ESPN+ is not included with YouTube TV, but you can add it as a separate subscription
YouTube TV does not come with ESPN+ built in. ESPN+ is a standalone streaming service owned by Disney, and you pay for it separately from your YouTube TV subscription. However, YouTube TV does include access to ESPN channels themselves — ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3 — as part of your base package, which is different from the ESPN+ app.
The confusion happens because ESPN offers multiple ways to watch: the ESPN cable channels (which YouTube TV carries), the ESPN+ app (which you buy separately), and ESPN.com (which requires cable login). Each one shows different content, so what you can watch depends on which service you have.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV includes live ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3 channels, but does not include the ESPN+ app or its exclusive content.
- ESPN+ costs extra and requires a separate subscription, currently around $10.99 per month or $109.99 per year, though prices may change.
- ESPN+ shows exclusive games, original shows, and sports that do not air on the cable ESPN channels.
- You can subscribe to ESPN+ directly through the ESPN app or website, or bundle it with Disney+ and Hulu for a lower combined price.
What YouTube TV actually includes from ESPN
Your YouTube TV subscription gives you access to the live ESPN cable channels: ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3. These channels broadcast major sports events like Monday Night Football, college football, NBA games, NHL games, and college basketball. You can watch them live or record them to your YouTube TV library.
You can also log into ESPN.com and the ESPN app using your YouTube TV credentials to watch clips, highlights, and some full games that are available to cable subscribers. This is different from ESPN+ content, which requires its own separate login.
What ESPN+ offers that YouTube TV does not
ESPN+ is a streaming-only service with content that does not appear on the cable ESPN channels. This includes exclusive live games (some MLB, NHL, MLS, and college sports), original shows and documentaries, and access to ESPN's full archive of past games and events.
If you want to watch a specific game that is marked as "ESPN+ exclusive," you cannot watch it through YouTube TV's ESPN channels — you need the ESPN+ app. The same applies to ESPN+ original series and analysis shows that only stream on the app.
How to add ESPN+ to your YouTube TV account
You cannot add ESPN+ directly through YouTube TV. Instead, you subscribe to ESPN+ separately through the ESPN app, ESPN.com, or through a bundle with Disney+ and Hulu.
If you go to ESPN.com or open the ESPN app, you will see a prompt to subscribe to ESPN+. You can choose a monthly subscription (currently around $10.99 per month) or an annual plan (currently around $109.99 per year). Disney also offers a bundle that includes ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu together at a lower combined price than buying each separately, though the exact price varies.
Once you have an ESPN+ subscription, you log in with the same account across all three services if you choose the bundle. Your YouTube TV subscription and ESPN+ subscription remain separate — they do not share a login or a bill.
The difference between ESPN channels and ESPN+
| Service | Included with YouTube TV? | What you watch |
|---|---|---|
| ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3 channels | Yes | Live cable broadcasts, major league games, college sports |
| ESPN.com and ESPN app (cable login) | Yes, with YouTube TV login | Clips, highlights, some full games available to cable subscribers |
| ESPN+ app | No | Exclusive games, original shows, full archive, no ads (with paid subscription) |
When you might want ESPN+ even with YouTube TV
Many sports fans subscribe to both because YouTube TV's ESPN channels do not show every game. If you follow a specific team or sport, some games are exclusive to ESPN+. For example, certain MLB games, some MLS matches, and college sports events only stream on ESPN+.
ESPN+ also includes original documentaries and analysis shows that do not air on the cable channels, plus access to a library of past games you can watch on demand. If you want comprehensive coverage of a sport, having both services gives you the most options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch ESPN+ games on the YouTube TV app?
No. ESPN+ is a separate app with its own login. You cannot watch ESPN+ content through the YouTube TV app or interface. You need to open the ESPN app separately and log in with your ESPN+ credentials.
Do I need YouTube TV to get ESPN+?
No. ESPN+ is a standalone subscription that works on its own. You do not need YouTube TV, cable, or any other service to buy ESPN+. However, if you want to watch the cable ESPN channels, YouTube TV is one way to get them.
Is ESPN+ cheaper if I have YouTube TV?
No. ESPN+ costs the same whether you have YouTube TV or not. YouTube TV does not offer a discount on ESPN+ or a bundle that includes it. Your best pricing option is to buy ESPN+ directly or bundle it with Disney+ and Hulu through Disney.
What sports are only on ESPN+?
Exclusive ESPN+ content changes throughout the year, but typically includes some MLB games, MLS matches, NHL games, college sports, and international soccer. Check ESPN.com or the ESPN app to see which upcoming games are marked as ESPN+ exclusive.
Can I use my YouTube TV login to watch ESPN+?
No. ESPN+ requires its own separate subscription and login. Your YouTube TV credentials let you log into ESPN.com and the ESPN app to watch cable subscriber content, but that is different from ESPN+. You need an ESPN+ account to access ESPN+ exclusive content.