No, YouTube TV does not include ESPN Plus. The two services are separate subscriptions you need to buy on their own. This is a common point of confusion for sports fans.
People ask me this question all the time. They want to watch live sports and think one service covers everything. I get why it’s confusing.
I’ve tested both platforms for years. The setup and channel lists are very different. Let me break it all down for you.
This guide will show you what each service offers. You’ll learn how to get the sports you want without paying too much.
What Does YouTube TV Have?
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service. It works like cable but over the internet. You get a bunch of channels in one package.
It includes many popular sports networks. You get ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU with a standard plan. That covers a lot of live games.
You also get channels like Fox Sports and NBC Sports. This is great for watching local and national games. It’s a solid base for any sports fan.
But here’s the key thing to remember. YouTube TV does not have ESPN Plus. They are two different products from different companies.
Think of YouTube TV as your main TV package. It gives you the basic sports channels most people want. For extra content, you look elsewhere.
I use YouTube TV for my everyday sports viewing. It works great for Monday Night Football and college basketball. But I need more for some special events.
What Is ESPN Plus?
ESPN Plus is a separate streaming service. It’s an add-on from ESPN that gives you extra sports. You buy it on its own or with a Disney bundle.
It does not include the main ESPN channel you see on TV. You can’t watch Monday Night Football live on it. That’s a big surprise for many people.
So what do you get? You get exclusive live sports. This includes UFC fights, some college games, and out-of-market NHL games.
You also get original shows and documentaries. The 30 for 30 library is a popular feature. It’s a nice bonus for sports history fans.
According to ESPN’s official site, the service focuses on supplemental content. It’s meant to add to your regular sports viewing, not replace it.
I have ESPN Plus for the UFC events. It’s the only legal way to stream them live. The price is fair for what you get.
Does YouTube TV Have ESPN Plus? The Direct Answer
Let me say this clearly one more time. YouTube TV does not have ESPN Plus. You cannot get it as part of your YouTube TV subscription.
This is the core answer to the question “does YouTube TV have ESPN Plus?” They are separate. You pay for each one on its own.
Some people think they come together. They see “ESPN” in both names and get confused. I don’t blame them – the branding is tricky.
You need to sign up for ESPN Plus separately. You do this on the ESPN website or app. Then you log in with those details to watch.
When you ask “does YouTube TV have ESPN Plus,” remember this. The answer is always no. But you can use them together on the same device.
I run both apps on my Roku. I switch between them depending on the game. It’s a bit of a hassle, but it works.
How to Get ESPN Plus Content
Want to watch ESPN Plus? You need to subscribe directly. Go to the ESPN website or your device’s app store. Look for the ESPN app.
Inside the ESPN app, you’ll see a section for ESPN Plus. You can start a free trial there. Then you pick a monthly or yearly plan.
Many people bundle it with Disney+ and Hulu. This deal saves you some money. You get all three services for one price.
Once you sign up, you use the ESPN app to watch. Log in with your ESPN Plus account details. The content will be unlocked for you.
According to FCC guidelines, streaming services must be clear about their offerings. ESPN Plus does a decent job explaining what you get.
I recommend the Disney Bundle. You get a lot of entertainment for a good price. It’s cheaper than buying each service alone.
Sports You Can Watch on Each Service
Let’s break down the sports coverage. This shows why you might need both. It depends on what games you follow.
On YouTube TV, you get live NFL, NBA, and MLB games. These air on ESPN, Fox, and NBC channels. You also get major golf and tennis tournaments.
On ESPN Plus, you get UFC Pay-Per-View events. You get exclusive college football and basketball games. You also get full MLB and NHL game archives.
So does YouTube TV have ESPN Plus content? No. The exclusive UFC fights are only on ESPN Plus. You miss them with just YouTube TV.
But you miss live NFL games with just ESPN Plus. You need YouTube TV for those. See how they work together?
The Sleep Foundation notes that late-night sports can disrupt sleep. Having both services lets you watch games earlier sometimes.
I watch NFL on YouTube TV and UFC on ESPN Plus. This combo covers most of my sports needs. It costs more, but it’s worth it for me.
Cost Comparison: YouTube TV vs ESPN Plus
Let’s talk money. This is where the separation hurts your wallet. You pay two different bills.
YouTube TV costs about $73 per month. This gets you over 100 channels. The sports networks are included in this base price.
ESPN Plus costs $11 per month. Or you can pay $110 for a full year. The yearly plan saves you a bit of cash.
So if you want both, you pay around $84 per month. That’s a lot for TV. You need to really love sports to justify it.
Remember, does YouTube TV have ESPN Plus? No. So you pay for YouTube TV plus ESPN Plus. The costs add up fast.
Compare this to cable packages. Some bundles include both types of content. But cable often has hidden fees and contracts.
