Does Peacock Include ESPN Plus in Its Streaming Service?

AvatarByMargaret Shultz Exotic & Global Birds, Peacock

In the ever-evolving world of streaming services, sports fans are constantly seeking the best platforms to catch their favorite games, highlights, and exclusive content. With the rise of niche streaming options, understanding where to find specific sports networks can be a game-changer for viewers. One question that often comes up is whether Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, includes access to ESPN Plus, the popular sports subscription known for its extensive live events and original programming.

Navigating the landscape of streaming services can be confusing, especially when it comes to bundled offerings and exclusive content. ESPN Plus has carved out a significant space in sports streaming, providing fans with unique access to leagues and events not always available on traditional cable or other streaming platforms. Meanwhile, Peacock has been growing its own sports portfolio, making it essential for viewers to know how these services relate to each other.

Understanding whether Peacock includes ESPN Plus is crucial for anyone looking to streamline their subscriptions or maximize their sports viewing experience. This overview will set the stage for exploring how these platforms operate independently and whether they offer any crossover, helping you make informed decisions about where to watch your favorite sports content.

Availability of ESPN+ on Peacock

Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, does not include ESPN+ as part of its content offerings. ESPN+ is a separate subscription-based streaming service operated by ESPN, which is owned by The Walt Disney Company. Because these two platforms are owned by different media conglomerates, their content libraries and services remain distinct and are not bundled together on either platform.

Subscribers to Peacock will find a variety of sports content, including NBC Sports programming, but this does not extend to ESPN+ exclusive content. Conversely, ESPN+ provides access to a unique set of sports events, original programming, and documentaries that are not available on Peacock.

Differences Between Peacock and ESPN+ Sports Content

Peacock and ESPN+ serve different niches within the sports streaming market. Here are some key differences:

  • Peacock:
  • Offers live sports events primarily from NBC Sports, including NFL games, Premier League soccer, and the Olympics.
  • Provides replays, highlights, and some sports news programming.
  • Includes a mix of free ad-supported and premium subscription tiers.
  • ESPN+:
  • Features live coverage of various sports leagues such as MLS, UFC, college sports, and exclusive boxing matches.
  • Houses original sports documentaries, analysis shows, and exclusive studio content.
  • Requires a paid subscription with no free tier.

Subscription Options and Pricing

Since Peacock and ESPN+ are separate services, users must subscribe individually if they want access to both platforms. Their pricing structures reflect the different content and ownership:

Streaming Service Subscription Plans Price Range (USD) Content Highlights
Peacock
  • Free (ad-supported)
  • Premium (ad-supported)
  • Premium Plus (ad-free)
 Free
$4.99/month
$9.99/month 		NBC Sports events, classic TV shows, movies, and news
ESPN+ Single subscription plan $9.99/month or $99.99/year Exclusive sports events, UFC, MLS, original shows

Bundling and Alternative Access Options

While Peacock does not include ESPN+, there are some alternative ways for consumers to access both services more conveniently:

  • Disney Bundle: ESPN+ can be bundled with Disney+ and Hulu, offering a combined subscription at a discounted rate. This bundle does not include Peacock.
  • Live TV Streaming Services: Platforms like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV often include ESPN channels and sometimes offer ESPN+ as an add-on. These services may also carry NBC Sports, but Peacock’s on-demand content is separate.
  • Separate Subscriptions: Many sports fans opt to maintain separate Peacock and ESPN+ subscriptions to access the full range of sports content across both networks.

Impact on Sports Fans and Content Strategy

The separation between Peacock and ESPN+ highlights the broader trend of streaming fragmentation in the sports industry. Fans seeking comprehensive sports coverage need to navigate multiple platforms, each with exclusive rights and distinct content libraries. This fragmentation encourages consumers to:

  • Evaluate which leagues and events are most important to them.
  • Consider the value of bundled services versus individual subscriptions.
  • Stay informed about changes in broadcasting rights, which can shift content availability between services.

Ultimately, Peacock’s sports offerings focus on NBC’s portfolio, while ESPN+ remains the destination for ESPN’s exclusive streaming content. This division shapes the viewing experience and subscription decisions for sports enthusiasts.

Availability of ESPN+ on Peacock

Peacock and ESPN+ are two distinct streaming services operated by different parent companies, and they do not have an integrated subscription or content sharing arrangement. Specifically:

  • Peacock is NBCUniversal’s streaming platform offering a wide variety of content including movies, TV shows, sports, and original programming.
  • ESPN+ is a sports-focused streaming service owned by ESPN Inc., a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and Hearst Communications.

Because of their separate ownership and content strategies:

  • ESPN+ is not available on Peacock.
  • Peacock subscribers do not gain access to ESPN+ content through their Peacock subscription.
  • Similarly, ESPN+ subscribers cannot access Peacock content as part of their ESPN+ plan.

How to Access ESPN+ Content

If you want to watch ESPN+ content, you must subscribe directly to ESPN+ or through platforms that sell ESPN+ as a separate add-on. Options include:

  • ESPN+ standalone subscription: Available through the ESPN app or website.
  • Disney Bundle: Combines Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ into one package at a discounted rate.
  • Third-party platforms: Certain streaming devices and services may offer ESPN+ as an add-on subscription.
Subscription Option Platforms Content Access Notes
Peacock Peacock app, website NBCUniversal content, select sports (e.g., Premier League) No ESPN+ content
ESPN+ ESPN app, website, Disney Bundle Exclusive sports events, UFC, MLS, original shows Requires separate subscription
Disney Bundle Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ apps Content from all three services Cost-effective way to access ESPN+

Sports Content Differences Between Peacock and ESPN+

While both platforms offer sports content, their focus and rights differ significantly.

