ESPN+ is not included with YouTube TV

YouTube TV does not come with ESPN+. The two services are separate subscriptions owned by different companies—YouTube TV is owned by Google, and ESPN+ is owned by Disney. You can subscribe to ESPN+ on its own, or bundle it with other Disney services, but it will not appear in your YouTube TV package no matter which plan you choose.

YouTube TV does include ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3 as part of its base package. This means you can watch many live sports events, news, and analysis shows on those channels. But ESPN+ is a streaming service with its own exclusive content—games, shows, and events you cannot find on the cable ESPN channels. If you want both, you need to pay for both.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube TV includes the ESPN cable channels (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3) but not the ESPN+ streaming service.
  • ESPN+ costs money as a separate subscription and shows exclusive games and events not available on cable ESPN.
  • You can bundle ESPN+ with Disney+ and Hulu at a lower combined price than buying each one separately.
  • If you want to watch a specific game or event, check which service it streams on before assuming YouTube TV covers it.

What YouTube TV actually includes for sports

YouTube TV's base package includes live access to ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3. This covers most major sports broadcasts—NFL games, college football, NBA games, college basketball, MLB, NHL, and soccer matches. You also get access to sports news and analysis shows that air on those channels throughout the day.

The catch is that not every game streams on cable ESPN. Many events are exclusive to ESPN+, which means they only appear on the streaming app, not on the ESPN channel you can watch through YouTube TV. For example, some college football games, certain MLS matches, and UFC events air only on ESPN+. If you want to watch those, you need the separate subscription.

How ESPN+ works as a standalone service

ESPN+ is a streaming app you read on your phone, tablet, computer, or TV device. You log in with your ESPN+ account and watch shows and games directly from the app. It costs money each month as its own subscription, separate from YouTube TV.

ESPN+ includes live sports events that do not air on cable ESPN, original shows, replays of past games, and access to ESPN's full archive of content. The service also gives you early access to some games that will later air on cable ESPN, so you can watch them live on the app before they broadcast on television.

The Disney Bundle option

Disney owns ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu. If you want more than one of these services, Disney offers a bundle that costs less than buying them separately. The bundle comes in different combinations depending on whether you want ad-supported or ad-free versions of Disney+ and Hulu.

This bundle is separate from YouTube TV. You would keep your YouTube TV subscription and add the Disney Bundle on top of it. The bundle does not change what YouTube TV includes—you still get ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3 through YouTube TV, and you add ESPN+ through the Disney Bundle.

Checking where a specific game streams

Before you assume YouTube TV will have a game you want to watch, check the official schedule for that sport. Most sports leagues publish their broadcast schedule online and note which network or streaming service will carry each game. ESPN's website and app both show which games are on ESPN+ versus the cable channels.

You can also search the game directly—type the teams and date into Google, and the search result usually shows which service has it. This takes 30 seconds and saves you from sitting down to watch something that turns out to be ESPN+-only.

Other sports channels included with YouTube TV

YouTube TV includes many sports channels beyond ESPN. Your package covers Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, NBC Sports, NBCSN, Turner Sports (TNT, TBS), regional sports networks in your area, and league-specific channels like NFL Network, NBA TV, and MLB Network. This gives you access to a wide range of live sports without needing ESPN+ for most events.

The regional sports networks are particularly useful if you follow a local team. YouTube TV automatically includes the regional channels for your area based on your zip code, so you can watch your hometown team's games even when they are not on national networks.

What to do if you want ESPN+ with YouTube TV

Subscribe to YouTube TV as you normally would. Then, separately, go to ESPN+ and start your own subscription there. You will have two separate accounts and two separate charges on your bill each month—one for YouTube TV and one for ESPN+.

If you want to save money, consider the Disney Bundle instead of ESPN+ alone. Compare the price of ESPN+ by itself against the bundle price, and see whether Disney+ or Hulu would be useful to you. Many people find the bundle worthwhile even if they only want ESPN+, because the bundle price is often lower than the standalone ESPN+ price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch ESPN+ games on my YouTube TV app?

No. ESPN+ is a separate app. You read ESPN+ and log in there to watch ESPN+-exclusive content. YouTube TV and ESPN+ do not merge into one app or one login, even if you subscribe to both.

Do I need ESPN+ if I have YouTube TV?

Only if you want to watch games or events that air exclusively on ESPN+. Many sports are available on the cable ESPN channels that come with YouTube TV. Check the schedule for the specific sport or team you follow to see whether ESPN+ is necessary.

Is ESPN+ cheaper if I bundle it with Disney+ and Hulu?

Yes. The Disney Bundle costs less per month than ESPN+ alone. The exact savings depend on which version you choose (ad-supported or ad-free for Disney+ and Hulu), but bundling is almost always cheaper than buying ESPN+ separately.

What if a game says it is on ESPN but I cannot find it on YouTube TV?

It may be on ESPN+ instead. ESPN owns both the cable channels and the streaming service, and they sometimes use both names in schedules. Check the ESPN app or website to confirm which service has the game, then watch on that service.

Can I share my ESPN+ login with someone else?

ESPN+ allows streaming on multiple devices at once, but the account is meant for one household. Sharing your login with people outside your home may violate ESPN+'s terms of service. Check ESPN+'s current policy on their website for the most up-to-date rules.