No, ESPN+ is not on YouTube TV as part of your base plan. You cannot get ESPN+ on YouTube TV as a single channel add-on either, which is a common point of confusion for sports fans.
People ask me this all the time. They see both names and think they are linked. It’s an easy mistake to make.
I’ve tested both services for years. They work in very different ways for watching games.
This guide will clear up the confusion. I’ll show you how to watch both together and what your options are.
What is ESPN+ and YouTube TV?
Let’s start with the basics. Knowing what each service does helps a lot.
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service. It gives you channels like ABC, Fox, and ESPN. You watch live sports and shows as they air.
ESPN+ is a separate sports streaming service. It has its own set of live games and shows. You get UFC fights, some college sports, and original shows.
Think of them as two different stores. YouTube TV sells a big bundle of channels. ESPN+ sells just sports content on its own.
The ESPN website lists what’s on ESPN+. It’s a good place to check before you sign up.
So, is ESPN+ on YouTube TV? Not in the way you might hope. They are separate apps with separate bills.
You need to buy them apart from each other. This is the key thing to remember.
The Direct Answer: Is ESPN+ on YouTube TV?
Here is the simple truth. The answer is no, and here’s why.
Your YouTube TV subscription does not include ESPN+. They are sold by two different companies. Disney runs ESPN, and Google runs YouTube TV.
When you look at the YouTube TV channel guide, you won’t find an ESPN+ channel. You will see the main ESPN channel, ESPN2, and maybe ESPNU. But the “+” is not there.
This confuses many sports fans. They think because they have ESPN, they should get the extra content. It doesn’t work that way.
I’ve checked the add-ons many times. There is no option to add ESPN+ on YouTube TV. You can’t click a button and get it.
So, is ESPN+ on YouTube TV? No, it is a standalone service. You must go to the ESPN app or website to get it.
This is a big deal for your wallet. You pay for YouTube TV and then pay again for ESPN+.
How to Watch ESPN+ Content
You can still watch all the games. You just need to use a different method.
First, sign up for ESPN+ on its own. Go to the ESPN website or use the ESPN app on your phone. The cost is a few dollars each month.
Then, you can watch on many devices. Use your smart TV, phone, tablet, or computer. Log in with your ESPN+ account details.
Some smart TVs have the ESPN app built in. You can also use a streaming stick like Roku or Fire TV. Download the ESPN app and log in.
The FCC website talks about streaming rights. It explains why content is split across apps.
So, is ESPN+ on YouTube TV? No, but it’s on almost everything else. Your viewing happens in the ESPN app, not the YouTube TV app.
This means switching between apps to watch different games. It’s a small hassle, but you get used to it fast.
Bundling Options with Disney+ and Hulu
There is one way to save money. Disney offers a special bundle deal.
You can get ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu together. They call it the Disney Bundle. It costs less than buying all three alone.
This is a great deal for families. You get cartoons, movies, and sports in one package. But it still does not link to your YouTube TV account.
You watch ESPN+ in the ESPN app. You watch Disney+ in its app. They are separate, even though you pay on one bill.
Think of it like a meal deal. You get a burger, fries, and a drink for one price. But you still eat them one at a time.
So, is ESPN+ on YouTube TV through this bundle? No, the bundle is separate. It doesn’t change how you access the ESPN+ content.
It just makes the monthly cost easier to handle. You get more value for your sports streaming dollar.
What Sports Can You Watch on ESPN+?
ESPN+ has a lot of great games. It’s not just leftover content.
You get exclusive UFC Fight Night events. Many big MMA fights are only on ESPN+. You can’t see them on regular TV.
College sports are a huge draw. They show thousands of games from smaller schools. You see football, basketball, and more.
International sports like cricket and rugby are on there too. It’s a global sports network in your pocket.
According to Nielsen, sports streaming is growing fast. More people watch games on apps now.
So, is ESPN+ on YouTube TV? No, but the content is worth having. You miss these games if you only have the basic ESPN channel.
Check the ESPN+ schedule before you buy. Make sure it has the teams and leagues you love.
Using Multiple Apps on One Device
You might use a streaming device like Roku. Here’s how to manage both services.
First, add the YouTube TV app. Sign in with your account. This is for your live TV channels.
Then, add the ESPN app from the channel store. Log in with your ESPN+ account details. This is for the extra sports.
You will switch between them based on the game. Live NFL on CBS? Use YouTube TV. A UFC prelim fight? Use the ESPN app.
It sounds messy, but it becomes simple. You get used to where your games live.
Some newer devices let you make a favorites list. You can put both apps side by side for easy access.