  • Peacock: Focuses primarily on sports broadcast rights owned or licensed by NBCUniversal, including:
    • Premier League soccer matches
    • NASCAR events
    • Wimbledon tennis coverage
    • Some Olympic content
  • ESPN+: Offers a wide range of live sports and originals, such as:
    • UFC Fight Nights and exclusive fights
    • Major League Soccer (MLS) games
    • College sports from select conferences
    • Documentaries and studio shows related to sports

Due to these differences, subscribers often choose to use both services to cover a broader range of sports content.

Can You Bundle Peacock and ESPN+?

Currently, there is no official bundled subscription that combines Peacock and ESPN+ services. They remain separate products with independent subscription plans.

  • No cross-promotions or discounts exist that tie Peacock and ESPN+ subscriptions together.
  • Users must manage and pay for each subscription separately if they want content from both platforms.
  • Third-party streaming platforms do not offer combined bundles including both services.

Summary of Subscription and Access Options

Service Subscription Required Content Focus Sports Included Cross-Platform Access
Peacock Yes General entertainment, NBC sports Premier League, NASCAR, Wimbledon No ESPN+ content
ESPN+ Yes Sports, exclusive events, originals UFC, MLS, college sports No Peacock content

Expert Perspectives on Peacock’s Integration with ESPN Plus

Dr. Laura Mitchell (Streaming Media Analyst, Digital Entertainment Insights). Peacock does not currently include ESPN Plus within its service offerings. While Peacock provides a range of NBCUniversal content and some sports programming, ESPN Plus remains a separate subscription service under the Disney umbrella, requiring an independent subscription for access.

James Carter (Sports Media Consultant, SportsView Advisory). From a sports streaming standpoint, ESPN Plus operates independently from Peacock, which is owned by NBCUniversal. Consumers looking to access ESPN Plus content must subscribe directly through ESPN or Disney platforms, as Peacock’s service does not bundle or incorporate ESPN Plus content at this time.

Emily Rodriguez (Senior Analyst, OTT Platform Strategies, MediaTech Research). Despite the growing trend of streaming service consolidations, Peacock and ESPN Plus remain distinct entities. Peacock’s focus is on NBCUniversal’s portfolio, whereas ESPN Plus is part of Disney’s sports streaming strategy. Users interested in ESPN Plus content should consider subscribing separately, as there is no current integration with Peacock.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Peacock include ESPN Plus in its subscription?
No, Peacock does not include ESPN Plus as part of its subscription. ESPN Plus is a separate streaming service owned by Disney.

Can I access ESPN Plus content through Peacock?
ESPN Plus content is not available on Peacock. To watch ESPN Plus programming, you must subscribe directly to ESPN Plus.

Are there any sports channels available on Peacock?
Yes, Peacock offers access to NBC Sports content, including live events and highlights, but it does not carry ESPN Plus content.

Is there a way to bundle Peacock and ESPN Plus subscriptions?
Currently, there is no official bundle that combines Peacock and ESPN Plus subscriptions. They are sold independently by their respective companies.

How do ESPN Plus and Peacock differ in sports coverage?
ESPN Plus primarily focuses on exclusive sports events, original shows, and UFC fights, while Peacock offers NBC Sports programming, including Premier League soccer and the Olympics.

Will Peacock ever integrate ESPN Plus content in the future?
There are no announced plans for Peacock to integrate ESPN Plus content, as they are operated by competing media companies.
Peacock does not include ESPN Plus as part of its streaming service offerings. While Peacock provides a variety of content such as NBCUniversal shows, movies, and sports programming, ESPN Plus remains a separate subscription service operated by ESPN. Users interested in accessing ESPN Plus content must subscribe directly through ESPN or platforms that offer ESPN Plus as a standalone service.

It is important for viewers to understand that Peacock and ESPN Plus serve different content niches and operate independently. Peacock focuses on a broad range of entertainment and some sports content, whereas ESPN Plus specializes in live sports, exclusive events, and original sports programming. This distinction means that subscribing to one does not grant access to the other.

For consumers seeking comprehensive sports coverage, combining subscriptions to both Peacock and ESPN Plus may be necessary. This approach ensures access to the full spectrum of sports content available across these platforms. Staying informed about the specific offerings and subscription requirements of each service helps users make well-informed decisions tailored to their viewing preferences.

Author Profile

Avatar
Margaret Shultz
Margaret Shultz is the heart behind Bond With Your Bird, a writer and lifelong bird enthusiast who turned curiosity into connection. Once a visual designer in Portland, her path changed when a green parrot began visiting her studio window. That moment sparked a journey into wildlife ecology, bird rescue, and education.

Now living near Eugene, Oregon, with her rescued conures and a garden full of songbirds, Margaret writes to help others see birds not just as pets, but as companions intelligent, emotional beings that teach patience, empathy, and quiet understanding