ESPN+ is not included in YouTube TV's standard package
YouTube TV does not bundle ESPN+ with any of its subscription tiers. ESPN+ is a separate streaming service owned by Disney, and you have to pay for it independently if you want access to its content. YouTube TV includes ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3 (the cable channels), but those are different from the ESPN+ streaming platform.
The confusion is understandable because ESPN operates both traditional cable channels and a standalone streaming service. When you subscribe to YouTube TV, you get the live cable feeds of ESPN and ESPN2. ESPN+ is where Disney puts additional sports content, original shows, and events that don't air on the cable channels—and it costs extra.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV includes the cable channels ESPN and ESPN2, but not the ESPN+ streaming service, which requires a separate subscription.
- ESPN+ costs around $11 per month on its own, or you can bundle it with Hulu and Disney+ through Disney's bundle options.
- YouTube TV's sports coverage comes from live cable feeds of ESPN, ESPN2, and regional sports networks, not from ESPN+ exclusive content.
- If you want both YouTube TV and ESPN+, you will pay for them as two separate subscriptions unless you use Disney's bundle.
What YouTube TV actually includes for sports
YouTube TV gives you access to the live cable broadcasts of ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3 (the online extension of ESPN2). You also get regional sports networks, depending on your location, plus channels like Fox Sports, NBC Sports, and MLB Network. These are the same channels you would get with a traditional cable package.
The key difference is that ESPN+ is not a cable channel—it is a streaming-only service. ESPN+ carries events that Disney chooses not to broadcast on the cable channels, including some college sports, soccer, hockey, and original shows. If a game or match is exclusive to ESPN+, you will not see it through YouTube TV alone.
How ESPN+ works as a separate service
ESPN+ is a standalone subscription that costs around $11 per month when purchased by itself. You can also bundle it with Hulu (with ads) and Disney+ for a combined price, which is usually cheaper than buying each service separately. The bundle typically costs less than $15 per month depending on current promotions.
To use ESPN+, you read the ESPN app on your phone, tablet, or streaming device and log in with your ESPN+ account. It is completely separate from YouTube TV—you will have two different apps, two different logins, and two different bills unless you choose the Disney bundle.
When you might need ESPN+ alongside YouTube TV
Some sports fans need both services because ESPN+ carries exclusive events that do not appear on the cable channels. If you follow college sports, international soccer, or certain hockey leagues, ESPN+ may have content that YouTube TV does not. You would need to check the ESPN+ schedule for the specific sports you watch.
For most casual sports viewers who watch major league games and primetime events, YouTube TV's ESPN channels are usually enough. But if you are a serious fan of a particular sport or league, you should check whether ESPN+ carries exclusive games before deciding whether you need both subscriptions.
The Disney Bundle as an alternative
If you want ESPN+ along with other streaming services, Disney's bundle is often the most cost-effective route. The bundle includes ESPN+, Hulu, and Disney+, and it typically costs less than buying them separately. You can choose Hulu with ads or Hulu without ads, which affects the total price.
The Disney Bundle does not include YouTube TV, so you would still need to pay for YouTube TV separately if you want those cable channels. But if you are already considering ESPN+ and you use or want to use Hulu or Disney+, the bundle saves money compared to three individual subscriptions.
How to check what sports are on ESPN+ versus YouTube TV
The easiest way to know whether a specific game is on ESPN+ or on YouTube TV's ESPN channels is to search for the event on ESPN.com or in the ESPN app. The listing will tell you which platform carries it. You can also check the schedule for the league or team you follow—most sports organizations list where each game will air.
If you are considering adding ESPN+ to your YouTube TV subscription, make a list of the events you want to watch over the next month and see where they are broadcast. That will tell you whether ESPN+ is worth the extra cost for your viewing habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch ESPN+ on the YouTube TV app?
No. ESPN+ is a separate app and service. You cannot access ESPN+ through YouTube TV, even if you subscribe to both. You need to read the ESPN app and log in with your ESPN+ account to watch that content.
Do I get ESPN+ if I have YouTube TV and a Disney+ subscription?
Not automatically. Disney+ and ESPN+ are separate services. You would need to subscribe to ESPN+ on its own, or bundle it with Hulu and Disney+ through Disney's bundle offer. Having one Disney service does not unlock the others.
Is there a bundle that includes YouTube TV and ESPN+?
No. YouTube TV is owned by Google and does not have an official bundle with ESPN+ or Disney services. You would need to pay for YouTube TV and ESPN+ (or the Disney Bundle) as separate subscriptions.
What sports can I watch on YouTube TV that are not on ESPN+?
YouTube TV carries the live cable broadcasts of ESPN, ESPN2, and regional sports networks, so you get primetime games, major league events, and local sports. ESPN+ focuses on exclusive content and less mainstream sports. For most major games, YouTube TV's ESPN channels will have them.
How much would it cost to have both YouTube TV and ESPN+?
YouTube TV's base plan costs around $73 per month, and ESPN+ costs around $11 per month, for a total of about $84 per month. Prices vary by location and change over time. If you also want Hulu and Disney+, the Disney Bundle might be cheaper than buying ESPN+ alone.