ESPN+ is not included in YouTube TV, but you can subscribe to both services separately
YouTube TV does not bundle ESPN+ with its base package or any add-on tier. If you want to watch ESPN+ content, you need a separate ESPN+ subscription. The two services operate independently — paying for YouTube TV gives you access to ESPN's linear channels (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU) but not the ESPN+ streaming app or its exclusive shows, live events, and on-demand library.
This matters because ESPN+ carries content that does not air on cable ESPN channels. Original series, college sports, soccer, hockey, and thousands of live events are ESPN+-only. If you want both services, you will pay for them as two separate monthly subscriptions.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV includes ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU as cable channels, but ESPN+ is a separate streaming service you must pay for independently.
- ESPN+ costs around $11.99 per month on its own, or you can bundle it with Hulu and Disney+ for a lower combined price.
- You can watch ESPN+ on your phone, tablet, computer, or smart TV using the ESPN app or website, regardless of whether you have YouTube TV.
- YouTube TV subscribers do not get any discount on ESPN+ — the services do not integrate or offer package deals together.
What ESPN+ includes that YouTube TV does not
ESPN+ has its own library of live sports and original programming. You get access to hundreds of live college football and basketball games, Major League Baseball, National Hockey League games, UFC events, international soccer, and more. ESPN+ also produces original shows like Peyton's Places, Detail, and documentary series that you will not find on the cable ESPN channels.
The cable channels in YouTube TV (ESPN and ESPN2) show marquee games and events — the ones with the broadest appeal. ESPN+ fills in the rest: lower-tier matchups, regional games, and niche sports. If you follow a specific team or sport closely, ESPN+ often has more games than the cable channels do.
How to subscribe to ESPN+ if you have YouTube TV
Sign up for ESPN+ through the ESPN app, the ESPN website, or through your device's app store (Apple App Store, Google Play, Amazon Appstore, or Roku Channel). You can also subscribe through the Disney Bundle, which combines ESPN+, Hulu, and Disney+ at a discounted price compared to buying each separately.
Your YouTube TV subscription does not carry over or integrate with ESPN+. You will create a separate ESPN+ account with its own login and payment method. Once you subscribe, you can watch ESPN+ on any device that supports the ESPN app — phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, streaming devices, and gaming consoles.
Pricing and bundle options
ESPN+ costs around $11.99 per month as a standalone subscription. The Disney Bundle (ESPN+, Hulu, and Disney+) typically costs less than buying each service separately — pricing varies by whether you choose ad-supported or ad-free tiers for Hulu. You can also find promotional offers during major sporting events or holidays that reduce the first month's cost.
YouTube TV's base package runs around $72.99 per month and includes ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU as part of the standard lineup. Adding ESPN+ does not change your YouTube TV bill — it is a completely separate charge. If you want both services, budget for YouTube TV plus ESPN+ (or the Disney Bundle) as two distinct expenses.
Watching ESPN+ on the same devices as YouTube TV
You can install both the YouTube TV app and the ESPN app on the same device. On a smart TV, you would have both apps available in your home screen or app menu. On a phone or tablet, both apps sit in your app drawer. On a computer, you can open both websites in different browser tabs or windows.
The apps do not interfere with each other. Switching between YouTube TV and ESPN+ is the same as switching between any two streaming apps — you just open the one you want and log in with that service's credentials. Your YouTube TV login does not work in the ESPN app, and vice versa.
What to do if you want ESPN+ content through YouTube TV
YouTube TV does not offer a way to add ESPN+ as an add-on channel or package. Your only option is to subscribe to ESPN+ separately. Some cable providers (not YouTube TV) have partnerships where ESPN+ is bundled or discounted, but YouTube TV has not made that arrangement.
If you are looking for a streaming service that includes ESPN+ built in, you would need to switch to a different platform. Hulu with Live TV includes ESPN+ as part of its package, though Hulu with Live TV costs more than YouTube TV and has a different channel lineup. For most people, keeping YouTube TV and adding a separate ESPN+ subscription is the most straightforward path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does YouTube TV give me a discount on ESPN+?
No. YouTube TV and ESPN+ do not have a partnership that discounts either service. You pay full price for both if you want both. The Disney Bundle (ESPN+, Hulu, Disney+) offers a discount compared to buying each separately, but that is separate from YouTube TV.
Can I use my YouTube TV login to watch ESPN+?
No. ESPN+ requires its own account and login. Your YouTube TV credentials do not work in the ESPN app. You will need to create a separate ESPN+ account with a separate email and password.
Will ESPN+ games show up in my YouTube TV guide?
No. YouTube TV's guide shows only the channels and content included in your YouTube TV subscription. ESPN+ content does not appear there. You watch ESPN+ through the ESPN app, not through YouTube TV.
What if I only want to watch ESPN+ and do not need YouTube TV?
You can subscribe to ESPN+ on its own without YouTube TV. You do not need a YouTube TV account to use ESPN+. Many people subscribe to ESPN+ alone and use other services or cable for their other TV needs.
Can I watch ESPN+ on my TV if I have YouTube TV?
Yes. Install the ESPN app on your smart TV, log in with your ESPN+ account, and watch. The ESPN app works on most smart TVs, streaming devices (Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick), and gaming consoles. You can have both YouTube TV and ESPN+ running on the same TV at different times.