ESPN Plus is a popular streaming service for sports fans, but can you actually watch live football games on it? The answer isn’t as simple as a yes or no. While ESPN Plus offers a wealth of sports content, including live games from various leagues, its coverage of live football games can be a bit tricky to navigate. Let’s break down exactly what you can and can’t watch when it comes to live football on ESPN Plus.
Understanding ESPN Plus and Its Football Offerings
ESPN Plus is a subscription-based streaming service that complements, rather than replaces, your existing ESPN cable subscription. This means that while it offers a wide range of sports content, including live games, it doesn’t provide access to all the live football games you might be used to watching on traditional ESPN channels.
Think of it as an add-on that grants you access to a bonus library of sports programming, including some live football games that wouldn’t be available on regular ESPN.
What Live Football Games Can You Watch on ESPN Plus?
ESPN Plus does offer live streaming for specific football leagues and competitions. These include:
- NCAA Football: Catch a selection of live college football games, featuring teams from conferences like the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and Sun Belt Conference.
- International Leagues: ESPN Plus features live games from leagues like the German Bundesliga, the Dutch Eredivisie, and the English Football League Championship (the second tier of English professional football).
Keep in mind that the specific games available on ESPN Plus can vary from week to week based on scheduling and broadcasting rights.
What About NFL and Top-Tier College Football?
Here’s where things get a little more complicated. ESPN Plus does not offer live streaming of regular season NFL games or high-profile college football matchups. These games are typically broadcast on major networks like ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, and Fox.
However, ESPN Plus might show replays of some of these games after they air live on the main ESPN networks.
How to Find Out Which Football Games are on ESPN Plus
The best way to stay updated on which football games are available live on ESPN Plus is to:
- Check the ESPN Plus Schedule: The ESPN app and website regularly update their schedule, clearly indicating which live football games are included with your ESPN Plus subscription.
- Use the Search Function: Search for specific teams or leagues within the ESPN app to see if their upcoming games are available for streaming.
Beyond Live Games: Other Football Content on ESPN Plus
Even if you can’t find the exact live football game you’re looking for on ESPN Plus, the platform offers a variety of other football-related content:
- Original Shows and Documentaries: Dive deep into the world of football with acclaimed ESPN Plus originals like “Peyton’s Places” and “30 for 30” documentaries that feature football-related stories.
- Studio Shows and Analysis: Get your fill of pre-game analysis, post-game breakdowns, and expert commentary from shows like “College GameDay” and “NFL Live.”
- Archived Games and Highlights: Relive classic games or catch up on missed matches with a library of archived content and game highlights.
Conclusion: Is ESPN Plus Worth It for Football Fans?
While ESPN Plus might not be your one-stop shop for all live football games, it can be a valuable addition for fans who:
- Follow NCAA football and want access to more live games, particularly from specific conferences.
- Enjoy watching international football leagues like the Bundesliga and Eredivisie.
- Appreciate the depth of ESPN’s football-related programming, including documentaries, studio shows, and archived content.
Ultimately, the decision of whether ESPN Plus is “worth it” depends on your individual viewing preferences and how much you value access to live football games beyond the major networks.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive streaming option that includes NFL, top-tier college football, and other major sports, you might want to explore services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or fuboTV, which offer a wider range of live sports channels.
Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to streaming! By understanding exactly what ESPN Plus offers in terms of live football, you can make an informed decision about whether it aligns with your viewing habits and budget.