If you are a big fan of games, you have likely heard a new name popping up lately: ESPN Select. You might be asking yourself, “What is ESPN Select, and did I miss a memo?” Don’t worry, you aren’t alone! In late 2025, ESPN decided to give its famous streaming service, ESPN+, a fresh new look. They rebranded it as ESPN Select to help people choose the right plan for their needs.
Think of it as the “standard” version of the ESPN streaming world. It is built for people who love niche sports, college games, and great storytelling. Whether you want to watch a soccer match from Germany or a classic documentary about your favorite athlete, this is the place to be. It is affordable, easy to use, and packed with thousands of events every single year.
In this guide, we will break down exactly what you get with a subscription. We will look at the cost, the games, and how it fits into your daily life. By the end, you will know if this is the right “teammate” for your home entertainment setup.
The biggest thing to know is that ESPN Select is essentially the new name for ESPN+. If you already had an ESPN+ account, you were likely moved over to this new plan automatically. Disney and ESPN made this change to clear up confusion between their different streaming tiers. They wanted a simple name that showed this plan offers a “selection” of great content.
Even though the name changed, the spirit of the service stayed the same. It is still the home for sports that don’t always make it onto the big cable channels. It provides a platform for sports like UFC, NHL, and LaLiga. For many fans, this rebrand was just a “paint job” on a house they already loved
How Much Does It Cost in 2026?
Price is always a big question when picking a streaming service. Currently, ESPN Select costs $12.99 per month. If you know you’re going to watch sports all year long, you can save some money by paying for the annual plan at $129.99 per year. This yearly option usually saves you about 20% compared to paying month-to-month.
Compared to a full cable package, this is very cheap. However, it is important to remember that this plan does not include everything. It is a specific “select” group of content. If you want the full power of every ESPN channel, there is a higher tier called Unlimited, but it costs more than double. For most casual fans, the Select price point is the “sweet spot” for their wallet.
ESPN Select vs. ESPN Unlimited: What’s the Difference?
When you go to sign up, you will see two main choices. It is vital to understand the difference so you don’t buy the wrong one. ESPN Select is the entry-level plan. It focuses on digital-exclusive content and out-of-market games. It does not include the live linear channels like the main ESPN, ESPN2, or ESPNEWS.
On the other hand, ESPN Unlimited is the “big brother” plan. It includes everything in Select, plus live access to all the cable channels. If you want to watch Monday Night Football or SportsCenter live, you usually need the Unlimited plan. Think of Select as a massive library of extra content, while Unlimited is the library plus the live TV station.
What Live Sports Can You Watch?
The variety of live sports on this platform is truly impressive. Even though it’s the “standard” plan, it covers over 32,000 live events a year. If you love college sports, you are in luck. It has thousands of NCAA games across football, basketball, and baseball. Many of these are games from smaller conferences that you won’t find anywhere else.
- NHL Power Play: Watch over 1,000 out-of-market hockey games.
- Soccer: Home to LaLiga, Bundesliga, and the FA Cup.
- Golf: Exclusive coverage of the PGA Tour and featured holes.
- Combat Sports: A huge hub for UFC Fight Nights and undercards.
- Tennis: Comprehensive coverage of the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
Exclusive Shows and the 30 for 30 Library
One of the best reasons to ask “what is ESPN Select” is for the movies and shows. This plan gives you full access to the 30 for 30 documentary library. These are high-quality films that tell the deepest stories in sports history. They are perfect for those nights when there isn’t a live game you want to watch.
You also get original studio shows that you can’t see on cable. Shows like NFL PrimeTime with Chris Berman and Peyton’s Places are fan favorites. These shows provide deep analysis and fun interviews. Because they are on-demand, you can watch them whenever you have free time, making the service very flexible for busy people.
Which Devices Support the App?
You can watch your favorite teams almost anywhere. The ESPN app works on smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. If you have a Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, or Apple TV, you just download the app and sign in. It also works on gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
One cool feature for 2026 is the “Multiview” option on some devices. This allows you to watch up to four games at the same time on one screen. It is perfect for a busy Saturday of college football! Just make sure your internet connection is strong enough to handle multiple streams at once.
Is ESPN Select Worth It for You?
The answer depends on what you like to watch. If you are a fan of a specific college team or an out-of-market NHL team, it is a “must-have.” It is also great for soccer and UFC fans who want to see every match. For about the price of a fancy coffee each month, you get a massive amount of sports.
However, if you only care about the biggest NFL games or NBA playoffs, you might find it lacking. Since it doesn’t have the main cable channels, those “big” games are often missing. In that case, you might look at the Unlimited plan or a cable alternative. But for most “super fans,” the value of the extra content is hard to beat.
How to Sign Up and Get Started
Starting your subscription is very easy. You can go to the official ESPN website or sign up directly through the app on your phone. You will need to create a “MyDisney” account, which works across all Disney services. Once you pick your plan and enter your payment info, you are ready to stream.
There is no long-term contract, so you can cancel whenever you want. This makes it a great choice for “seasonal” fans. For example, you could subscribe just for the duration of the NHL season and then cancel during the summer. This flexibility is one of the best things about modern streaming.
Conclusion
So, what is ESPN Select? It is your affordable ticket to a world of sports that goes far beyond the daily highlights. It is a rebranded, improved version of ESPN+ that brings you closer to the athletes and teams you love. From the hard-hitting action of the UFC to the emotional stories of 30 for 30, there is something for everyone.
If you are tired of missing out on your favorite niche sports, give it a try. It’s simple to set up, works on all your devices, and offers a ton of value for the price. Don’t let the next big game pass you by without a front-row seat!
FAQs
1. Does ESPN Select include Monday Night Football?
No, usually it does not. Monday Night Football airs on the main ESPN cable channel. To watch that, you would need the ESPN Unlimited plan or a cable provider login.
2. Can I watch the UFC on this plan?
Yes! You get all the UFC Fight Night events and early prelims. However, major Pay-Per-View (PPV) events still require an extra purchase even if you have a subscription.
3. Is there a free trial for ESPN Select?
Currently, ESPN does not offer a standard free trial. However, they often have deals when you bundle it with Disney+ and Hulu, or special promotions during major sports seasons.
4. Can I share my account with my family?
Yes, you can stream on up to three devices at the same time. This is great if you want to watch a game in the living room while someone else watches a documentary in the bedroom.
5. What happened to my ESPN+ account?
It automatically became an ESPN Select account. Your login, billing info, and watch history should all remain exactly the same. Only the name on the screen has changed!
6. Does it have 4K streaming?
While most content is in 1080p HD, ESPN has started offering select events in 4K for devices that support it. Most daily games, however, remain in high-quality HD.what is espn select