ESPN+ is a treasure trove of sports content. With over 30,000 live events streaming annually, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of entertainment. After all, beyond live sports, ESPN+ comes packed with game replays, acclaimed documentaries, and original series.
You could easily stay in your sports lane of choice. But what’s the fun in that? Our guide is here to outline what to watch on ESPN+ so you get the most out of your subscription.
Best live sports on ESPN+
UFC on ESPN+ | MMA
ESPN+ provides unparalleled access to the world’s largest MMA promotion, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Subscribers of the ESPN+ base plan can enjoy a front-row seat to the octagon action with UFC Fight Night matches and behind-the-scenes content. But a word of caution: The numbered events cost extra due to UFC’s pay-per-view (PPV) model. In other words, you must fork up more dough to watch the most popular fighters duke it out.
College sports | Football, basketball, and more
ESPN+ really soars with college sports. Over 25 college conferences contribute to the thousands of live events featured on ESPN+. We’re talking ACC, Big 12, Ivy League, and SEC action. And, while there’s an emphasis on NCAA football and basketball, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. ESPN+ hosts college baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, gymnastics, lacrosse, and more. Who said college life was all about textbooks and lectures?
NHL on ESPN+ | Hockey
Since the 2021–2022 NHL season, ESPN+ has become the go-to streaming platform for out-of-market NHL games. A whopping 1,050+ live out-of-market matches stream under the NHL Power Play on ESPN+ banner for no extra cost. Subscribers also get exclusive NHL content alongside on-demand replays of all NHL regular season and playoff games. Basically, ESPN+ is a must-have service for hockey fans.
PGA Tour Live | Golf
Like the NHL, the PGA Tour has a dedicated space on ESPN+. The PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ hub covers over 35 tournaments annually with multiple video feeds. Sure, you can watch those competitions across CBS, ESPN, NBC, and Golf Channel. But ESPN+ offers expanded coverage with alternate commentary, allowing you to follow featured groups and featured holes during most tournaments. That type of coverage comes in handy, especially during The Masters Tournament and PGA Championship.
La Liga | Soccer
La Liga is home to some of Europe’s most popular soccer clubs. (Barcelona and Real Madrid, anyone?) The good news for Spanish fútbol fans is that you can stream all 380 La Liga games each season on ESPN+. Better yet, every game comes with English- and Spanish-language commentary. And trust us, the Spanish-language commentators bring an extra dose of passion.
More recommended sports on ESPN+
- Australian Open
- Bundesliga
- Emirates FA Cup
- Formula One
- Major League Baseball (MLB)
- National Football League (NFL)
- National Lacrosse League (NLL)
- NBA G League
- Premier Lacrosse League (PLL)
- Professional Fighters League (PFL)
- Top Rank Boxing
- United Football League (UFL)
- U.S. Open Tennis Championships
- Wimbledon Championships
Best ESPN+ series and movies
30 for 30 | Documentary
When considering what to watch on ESPN+, you should immediately flock to 30 for 30. Since 2009, ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary film series has been a slam dunk for sports fans. With stories brought to life by acclaimed filmmakers, each documentary dives deep into the riveting world of athletics—covering historic events and iconic individuals. You may have heard of 30 for 30 films like The Two Escobars and O.J.: Made in America. But there are well over 100 compelling films in the series, and they’re all available to stream on ESPN+.
The Ultimate Fighter | Reality
It’s funny to think that the fate of UFC was in the hands of a reality TV show. But that’s exactly how things played out in 2005 when The Ultimate Fighter premiered. To the delight of fight fans, the competition series was a big hit, and new seasons continue to this day—ushering in MMA’s next generation of stars.
The Last Dance | Documentary
Produced by ESPN Films and Netflix, The Last Dance became a cultural phenomenon upon its 2020 debut. The highly acclaimed miniseries examines Michael Jordan’s illustrious career, focusing on the pivotal 1997–1998 NBA season, which marked his final campaign with the Chicago Bulls. The 10-episode series features appearances by several sports and entertainment personalities. It provides a comprehensive and captivating look into the life of one of basketball’s greatest legends.
Peyton’s Places | Docuseries
Take a journey with Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning in Peyton’s Places. Across the country, Manning delves into the rich history and profound impact of football, speaking with players, coaches, and influential figures. The series stands out for its lighter tone, and its popularity has led to multiple seasons. It’s even spawned many spin-offs where other famous athletes explore their respective sports.
Detail | Analysis
Upon its 2018 launch, ESPN+ debuted the insightful game analysis series Detail, written and produced by Kobe Bryant. The series’ initial run showcased the Black Mamba breaking down games from the perspective of different players. Athletes like Lisa Leslie, Landon Donovan, and Andy Roddick have narrated other editions of the series. But revisiting Bryant’s episodes is a real treat for anyone who appreciates the intricacies of sports.
More recommended sports on ESPN+
Recommended studio shows on ESPN+
- DC & RC
- ESPN FC
- Fuera de Juego
- Fútbol Americas
- In the Crease: Plays of the Month
- Jorge Ramos Y Su Banda
- NFL PrimeTime on ESPN+
- The Pat McAfee Show
Recommended ESPN+ Originals
- America’s Caddie
- Dana White’s Contender Series
- The Captain
- Eli’s Places
- Inside the College Football Playoff
- Man in the Arena: Tom Brady
- More Than an Athlete
- NFL Turning Point
- Quest for the Stanley Cup
- Rowdy’s Places
- Sue’s Places
- Why Not Us
