You cannot watch Monday Night Football on Disney Plus
Disney Plus does not carry Monday Night Football games. ESPN, which Disney owns, holds the broadcast rights to MNF, but those games air on ESPN's cable channel and ESPN+, not on Disney Plus. If you want to watch MNF, you need either a cable subscription that includes ESPN, or a separate ESPN+ subscription.
This is a common point of confusion because Disney owns both ESPN and Disney Plus. The two services operate separately, and Disney keeps their sports content on ESPN and ESPN+ rather than bundling it into the Disney Plus subscription you may already have. The separation is intentional: Disney Plus targets families and general entertainment audiences, while ESPN+ targets sports fans willing to pay extra for live games.
Key Takeaways
- Monday Night Football airs on ESPN cable and streams on ESPN+, not on Disney Plus.
- ESPN+ costs around $11 per month on its own, or you can bundle it with Disney Plus and Hulu for a lower combined price.
- A cable subscription with ESPN included is another way to watch MNF, though cable packages vary by provider.
- The ESPN+ bundle is usually cheaper than buying each service separately if you want access to all three.
- ESPN+ works on phones, tablets, computers, and most streaming devices including Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.
Where Monday Night Football Actually Streams
ESPN+ is the streaming home for Monday Night Football. You can watch live games on the ESPN+ app or website if you have an active subscription. ESPN+ also carries other sports content including college football, NHL games, and MLS matches, along with original shows and documentaries.
If you have a cable or satellite TV subscription that includes ESPN, you can also watch MNF on the ESPN cable channel during the broadcast. Some cable providers let you stream ESPN through their own apps as well, though you need to log in with your cable account credentials. Check your cable provider's website to see if they offer an ESPN streaming app.
The Disney Bundle Option
Disney offers a bundle that combines Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN+ at a lower price than buying each separately. The bundle with ads on Hulu and Disney Plus costs less per month than ESPN+ alone. If you already pay for Disney Plus, adding ESPN+ through the bundle is usually cheaper than a separate ESPN+ subscription.
The bundle comes in two versions: one with ads on Hulu and Disney Plus, and one ad-free. The ad-free version costs more but removes commercials from both services. You can manage which version you want through your Disney account settings, and you can switch between versions at any time.
ESPN+ Subscription Costs and What It Includes
ESPN+ costs around $11 per month as a standalone subscription, though prices can change. The service includes live MNF games, replays of past games, and original ESPN+ exclusive content. You can watch on multiple devices, though only one stream at a time on a single account.
The bundle option is usually the better deal if you use more than one Disney service. Check Disney's website for current pricing, as rates vary by region and promotional offers come and go throughout the year. Some promotions offer discounted rates for the first few months, so timing your subscription can save money.
How to Watch on ESPN+ If You Subscribe
read the ESPN+ app on your phone, tablet, or streaming device, or go to ESPN.com and log in. Search for Monday Night Football or navigate to the NFL section. Live games appear in the schedule with a start time, and you can set reminders for upcoming broadcasts.
ESPN+ works on most major devices: iPhones, Android phones, tablets, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation, and Xbox. You can also watch through a web browser on your computer. The app quality depends on your internet speed; ESPN recommends at least 8 Mbps for HD streaming. If you experience buffering, try lowering the video quality in the app settings.
Why Disney Plus Does Not Have MNF
Disney owns ESPN but keeps sports content separate from Disney Plus for business reasons. Disney Plus focuses on family entertainment, movies, and TV shows, while ESPN handles all sports broadcasting. This separation lets Disney charge different prices for different audiences — families who want Disney Plus may not want sports, and sports fans may not want family content.
ESPN+ is designed specifically for sports fans and costs more than Disney Plus because it carries live games and exclusive sports programming. Bundling everything together would mean charging everyone for sports content whether they wanted it or not. By keeping the services separate, Disney can offer lower prices to customers who only want one type of content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Monday Night Football with just a Disney Plus subscription?
No. Disney Plus does not include Monday Night Football. You need either an ESPN+ subscription, a cable subscription with ESPN, or the Disney bundle that includes ESPN+.
Is ESPN+ included in Disney Plus?
No, ESPN+ is a separate subscription. However, Disney offers a bundle that combines Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN+ at a discounted price compared to buying them separately.
How much does ESPN+ cost per month?
ESPN+ costs around $11 per month as a standalone subscription. The Disney bundle with ads is usually cheaper if you want multiple services. Prices vary by region and promotional offers, so check Disney's website for current rates.
Can I watch MNF on cable instead of streaming?
Yes. Monday Night Football airs on the ESPN cable channel. If your cable or satellite provider includes ESPN in your package, you can watch live games on TV or through your provider's streaming app.
What devices can I use to watch ESPN+ games?
ESPN+ works on phones, tablets, computers, and streaming devices including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation, and Xbox. You can watch through the ESPN+ app or at ESPN.com in a web browser.