide any special discounts for ESPN Plus subscriptions.
Some Amazon channels offer sports content, but ESPN Plus specifically requires its own subscription regardless of other Amazon services.
