In today’s ever-expanding streaming landscape, viewers are constantly asking, does Paramount Plus have ESPN? With cable-cutting on the rise, streaming services are now expected to provide everything from blockbuster films to live sports coverage. Paramount Plus, known for its extensive library of CBS shows, original content, and live TV, has attracted a growing subscriber base. But where does it stand when it comes to sports streaming—specifically ESPN?
As one of the most recognizable names in sports media, ESPN remains a go-to source for everything from NFL and NBA games to college sports and exclusive documentaries. However, access to ESPN depends on the platform’s licensing agreements, content bundles, and partnerships. Paramount Plus offers impressive sports coverage, including NFL games, the UEFA Champions League, and college basketball—but does that mean ESPN is part of the package?
This article dives into whether Paramount Plus carries ESPN, compares its sports offerings, and explores alternatives for sports fans seeking all-in-one coverage. We’ll also break down ESPN’s availability across major platforms and explain how you can still catch your favorite ESPN content without cable.
Does Paramount Plus have ESPN?
No, Paramount Plus does not include ESPN in its streaming lineup. ESPN is owned by Disney and is available through services like ESPN+, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV. Paramount Plus offers live sports through CBS but not ESPN-specific content.
Does Paramount Plus Have ESPN? A Look Into Its Sports Coverage
When asking does Paramount Plus have ESPN, it helps to first look at what Paramount Plus actually provides for sports fans. Paramount Plus is a streaming service owned by Paramount Global, and it evolved from CBS All Access. It includes a rich catalog of CBS programming—ranging from popular TV series and movies to live news and sporting events. Sports coverage on the platform includes notable events such as NFL games aired on CBS, NCAA men’s basketball, PGA Tour golf, and UEFA Champions League soccer matches.
However, ESPN is owned by the Walt Disney Company and has no affiliation with Paramount Plus. Because of this corporate separation, ESPN content is not available on Paramount Plus, nor can it be added as a channel or accessed through any partnership or bundle. This means you won’t find ESPN shows, Monday Night Football, NBA games, or other exclusive ESPN sports content on Paramount Plus.
While this may be disappointing for fans looking for all-in-one sports coverage, Paramount Plus still has value. It caters well to viewers who enjoy CBS-broadcast sports, especially soccer and college games. If ESPN is a must-have, though, pairing Paramount Plus with a separate ESPN-friendly service will be necessary.
ESPN vs. Paramount Plus Sports: What’s the Difference?
Content Ownership and Rights
One of the primary distinctions between ESPN and Paramount Plus is their corporate ownership. ESPN is owned by the Walt Disney Company, which also controls Hulu and Disney+. In contrast, Paramount Plus is operated by Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS. Because of this, each platform offers sports content tied to its own set of licensing rights and media partnerships.
Type of Sports Coverage
ESPN delivers a wide array of high-profile sports programming. It covers NFL games like Monday Night Football, NBA matchups, Major League Baseball, college football, and exclusive talk shows and analysis. Paramount Plus, on the other hand, emphasizes CBS broadcast content. This includes UEFA Champions League soccer, NFL games shown on CBS, the PGA Tour, and NCAA men’s basketball tournaments.
Platform Features
When it comes to features, ESPN+ is designed with sports lovers in mind. It offers live events, sports documentaries, studio shows, and access to pay-per-view content. Paramount Plus is more of an all-in-one streaming platform. While it includes live sports, it also provides access to CBS primetime shows, original series, movies, and news programming.
Pricing and Subscription Options
ESPN+ offers a low-cost entry point for those focused solely on sports. Paramount Plus provides both ad-supported and premium subscription tiers. The premium plan includes more live content and fewer ads, making it suitable for viewers seeking a broader entertainment experience.
Bundle Availability
Bundling options reflect the broader ecosystem each platform belongs to. ESPN+ is part of the Disney Bundle, which includes Hulu and Disney+. Paramount Plus can be bundled with Showtime but has no connection to Disney or ESPN, keeping its offerings distinct.
Reasons ESPN Is Not on Paramount Plus
If you’ve been asking does Paramount Plus have ESPN, the short answer is no—and there are several important reasons why. Below are the main factors that explain why ESPN content is not available on Paramount Plus:
- Different Parent Companies: ESPN is owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company, whereas Paramount Plus is under the umbrella of Paramount Global. Because these platforms belong to two competing media giants, collaboration on content sharing is highly unlikely.
- No Cross-Bundling Agreements: Unlike other streaming platforms that offer bundled packages, Paramount Plus does not have any partnership with ESPN or Disney to include ESPN as an add-on or premium upgrade. This means users can’t access ESPN through any Paramount Plus subscription plan.
