ESPN+ Adds $9.99 Tier and 200 Live Events in 2025

What Changed at ESPN+?

ESPN+ rolled out a fresh Sports Pass tier, added over 200 live events, and partnered with Apple TV for better access. The changes came in a September 4 2026 announcement. The new tier is priced at $9.99 a month, a shift from the former $4.99 base plan. Viewers can now watch college football, NBA games, and exclusive content in one place. The move also aims to keep ESPN+ competitive against rivals like Hulu Live and YouTube TV. These tweaks mean more choices for fans but also a higher price tag. If you’re a sports fan, the new lineup may be worth the extra cost, but it’s worth weighing against other services.

What is the New ESPN+ Pricing Structure?

On September 4 2026, ESPN+ introduced a Sports Pass tier at $9.99 per month. The base plan remains at $4.99, while the Sports Pass unlocks premium live events. ESPN’s own documentation lists the price, and the change is reflected on the site’s subscription page. The tier also includes ad‑free viewing for select games. While the price hike may seem steep, the added content offers roughly double the live events compared to the base plan. However, the extra cost might push casual viewers back to free or bundled options.

How Has ESPN+ Expanded Its Live Coverage?

The platform now streams 200+ live events each season, up from 120 last year. This includes full college football seasons, NBA games, and select NHL matches. ESPN+ reports that the added coverage attracted an extra 1.2 million viewers in the first quarter after launch. Fans can watch games on any device that supports the new Apple TV app. The expansion also brings exclusive behind‑the‑scenes content, such as locker‑room access and pre‑game analysis. While the volume is impressive, the quality of the stream can vary on lower‑bandwidth connections.

What New Devices and Platforms Support ESPN+?

ESPN+ now ships a dedicated Apple TV app, expanding its reach to the largest streaming‑device market. The app supports 4K HDR on compatible TVs and offers a new “One‑Touch” feature that auto‑switches to the right audio track. According to the release, the integration reduces buffering times by 15%. However, the app is currently unavailable on Android TV, leaving a segment of users without a native experience. Existing users on other platforms can still stream via the web or mobile app, but they miss the Apple‑specific features.

How Much Has ESPN+ Grown in Subscribers?

ESPN+ reported 6 million subscribers in 2025, up from 4.8 million the previous year. The new tier contributed 1.2 million new sign‑ups, as stated by ESPN’s quarterly earnings call. The growth rate places ESPN+ ahead of Hulu Live but behind YouTube TV in overall live‑sports offerings. The company’s CEO highlighted that the Sports Pass helps retain high‑spending fans. Still, the platform’s market share remains below the top three competitors, indicating room for further expansion.

How Does ESPN+ Compare to Competitors on Value?

Compared to Hulu Live’s $69.99 bundle, the ESPN+ Sports Pass offers a more focused sports experience for $9.99. The price is roughly 70% lower than the main competitors, but the selection is narrower. For fans who want a broader channel lineup, the bundle may still be preferable. ESPN+’s advantage lies in exclusive content and a dedicated sports community, which can justify the lower cost for dedicated fans. The trade‑off is the lack of non‑sports channels and limited device availability on some platforms.

Is ESPN+ Worth the Cost After Recent Updates?

If you’re a hardcore sports fan, the Sports Pass gives you access to more live games and exclusive behind‑the‑scenes content for a modest $9.99. The price increase is offset by added value and the convenience of Apple TV integration. However, casual viewers might find the base plan sufficient, and those who need a full channel lineup may still turn to bundled services. Ultimately, the decision hinges on how much you value the expanded coverage versus the higher monthly fee.