YouTube TV does not include ESPN+ as part of its base package
YouTube TV carries ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3 as part of its standard channel lineup, but ESPN+ is a different streaming service that requires a separate subscription. ESPN+ is owned by Disney and operates independently from YouTube TV's cable-style channel bundle. If you want ESPN+ content, you need to pay for it directly through the ESPN app or the ESPN website.
This distinction matters because ESPN+ shows games and events that do not air on the cable ESPN channels. Some live sports, original shows, and archived content are exclusive to ESPN+. You cannot watch ESPN+ through YouTube TV, even if you subscribe to YouTube TV.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV includes the cable channels ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3, but not the ESPN+ streaming service.
- ESPN+ is a separate subscription you purchase directly from ESPN, not through YouTube TV.
- ESPN+ shows live games and events that do not air on cable ESPN channels.
- You can use ESPN+ on the same devices where you watch YouTube TV, but you log in with a different account.
- Some sports packages bundle ESPN+ with other services, which may offer better value than buying subscriptions separately.
What ESPN+ includes that cable ESPN does not
ESPN+ carries live games from professional and college sports that the cable channels do not broadcast. This includes select NFL games, NHL games, MLS matches, college football and basketball, boxing, UFC events, and international soccer. ESPN+ also produces original shows, documentaries, and analysis programs you cannot find on ESPN or ESPN2.
The cable ESPN channels prioritize games with the broadest audience appeal. ESPN+ fills in the gaps with niche sports, regional matchups, and less-watched leagues. If you follow a specific team or sport, ESPN+ may carry games that cable ESPN skips entirely.
How to get ESPN+ if you have YouTube TV
You subscribe to ESPN+ separately through the ESPN app, the ESPN website, or through the Disney Bundle. Open the ESPN app on your phone, tablet, or streaming device and look for the ESPN+ section. You can sign up with an email address and payment method — this account is independent from your YouTube TV login.
ESPN+ costs a monthly fee that varies depending on whether you choose monthly or annual billing. You can also purchase ESPN+ as part of the Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+ and Hulu alongside ESPN+. The bundle often costs less than buying all three services separately, so compare the prices before you decide.
Devices where you can watch ESPN+ alongside YouTube TV
ESPN+ works on most of the same devices as YouTube TV: smartphones and tablets running iOS or Android, computers with a web browser, Roku devices, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, and some smart TVs with built-in apps. You log into ESPN+ with your ESPN account, separate from your YouTube TV account.
If you use multiple devices in your household, each person can log into ESPN+ on their own phone or tablet. ESPN+ allows simultaneous streams on a limited number of devices depending on your subscription type, so check the ESPN+ terms if multiple people in your home plan to watch at the same time.
The difference between ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and ESPN+
| Service | Included in YouTube TV | What it carries |
|---|---|---|
| ESPN | Yes | Major live sports, news, and analysis on cable |
| ESPN2 | Yes | Secondary cable channel with additional sports and programming |
| ESPN3 | Yes | Online-only channel with college sports and niche events |
| ESPN+ | No — separate subscription | Exclusive live games, original shows, and sports not on cable |
ESPN3 is sometimes confused with ESPN+ because both are online services, but ESPN3 is included free with YouTube TV if you have a cable or internet provider login. ESPN+ requires its own paid subscription and carries different content.
Bundle options that include ESPN+
Disney offers the Disney Bundle, which combines Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ at a lower total price than buying each separately. The bundle comes in different tiers depending on whether you want ads on Disney+ and Hulu. If you already pay for Disney+ or Hulu, adding ESPN+ through the bundle may cost less than a standalone ESPN+ subscription.
Some wireless carriers and internet providers also offer ESPN+ as part of their packages or promotions. Check with your provider to see if ESPN+ is included in any plan you already pay for. These offers change frequently, so the only way to know is to log into your account or call customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch ESPN+ games on the YouTube TV app?
No. ESPN+ is a separate app and service. You must open the ESPN app and log in with your ESPN+ account to watch ESPN+ content. YouTube TV's app only shows the cable channels included in your YouTube TV subscription.
Do I need YouTube TV to watch ESPN+?
No. ESPN+ is a standalone service that works without YouTube TV. You can subscribe to ESPN+ alone if you only want that service, or combine it with YouTube TV if you want both.
Why is a game on ESPN+ instead of ESPN?
ESPN and ESPN2 have limited broadcast windows and prioritize games with the largest audiences. ESPN+ allows ESPN to show additional games, regional matchups, and less mainstream sports without taking up cable channel time. This gives fans more options to watch their teams.
If I cancel YouTube TV, do I lose ESPN+?
Only if you subscribed to ESPN+ through YouTube TV's interface. If you subscribed directly through the ESPN app or website, your ESPN+ account remains active and separate from YouTube TV. Check your subscription method to be sure.
Is ESPN+ worth it if I already have YouTube TV?
That depends on which sports you follow. If the teams or leagues you watch appear only on ESPN+, then yes. If you are satisfied with the games on ESPN and ESPN2, you may not need ESPN+. Look at the ESPN+ schedule for your sport to decide.