I track my streaming costs each month. It’s easy for them to get out of hand. Set a budget before you sign up for everything.
Common Mistakes People Make
I see the same errors again and again. People assume things that aren’t true. Let me clear them up for you.
First mistake: thinking ESPN Plus includes live ESPN. It doesn’t. You can’t watch SportsCenter live on it.
Second mistake: thinking YouTube TV includes ESPN Plus. It doesn’t. When you ask “does YouTube TV have ESPN Plus,” the answer stays no.
Third mistake: not checking blackout rules. Local games might be blocked on ESPN Plus. You need YouTube TV for those.
Fourth mistake: forgetting about the Disney Bundle. Buying ESPN Plus alone costs more. The bundle with Hulu and Disney+ is a better deal.
Fifth mistake: not using the right app. ESPN Plus content is in the ESPN app. You won’t find it in the YouTube TV app.
I made some of these mistakes myself. I signed up for ESPN Plus expecting live NFL. I was disappointed until I figured out the system.
How to Use Both Services Together
You can make them work as a team. It takes a little setup. But the experience is pretty smooth once it’s ready.
First, subscribe to YouTube TV. Set up your account and profiles. Download the app on your streaming device.
Second, subscribe to ESPN Plus. Use the Disney Bundle if you want Hulu and Disney+. Download the ESPN app on the same device.
Third, log into both apps. Use different emails if you want. I keep mine the same to remember easily.
Fourth, learn which service has which games. Check schedules at the start of each week. Make a little list if it helps you.
According to FTC consumer advice, you should review subscriptions regularly. Make sure you still use everything you pay for.
I switch between apps during football season. Saturday college games are on both services. I pick based on which game I want.
Alternatives to Consider
Maybe you don’t want two subscriptions. That’s fair. Let’s look at other ways to get sports.
Hulu + Live TV includes ESPN channels. It also offers the Disney Bundle as an add-on. This might simplify your billing.
Sling TV has a cheaper base package. You can add sports extras. Their Orange plan includes ESPN channels.
FuboTV focuses on sports. It has lots of regional sports networks. But it doesn’t include ESPN Plus either.
Remember, does YouTube TV have ESPN Plus? No. But do other services have it? Also no. ESPN Plus stays separate everywhere.
Some cable companies offer streaming bundles. These might include access to ESPN Plus. You need to ask specifically about it.
I tried FuboTV for a while. The sports coverage was great. But I missed some channels my family watches.
Final Verdict and Recommendation
So what should you do? It depends on your sports habits. Think about what you watch most.
If you only watch major league games, get YouTube TV. You’ll get ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports. This covers NFL, NBA, and MLB well.
If you love UFC or niche sports, get ESPN Plus. You’ll get every fight and exclusive content. But you’ll miss major live events on regular ESPN.
If you want everything, get both. Use YouTube TV as your base. Add ESPN Plus for the extra stuff.
When people ask me “does YouTube TV have Plus,” I tell them no. But I also explain how they can get both. Knowledge helps them choose.
The CDC recommends balancing screen time with physical activity. Don’t let sports streaming keep you from moving around.
I have both services. I watch sports almost every day. For me, the cost is worth the entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does YouTube TV have ESPN Plus included?
No, YouTube TV does not include ESPN Plus. They are separate subscriptions. You need to pay for each one on its own.
Can I watch UFC on YouTube TV?
You can watch some UFC on YouTube TV. But the Pay-Per-View events are only on ESPN Plus. You need both services for full coverage.
What sports can I watch on ESPN Plus?
ESPN Plus has UFC, some college sports, and out-of-market NHL. It also has MLB archives and original shows. It does not have live NFL or NBA gamesp>
Is ESPN Plus worth it for me?
It depends on your sports taste. If you love UFC or follow a small college team, yes. If you only watch major pro sports, maybe not.
Does YouTube TV have ESPN Plus as an add-on?
No, YouTube TV does not offer ESPN Plus as an add-on. You cannot buy it through your YouTube TV account. You must go directly to ESPN.
Can I share ESPN Plus with family?
Yes, ESPN Plus allows multiple streams. You can share your login with household members. Check the latest terms for how many can watch at once.
Conclusion
So does YouTube TV have ESPN Plus? The answer is clearly no. I hope this guide made that crystal clear for you.
They are two different services with different content. YouTube TV gives you live TV channels. ESPN Plus gives you exclusive sports streaming.
You can use them together for full sports coverage. Just know you’ll pay for two subscriptions. Pick based on what you really watch.
Start with YouTube TV if you want traditional sports. Add ESPN Plus later if you find you’re missing events. This gradual approach saves money.
I’m happy to answer more questions. The streaming world keeps changing. Stay informed to get the best value for your sports viewing.