ESPN: Live Sports & Scores

Always lags or shuts down for no reason … I’ve tried deleting and reinstalling and still have the issues.

The camera are terrible they don’t show as good as Peacock to many commercials I just don’t like ESPN plus so expensive

I have had the ESPN app for as long as it’s been out, and it actually gets progressively worse. The same issues of switching to a different app then try to go back to ESPN and it freezes. So have to close it and reopen it and lose my spot. Not to mention, anytime you’re trying to look at specific sports standings, statistics etc. as soon as you go back, it literally goes alllllll the way back and you lose your spot. Same way ESPN overall as a whole is getting worse, all while getting more expensive. y’all ARE A BUNCH OF OF SCAMMERS

Why after 5 months does this app still not come back from every ad break? Insane

It's ESPN.

Even tho I have Disney + I still can’t watch nba

Lies

Literally the worst app out of all my 10 subscriptions, won’t work on iPad, won’t work on tv, QR code doesn’t work, only works on phone and they have the nerve to charge people for this ☠️ wack UX team

ESPN promotes wokeism, which is insincere and disingenuous.

I have mlb.tv. Since espn took over I am no longer able to listen on radio, just watch tv. The instructions given are only for tv though radio is a benefit. Exon has totally screwed up my mlb experience. ESPN sucks.

Continually gives a “error loading video” message even when logging into the app initially. Will not load anything other than.

Yall keep cutting content and making the experience worse and worse. You have a monopoly, so we will continue to pay more and more for our subscription. Come on, federal government, and shut down this monopoly, please.

Why ESPN Is Failing Modern Sports Fans-and Why Its Streaming Should Be Free Again
Introduction
For decades, ESPN stood as the undisputed leader in sports media. It was more than just a network-it was a cultural hub where fans gathered to watch highlights, follow breaking news, and stay connected to their favorite teams. From SportsCenter to live game broadcasts, ESPN built its reputation on accessibility and convenience. However, in recent years, the network has undergone a significant transformation. The shift toward subscription-based streaming, particularly through ESPN+, has created new barriers for fans rather than removing them.
Instead of simplifying access to sports, ESPN has complicated it. Fans are now expected to navigate multiple subscriptions, rising costs, and fragmented content just to watch the games they care about. This shift reflects a broader trend in media, but ESPN’s execution has been especially frustrating for its audience. As a result, many fans feel disconnected from a network that once prioritized their experience.
This essay argues that ESPN’s current streaming model is flawed due to its high costs, incomplete content offerings, lack of accessibility, and poor user experience. Furthermore, it contends that making ESPN’s streaming service free-or at least significantly more accessible-would not only benefit fans but also strengthen ESPN’s long-term success in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.
⸻
The Rising Cost of Watching Sports
One of the most immediate and noticeable problems with ESPN’s current model is the cost. Watching sports today is far more expensive than it used to be. In the past, a single cable subscription granted access to ESPN and most major sporting events. Today, that simplicity has disappeared.
Fans are often required to pay for:
* A cable or live TV streaming service
* An ESPN+ subscription
* Additional pay-per-view events for certain sports
This layered pricing system creates a financial burden, especially for younger viewers who may not have the means to pay for multiple subscriptions. Even though ESPN+ is relatively inexpensive on its own, it rarely functions as a standalone solution. Instead, it acts as an additional cost on top of existing services.
The issue is not just the price itself, but the value provided for that price. Fans are paying more than ever before, yet they are not receiving a complete viewing experience. This disconnect between cost and value has led to widespread dissatisfaction and a growing sense that ESPN is prioritizing profits over its audience.
⸻
Incomplete Content and Fragmentation
Another major issue with ESPN’s streaming service is that it does not provide full access to ESPN’s content. This is perhaps the most confusing and frustrating aspect for users.
ESPN+ does include:
* Select live sports (often smaller leagues or niche events)
* Original programming and documentaries
* Some exclusive broadcasts
However, it does not include:
* Most NFL games
* The majority of NBA coverage
* Full access to traditional ESPN channels
This limitation exists because broadcasting rights are divided among various networks and agreements. While this may make sense from a business perspective, it creates a poor experience for fans. They are forced to jump between platforms, subscriptions, and services just to follow a single sport or team.
The result is a fragmented system where no single platform provides everything a fan needs. This stands in stark contrast to the convenience that ESPN once offered. Instead of being a one-stop destination for sports, ESPN has become just one piece of a complicated puzzle.
⸻
The Elimination of Free Access
A particularly controversial decision by ESPN was the removal of its free trial for ESPN+. Free trials are a standard feature in the streaming industry, allowing users to explore a service before committing financially. By eliminating this option, ESPN has created an additional barrier for potential subscribers.
This decision sends a clear message: users must pay upfront, regardless of whether the service meets their expectations. For many fans, this feels unfair. Without the ability to test the platform, users are more hesitant to subscribe, especially given the already confusing content limitations.
Free access-whether through a trial or an ad-supported model-plays a crucial role in building trust with consumers. It allows users to engage with the product and decide if it is worth their money. By removing this option, ESPN risks alienating potential customers and reinforcing the perception that it is more focused on revenue than user satisfaction.
⸻
Technical Issues and User Experience
Even for those willing to pay, the ESPN streaming experience is not always reliable. Users frequently report issues such as:
* Buffering during live events
* Sudden crashes or app freezes
* Poor navigation and interface design
* Repetitive advertisements, even for paid users
These technical problems are especially frustrating during live sports, where timing is critical. Missing key moments due to buffering or app failures significantly diminishes the viewing experience.
In addition, the app’s interface can be confusing and difficult to navigate. Finding specific games or content is not always intuitive, which adds to user frustration. For a company as large and experienced as ESPN, these issues are particularly disappointing.
When consumers are paying for a service, they expect a high level of quality and reliability. ESPN’s failure to consistently deliver on these expectations further undermines its value.
⸻
Confusing Subscription Models
ESPN’s current system is not just expensive-it is also overly complicated. The introduction of multiple subscription tiers and bundle options has made it difficult for users to understand what they are actually paying for.
For example, ESPN content may be spread across:
* Standard ESPN (via cable or live TV streaming)
* ESPN+

