YouTube TV does not include ESPN+ as part of its base subscription

YouTube TV carries ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3 as part of its standard package, but ESPN+ is a separate streaming service you would need to pay for on top of your YouTube TV bill. ESPN+ costs about $11 per month on its own, though the price can vary. If you want both services, you pay for them separately — YouTube TV does not bundle ESPN+ into any of its plans.

The confusion is understandable because ESPN owns multiple channels and streaming services. YouTube TV gives you the cable channels (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNU). ESPN+ is the streaming-only service that carries different content — mostly out-of-market sports, original shows, and events that do not air on the cable channels.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube TV includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and ESPNU, but not ESPN+, which is a separate paid service.
  • ESPN+ costs extra per month and carries different sports and events than the cable channels included in YouTube TV.
  • You can subscribe to ESPN+ directly through the ESPN app or website while keeping your YouTube TV subscription.
  • Some sports events air only on ESPN+, so if you want full coverage of certain teams or leagues, you may need both services.

What sports are on ESPN+ that are not on YouTube TV's ESPN channels

ESPN+ carries out-of-market games for major leagues, exclusive college sports, international soccer, and original ESPN+ shows. For example, some NFL games air only on ESPN+, along with certain college football and basketball matchups. If you follow a team that plays games outside your local market, ESPN+ may be the only way to stream those games live.

The cable channels on YouTube TV (ESPN and ESPN2) show the prime-time and nationally broadcast games — the ones that draw the largest audiences. ESPN+ fills in with additional games, replays, and sports that do not get cable airtime. The two services are designed to work together, not replace each other.

How to add ESPN+ to your YouTube TV account

You do not add ESPN+ through YouTube TV itself. Instead, you subscribe to ESPN+ separately through the ESPN app, the ESPN website, or through your phone's app store. When you sign up for ESPN+, you use your own email address and payment method — it is a completely separate subscription from YouTube TV.

Once you have both services active, you can watch ESPN+ content through the ESPN app on any device that supports it (phones, tablets, smart TVs, streaming devices). Your YouTube TV login does not carry over to ESPN+, and your ESPN+ login does not give you access to YouTube TV. They remain two independent services.

Bundle options that include ESPN+

Disney offers a bundle that combines Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ at a discounted rate compared to buying each separately. This bundle does not include YouTube TV — it is a separate package. If you want YouTube TV plus ESPN+, you would pay for YouTube TV on its own and then either buy ESPN+ separately or get it as part of the Disney bundle.

Some people choose to use the Disney bundle for ESPN+ and other streaming content, while keeping YouTube TV for cable channels and local broadcasts. This approach can be cheaper than paying for ESPN+ and YouTube TV without any bundling, depending on what else you watch.

Why YouTube TV does not include ESPN+

YouTube TV is a cable replacement service — it carries the broadcast and cable channels that traditional cable packages include. ESPN+ is a streaming-only service that ESPN created to sell additional content beyond what airs on cable. The two serve different purposes and reach different audiences, so they are priced and sold separately.

YouTube TV's pricing is based on the channels it carries, and ESPN+ would add significant cost to the base package. By keeping them separate, YouTube TV can keep its price lower for people who do not need ESPN+, while people who want both services can choose to add it.

Comparing YouTube TV sports coverage to other streaming services

YouTube TV includes more ESPN channels than most other streaming TV services. Hulu with Live TV also carries ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU. Sling TV offers ESPN in some of its packages but not all of them. If sports are your main reason for choosing a streaming TV service, YouTube TV is a solid option because of its ESPN coverage.

However, if you need ESPN+ content specifically, no streaming TV service includes it in the base package. You always pay for ESPN+ separately, regardless of which live TV service you choose. The decision between YouTube TV and other services should focus on what cable channels matter to you, not on ESPN+ availability.

What to do if you want maximum sports coverage

If you want the broadest possible sports coverage, combine YouTube TV (for cable channels including ESPN) with ESPN+ (for streaming-only events). You could also add a sports-focused streaming service like Peacock or Paramount+ if you follow specific leagues like the NFL or college sports that have exclusive streaming deals.

Before you sign up for multiple services, check which teams and leagues you actually watch. Many people overestimate how much they need ESPN+ because they assume it carries everything ESPN-related. Look at the schedule for your specific teams and see which games air on cable versus ESPN+ only. That will tell you whether ESPN+ is worth the extra cost for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. ESPN+ is a separate app and service. You need to open the ESPN app to watch ESPN+ content. Your YouTube TV login does not work in the ESPN app, and ESPN+ content does not appear in the YouTube TV interface.

Does YouTube TV ever bundle ESPN+ with its service?

Not currently. YouTube TV and ESPN+ remain separate subscriptions. YouTube TV's pricing is based on cable channels only. If that changes in the future, YouTube TV would likely announce it on its website and in your account settings.

If I cancel YouTube TV, do I lose ESPN+?

No. ESPN+ is a separate subscription with its own billing. Canceling YouTube TV does not affect ESPN+ unless you specifically cancel that service too. You can have one, both, or neither independently.

Is ESPN+ worth it if I already have YouTube TV?

That depends on what you watch. If your teams play games only on ESPN+ or if you follow sports that air primarily on the streaming service, then yes. If you are satisfied with the games that air on ESPN and ESPN2, you may not need it. Check your teams' schedules before you decide.

What is the cheapest way to get both YouTube TV and ESPN+?

YouTube TV costs the same regardless of what else you subscribe to. For ESPN+, the Disney bundle (Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+) is usually cheaper than ESPN+ alone. So you would pay for YouTube TV separately and add the Disney bundle for ESPN+ plus other streaming content.