- Focus on CBS Sports Content: Paramount Plus is built around the content portfolio of CBS and Viacom, which includes exclusive coverage of events like the UEFA Champions League, select NFL games, and PGA Tour events. The platform’s strategy is centered on enhancing and expanding its own sports broadcasting rights rather than acquiring outside content.
- Licensing Restrictions: Legal agreements and content licenses restrict Paramount Plus from distributing content that belongs to competitors like Disney. ESPN’s rights are tightly controlled, and sharing them would go against existing media contracts.
- Brand Identity: Paramount Plus positions itself as a CBS-backed streaming service with a strong emphasis on original series, news, and CBS Sports. It is not intended to serve as a comprehensive sports network like ESPN, which is why it does not seek to include it.
Where to Watch ESPN if Not on Paramount Plus
If you’re wondering does Paramount Plus have ESPN, and realize it doesn’t, you may need to look elsewhere for ESPN access. Thankfully, multiple streaming services offer ESPN directly or via bundles. The most direct route is subscribing to ESPN+ for exclusive content and live games.
Hulu + Live TV is another excellent choice. It offers ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN News, and also includes access to Hulu’s original library and Disney+ as part of its package. Sling TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV also include ESPN channels in their basic or sports packages.
Another option is the Disney Bundle, which includes ESPN+, Hulu (ad-supported), and Disney+ for one discounted price. While this doesn’t replace live TV entirely, it’s ideal for cord-cutters looking for wide entertainment and sports coverage.
Although Paramount Plus cannot offer ESPN content, pairing it with a service that does can provide comprehensive sports viewing without going back to cable.
Does Paramount Plus Have ESPN? Alternatives and Streaming Strategies
If you’re a sports enthusiast wondering does Paramount Plus have ESPN, the answer is no. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. With the right streaming strategies, you can still enjoy both CBS and ESPN sports content. Here’s how:
- Combine Streaming Services: To enjoy comprehensive sports coverage, consider pairing Paramount Plus with another platform like Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV. These services include ESPN and other sports channels, giving you the best of both worlds—CBS-exclusive content through Paramount Plus and ESPN coverage via a secondary provider.
- Choose Based on Sports Preference: Each platform excels in different sports. If you enjoy soccer, golf, or NFL games broadcast on CBS, Paramount Plus is a great choice. However, for fans of NBA games, Monday Night Football, and ESPN’s signature documentaries and commentary shows, ESPN-supported platforms like ESPN+, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV are more suitable.
- Compare Pricing and Features: Before subscribing, weigh the pricing models and benefits of each service. Single-service platforms might be cheaper, but bundles often offer more value by including ESPN, Disney+, and Hulu in one plan.
- Use Free Trials and Promos: Many streaming platforms offer free trials or discounted promotional periods. Take advantage of these to test which combination of services works best for your viewing habits and sports needs.
- Consider Regional Sports Needs: Local sports access might vary depending on your region. Check whether your favorite regional sports networks (RSNs) are included in the platform you choose, as this could influence your overall experience even more than ESPN availability.
Conclusion
To sum up, does Paramount Plus have ESPN? No, it does not. Although Paramount Plus offers strong sports content through CBS Sports, it doesn’t include ESPN or its affiliated networks. This is largely due to corporate ownership—Paramount Plus is owned by Paramount Global, while ESPN is a Disney property. As a result, there’s no shared licensing or bundling agreement between the two platforms. However, sports fans don’t have to miss out. By combining Paramount Plus with a service that includes ESPN—such as Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV—viewers can access a wide range of sports without reverting to cable. With flexible subscription options, it’s easy to build a tailored streaming setup that covers all your sports needs.
FAQ’s
Q. Does Paramount Plus include ESPN channels?
A. No, Paramount Plus does not include ESPN channels or any ESPN-branded content, as the two services are owned by different companies.
Q. Can I add ESPN to my Paramount Plus subscription?
A. No, there is currently no option to add ESPN as an add-on or bundle within Paramount Plus, due to corporate and licensing restrictions.
Q. What sports can I watch on Paramount Plus?
A. Paramount Plus streams NFL games broadcast on CBS, NCAA men’s basketball, PGA Tour golf events, and UEFA Champions League soccer matches.
Q. What’s the best way to watch ESPN without cable?
A. You can access ESPN through ESPN+ or via live TV streaming platforms like Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV, all of which offer ESPN channels.
Q. Why doesn’t Paramount Plus have ESPN?
A. Because ESPN is owned by Disney, and Paramount Plus is owned by Paramount Global, they operate independently and do not share or license content.
Q. Can I stream ESPN for free anywhere?
A. No, Streaming ESPN legally requires a paid subscription, either directly through ESPN+ or through a TV provider or streaming platform that includes ESPN.
