Calling all sports fans! If you’re looking to tune into the likes of MLB, NHL, NBA and MLS games, as well as college sports, PGA golf, Top Rank Boxing, Grand Slam Tennis matches and sports films/documentaries, you may struggle to find a channel that has all of this in the UK – or at least a way of watching them outside of the US time zone.
However, there is a way to access this content in the UK. ESPN+ is the official streaming service for ESPN, but unfortunately it’s only available in the US. However, if you have the right software on your PC, you’ll be able to bypass the blockers and catch up on your favourite sport in no time.
This is the same method that you can use to access all kinds of other American streaming services, including Netflix US, The CW, HBO and The Criterion Channel. However, we preface with a warning: this is against ESPN’s terms of service, so proceed at your own risk.
How to watch ESPN+ in the UK
You can find all the sports shows available on the ESPN+ website, but you will have to sign up for a subscription – more on this later. However, if you try to get on the site from your normal UK browser, you’ll find that the content is blocked. So before you do, you’ll have to get a VPN.
Using a VPN reroutes your IP address, which allows you to browse the web as if you’re in another country. Once you connect to a US server, you should be able to sign up for an account on ESPN+.
Our recommended VPN of choice is NordVPN, as it offers over 3000 servers and has some of the most affordable pricing. ExpressVPN is our second choice, but it isn’t as cheap as NordVPN. If you’d like to see what else is out there, then check out our rankings of the different VPNs.
If you don’t want to pay for this service, then we do have a list of free VPNs available. However, the free versions come with limited server options, data caps and slower speeds which will make your user experience a lot less friendly. Paid VPNs also come with the additional bonus of not storing your data, so it will be a lot more secure to use.
How much does ESPN+ cost?
ESPN+ is a premium service, so if you want to access it you’ll have to fork out for a subscription fee. If you’d like to go for this service by itself, then you can choose from one of two options. Either $5.99 per month, or alternatively $59.99 per year, depending on how much of a commitment you want to make.
It’s worth mentioning that Disney has a streaming service bundle that comprises of Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. This bundle costs $13.99 per month – so you essentially get one of these services for free.
Disney+ gives you access to shows like The Mandalorian, a live action Star Wars series, all the new Marvel series like The Falcon and The Winter Soldier and a whole host of Disney classics. Meanwhile Hulu will grant you access to shows like The Handmaid’s Tale and Castle Rock, so you’ll be getting a lot for your dollar. If you’d like to watch Hulu just by itself, see how you can watch Hulu in the UK.
What sports does ESPN+ include?
ESPN has a major focus on American sports that you can’t get over here in the UK, so things like MLB, MLS, NHL, UFC and college football and basketball games. You’ll also be able to access major tennis events other than Wimbledon, such as the US open and Australian Open. There’s also boxing, rugby, football, golf and many more sports to choose from.
You’ll also be able to access other content besides games – including shows such as 30 for 30, E:60, Draft Academy, O.J.: Made in America, and Kobe: Detail, as well as talk shows and comedy about sports.