ESPN has to be paying for reviews the fact this app is rated 4.7 and can’t stay up and running without crashing for more than 10 minutes tells you all you need to know.

Can’t watch anything but 30 for 30 all lives sports I want to watch I have to pay additional money for. Poor excuse of price gauging even worse excuse for a sports network

My least favorite application on my phone.
Articles never load when you click on a notification. I have to click “share” then open in Safari
Even if you click on a headline within the app, it will often not load, just showing a blank/black screen
Almost every video is prefaced with a 30 second ad. I think the ad can be longer than the video!
Version 8.16.0 Build 8289
IOS 17.6.1

First of all the app crashes constantly. If I have the app open more than 1 minute it crashes. If I try to open an article it crashes. Completely unusable. Their “support” amounts to a chat bot that suggests updating the app or checking my WiFi. Yeah sure buddy that’s definitely the problem.
Beyond the app crashing constantly, everything on the app is geared towards gambling. It’s nearly impossible to do anything in sports with being bombarded with gambling ads, but when I just want to check the time of the game or the channel it’s airing on this is completely unacceptable.
Also Stephen A Smith is a creep to women and should not be on air ever. I cannot fathom why they think putting his face all over this app lends any credibility to their brand image.
Disney and espn hate their customers but know you won’t go elsewhere. Just cut the cord you’ll be much happier. Lord knows I am

Random crashes. Freezes all the time. Terrible search features. It’s completely useable

It sucks

Cannot stream old wwe pay per views

Too many ads. Too many irrelevant ads. App crashes.

You’re way too big of a company to have this buggy and slow of an app. ESPN+ is highway robbery and doesn’t work half the time. Couldn’t be happier UFC moved spots. You don’t cover a large majority of NCAA baseball. Again, just way too big of a company for a simple app like this to fall flat on its face.

I used to be able to sign with my TV Provider (Cox), but now when I click the button, it shows the press animation but doesn’t let me login with my TV Provider! Since they changed the format, the button has never worked. I just missed a goal of a game I was trying to watch. Also, when I click the button above it to buy ESPN, it brings we to the page just fine. This is messed up.

Had ESPN and paid for plus ever since they were available. What has happened. I am paying twice for whatever plus is called now. I even signed up for Disney plus bundle that had espn . Disney has ruined it all. Paying for 3 accounts can’t watch anything that I want wrestling big wow! College sports is the reason Disney is trying to fight with every streaming service this started with You Tube. Cancel it the night before Fl Ga football game. Scrambling to find the game. U can bet any money I would spend on anything Disney now will go to season ticket at u of Florida games or the two endowments that I have currently at UF. We have 2 days left on all park passes and I will burn them before I use them. You have ruined our state and I don’t care about what you may have done economically. You have put all the smaller ones in trouble or out of business. Walt is turning over in his grave.

