Soccer fans today have more ways to watch their favorite teams than ever before. One of the biggest game-changers has been ESPN+, a streaming service that gives fans access to live matches, exclusive content, and in-depth analysis.
Since launching in 2018, ESPN+ has become a must-have for soccer lovers in the United States. Whether you follow La Liga, Bundesliga, FA Cup, or MLS, ESPN+ delivers top-tier soccer straight to your screen. Let’s explore how ESPN+ has transformed soccer broadcasting and why it’s a go-to platform for fans.
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The Rise of ESPN+
A New Era for Sports Streaming
Before ESPN+, soccer fans relied on traditional cable TV for major leagues and tournaments. Channels like ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC had rights to different leagues, making it hard to find all the matches you wanted.
ESPN+ launched in April 2018, offering a low-cost, subscription-based streaming service. It quickly became a go-to platform for soccer, bringing multiple leagues under one service without the need for cable.
Expanding Soccer Coverage
ESPN+ wasn’t just another streaming service. It secured exclusive rights to leagues that were previously hard to watch in the U.S. The platform gave soccer fans access to:
- La Liga (Spain)
- Bundesliga (Germany)
- FA Cup & Carabao Cup (England)
- Serie A (previously, before moving to CBS Sports)
- MLS (before Apple TV took exclusive rights in 2023)
This move centralized soccer coverage, making it easier for fans to follow their favorite teams.
Leagues and Tournaments on ESPN+
One of ESPN+’s biggest strengths is its diverse selection of soccer leagues and tournaments.
La Liga: The Spanish Giants
Since 2021, ESPN+ has been the exclusive home of La Liga in the U.S.. This means fans can watch Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid every week.
The Spanish league is one of the most-watched in the world, and having all matches available without cable has been a huge win for fans.
Bundesliga: Germany’s Top Flight
The Bundesliga is one of the most exciting leagues in Europe, known for high-scoring matches and young talents. ESPN+ became the exclusive broadcaster of the Bundesliga in the U.S. starting in 2020.
With clubs like Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig, Bundesliga games attract millions of viewers. The fast-paced, attacking style of play makes it a fan favorite.
English FA Cup & Carabao Cup
For fans of English soccer, ESPN+ provides exclusive access to the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. These knockout tournaments often feature underdog stories and intense battles between Premier League and lower-division teams.
Watching teams like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal face off against smaller clubs makes these tournaments exciting.
Eredivisie & Belgian Pro League
While leagues like the Premier League and Serie A have separate broadcasters, ESPN+ offers access to Eredivisie (Netherlands) and the Belgian Pro League. These leagues are home to young stars who often move to top European clubs.
For fans who love scouting the next big talent, these leagues are worth watching.
Copa del Rey & Other International Tournaments
Beyond league play, ESPN+ also covers Spain’s Copa del Rey, where smaller clubs challenge giants like Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Additionally, the service streams international friendlies, CONCACAF competitions, and even lower-division leagues.
How ESPN+ Changed Soccer Viewing
Affordable Access to Top Leagues
One of ESPN+’s biggest strengths is its affordable pricing. At around $10 per month, it offers a cheaper alternative to traditional cable, which often costs over $50 per month for sports channels.
No More Blackouts or Cable Packages
Before streaming services, soccer fans had to pay for multiple TV subscriptions just to watch different leagues. ESPN+ eliminates this hassle by offering multiple leagues under one service.
Fans can watch matches on-demand, live, or as replays, making it more flexible than cable.
Multi-Device Streaming
ESPN+ allows fans to watch soccer on any device—TVs, laptops, tablets, or smartphones. This means you can catch games on the go, whether you’re commuting or taking a break at work.
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Exclusive Soccer Content on ESPN+
ESPN FC Show & Analysis
Apart from live matches, ESPN+ provides in-depth soccer analysis through shows like ESPN FC. This daily show covers:**
- Match previews and reviews
- Transfer news and rumors
- Tactical breakdowns
- Player interviews
This level of coverage helps fans stay updated on global soccer news.
Original Documentaries & Specials
ESPN+ also features exclusive documentaries about soccer legends, teams, and tournaments. Fans can watch series like:
- "Inside La Liga" – A behind-the-scenes look at Spanish soccer.
- "Bundesliga Weekly" – A recap of Germany’s top matches.
- "30 for 30 Soccer Documentaries" – Stories about legendary players and teams.
These programs provide deeper insight into the world of soccer beyond just live matches.
ESPN+ vs. Other Streaming Services
While ESPN+ is a top choice for soccer, it competes with other platforms like:
- Peacock (Premier League rights)
- Paramount+ (Champions League & Serie A)
- Apple TV (Exclusive MLS rights)
- DAZN & FuboTV (Various international leagues)
Each service has its strengths, but ESPN+ stands out for its variety of leagues, affordability, and additional content.
Challenges and Limitations
No Premier League or Champions League
One downside of ESPN+ is that it doesn’t have the Premier League or UEFA Champions League. Fans need other subscriptions to watch these top competitions.
Geographic Restrictions
ESPN+ is only available in the United States, meaning international fans can’t access its content. This limits its global reach.
Streaming Lag & Internet Dependence
Since ESPN+ is a streaming service, it relies on strong internet connections. Some fans experience lag, buffering, or quality drops, especially during big matches.
Despite these challenges, ESPN+ remains one of the best options for soccer fans in the U.S..
Final Thoughts: Is ESPN+ Worth It?
For soccer fans in the U.S., ESPN+ is a game-changer. It offers affordable access to leagues like La Liga, Bundesliga, FA Cup, and more, making it a must-have for dedicated followers of the sport.
While it doesn’t cover every competition, its live matches, exclusive analysis, and original content make it a valuable platform.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to follow soccer, ESPN+ is one of the best streaming services available. Whether you love Spanish flair, German intensity, or English cup drama, ESPN+ has something for every soccer fan.
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