So, is ESPN+ on YouTube TV? No, it’s in the app next to it. Your remote will get a good workout on game day.
I keep both apps on my home screen. One click gets me to the right game.
Cost Comparison: YouTube TV vs. ESPN+
Let’s talk about money. This is where the separation hits your wallet.
YouTube TV costs a set amount each month. The price has gone up over the years. You pay for a big bundle of channels.
ESPN+ costs a few dollars a month on its own. The Disney Bundle costs a bit more but gives you more apps.
If you want both, you pay two separate bills. There is no combined discount from Google or Disney.
The FTC Consumer site says to check your subscriptions. Make sure you know what you’re paying for.
So, is ESPN+ on YouTube TV for a cheaper price? No, you pay full price for each service. They don’t offer a package deal together.
Add up both monthly costs before you sign up. Make sure the total fits your budget for sports streaming.
Common Mistakes and Confusions
I see people make the same errors. Let’s clear them up right now.
Mistake one: thinking ESPN and ESPN+ are the same. They are not. The main ESPN channel shows big games. ESPN+ shows different, exclusive games.
Mistake two: looking for ESPN+ in the YouTube TV guide. You will search forever. It’s not listed as a channel you can add.
Mistake three: trying to use your YouTube TV login for the ESPN app. It might work for the main ESPN channel stream, but not for ESPN+ content.
You need a separate ESPN+ subscription. Your YouTube TV credentials don’t unlock that door.
So, is ESPN+ on YouTube TV? No, and your YouTube TV password won’t get you in. You must buy the key (ESPN+) from the right store.
Read the fine print on each service’s website. It tells you exactly what you get for your money.
Future Possibilities and Rumors
Will this ever change? Maybe, but don’t hold your breath.
Streaming deals change all the time. Companies make new partnerships. A bundle could happen someday.
Right now, Disney and Google have not made that deal. They seem happy with their separate paths.
Some rumors say YouTube TV might add a sports extra pack. It could include ESPN+ content. But these are just rumors for now.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks entertainment spending. People pay for more streaming services than ever.
So, is ESPN+ on YouTube TV today? No. Could it be there tomorrow? Possibly, but I wouldn’t bet on it soon.
For now, plan on using two apps. That’s the only sure way to watch everything.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Both
Here is my simple plan. Follow these steps to watch all the sports.
Step one: sign up for YouTube TV. Pick the base plan. This gets you your local channels and main ESPN.
Step two: go to the ESPN website on your computer. Click on the ESPN+ sign-up page. Buy the monthly plan or the Disney Bundle.
Step three: download the ESPN app on your streaming device. Log in with your new ESPN+ account email and password.
Step four: download the YouTube TV app on the same device. Log in with your YouTube TV details.
Step five: organize your home screen. Put both apps where you can find them fast.
So, is ESPN+ on YouTube TV in this setup? No, but they live together on your device. You have all the sports in two places.
Test both apps before a big game day. Make sure your logins work and the streams are smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ESPN+ on YouTube TV as a channel?
No, ESPN+ is not a channel on YouTube TV. You cannot find it in the channel guide or add it to your plan. It is a separate streaming service.
Can I watch ESPN+ with my YouTube TV login?
No, you cannot. Your YouTube TV account does not give you access to ESPN+ content. You need a paid ESPN+ subscription to watch those games.
Is ESPN+ on YouTube TV through the Disney Bundle?
No, the Disney Bundle is separate. It includes ESPN+, but you still watch it in the ESPN app. It does not integrate with your YouTube TV interface.
What’s the cheapest way to get ESPN+ and live TV?
Get YouTube TV for live channels and the standalone ESPN+ monthly plan. The Disney Bundle with Hulu and Disney+ might save money if you want those too.
Can I add ESPN to YouTube TV?
Yes, the main ESPN channel is included in the base YouTube TV plan. You get ESPN, ESPN2, and other ESPN networks. But this is not the same as ESPN+.
Is ESPN+ on YouTube TV for any price?
No, there is no price tier or add-on that puts ESPN+ on YouTube TV. The services are completely separate with no bundling option.
Conclusion
So, is ESPN+ on YouTube TV? The answer is a clear and simple no.
They are two different services from two different companies. You pay for them separately and watch them in different apps.
This might feel annoying at first. But you get used to switching apps for different games. The sports content on ESPN+ is worth the extra step.
Check what games are on ESPN+ before you buy. Make sure it has the sports you love to watch. Then sign up and enjoy the games.
I use both every week. It’s the best way to catch all the action without cable.