Determining whether Dish Network includes ESPN+ in your television package requires looking beyond the satellite provider itself and focusing on the streaming service that delivers the content. While Dish offers a robust lineup of sports channels like ESPN and Fox Sports, the specific add-on for ESPN+ is a separate subscription managed directly through Disney. This distinction is important for customers to understand, as it defines how you access the streaming service and what you are paying for.
Understanding the Difference Between ESPN and ESPN+
The primary confusion for many consumers stems from the naming similarity between ESPN and ESPN+. It is essential to clarify that these are entirely different products with distinct content libraries. ESPN is a linear television network featuring live sports news, talk shows, and game broadcasts, which are standard channels on a Dish package. In contrast, ESPN+ is a standalone streaming service that focuses on niche sports, original documentaries, and supplemental content for major league events, available through the Dish streaming app.
How to Access ESPN+ with Dish
Dish customers do not receive ESPN+ for free with their standard television service; it must be added as an a la carte subscription. The good news is that adding this service is seamless for Dish subscribers, particularly those using the Hopper with Sling or the Dish Anywhere app. You can manage this add-on directly through your Dish account dashboard or by contacting customer support, allowing you to activate the service on up to five different devices simultaneously.
Pricing and Package Details
The cost for ESPN+ is a flat monthly fee that is consistent regardless of your television provider. This means that whether you are a Dish customer, an AT&T subscriber, or a Verizon user, the price for the streaming add-on remains the same. Dish does not currently offer a discounted bundle that reduces the price of ESPN+ when combined with a programming package, so you are paying the standard rate for this specific digital service.
Content Availability and Streaming Quality
Once activated, ESPN+ provides access to a wide array of sports that are not available on the main ESPN channel. This includes coverage of MMA fighting via the ESPN Deportes brand, extensive soccer leagues from around the world, and niche sports like lacrosse and rugby. The streaming quality supports high-definition video, and because the service is cloud-based, it does not consume the data limits of your home internet connection in the same way a standard stream might.
Managing Your Subscription
Dish makes it easy to manage digital add-ons like ESPN+ through your online account. You can pause, cancel, or modify the subscription at any time without affecting your other television services. This flexibility is beneficial for users who only need the service for a specific season of a sport or during major events like the Tour de France, ensuring you are not paying for content you do not actively use.
The Role of Sling TV
For customers who have cut the cord on traditional satellite service, Dish offers Sling TV as a streaming alternative. While Sling TV is a separate entity, Dish does provide promotional discounts for new subscribers. Importantly, Sling TV does not include ESPN+ by default, and users must add the ESPN+ bundle separately if they wish to access that specific content, mirroring the process for satellite television customers.