How can I accurately review an app when all it does is crash?

If the title doesn’t say it clearly enough lemme reiterate, DISNEY, owns ESPN yet somehow not one, BOTH, and ESPN by far the worst of the two, are some of the most DYSFUNCTIONAL, BUGGY, DUMPSTER FIRE OF AN APP!!! If I ordered filet mignon and received the contents of a cats litter box, that is about what to expect when you try using this and expect anything remotely resembling a pain free, fluid, pleasurable or peaceful watching experience. NOTHING WORKS!!!!!!! AND FROM A MULTIBILLION DOLLAR COMPANY!!!!!!!!!!!! UNFORGIVABLE!!!!!!!!

When watching espn plus I have two issues that I regularly get frustrated by. 1) when it kicks me out and I have to log back in it doesn’t have my TV provider in the top settings which is shocking it’s YouTube TV but then I have to go roundabout way to get it to link to it because it only loops me into a tutorial. 2) I watch one team many times a week and I have to scroll all the way across the options to get to it EVERY time. Why would there not be an option to have the one team to watch a favorite?

Crashes on me a lot.

The app can never load

This is the only app that I use on a regular basis that crashes every single time I try to use it. Does not matter if I am on my iPad or iPhone, after 2 minutes it completely bricks itself. I was able to slow it down by just choosing to not log in to my account, but even then it still crashes without fail I just get maybe one extra minute of use. Kind of amazing how huge this company is and they have literally the only app with this problem in 2026.

I don’t mind adds during a live game, that’s not the problem. I have an issue with being forced to watch adds from an app I pay $30 a month for. If I fast forward through a section of a game on replay. I get stuck watching another add. As soon as the NHL playoffs are over, I’m canceling this.

I've gone through all the settings, I have every notification disabled except game start and final scores for one team. I still get notifications for sports I don't follow. The app says they're disabled, but I still get them no matter what I do so I'm uninstalling.

The search button now leads to a whole interface and you have to click a text box to type in what you want, and then you have to click search and it takes loading time and only brings up one result directly on the screen. It’s very frustrating because you had a simple search button previously where you could click it and immediately type and see results as you typed, it was great, but you removed it for this beta search bar trash. Bring back the old search bar.

Trying to figure out which of ~7 different subscriptions/services I need to stream a live playoff NBA game is a true nightmare. This is honestly a worse consumer experience than linear broadcast TV.

I have had several different streaming platforms and have watched sports with ease on those platforms, and by far this is the worst app to stream sports on. Which is ironic because it’s a sports app and disappointing because this is definitely one of the more expensive subscriptions on the market. Please fix this, many NBA playoff games are on here, and it is frustrating that I have to constantly back out of the games to refresh the feed to watch 5 minutes of the game and then have to repeat the process constantly throughout the games. Also, I have an Ethernet cable connected directly to my device that I stream on. Please help!

Crashes constantly in recent weeks.

You're lucky if anything loads. Articles, players, and even the scores tab won't load randomly. Nothing works. Closing the app doesn't fix it. Redownloading the app doesn't fix it. Nothing can save this mess. The devs of this app just playing with their meat the entire time.

Terrible app. Crashes after 60 seconds. Won’t let me log into my service provider to watch sports. Disney sucks.

Playback is spotty, sometimes ad audio plays over the top of game audio. Half the time the only way to find a game is to search in the NBA app and then click the link there and magically it appears. The ESPN app has search but it doesn’t work. There’s no way to turn off spoilers (there’s a setting but it does literally nothing). You know I haven’t watched it yet, don’t ruin the game like you ruin everything else. Huge step behind the NBA app in every way.

It’s entirely too difficult to activate with tv provider. Somehow got it one night, next night had to do yet again, and it just kept getting me in a loop, never able to activate!!

Since the update it has been terrible. Non stop trying to make me watch a video that’s 5 seconds long every time I’m trying to look at the box score. I changed all the settings and it constantly does it. Horrible. Do not recommend

Used to be my favorite scores app, now it just has automatic videos and ads just when checking scores. Deleting it until they fix it!!!!

Genuinely terrible. Full of ads for something that I am paying for. Pathetic.

It is unbelievable that a new transition can be this bad. Please go back to the old app.

Every time I click on a box score the screen goes black

Crashes after 10 seconds. Has been doing this for about 3-4 versions/updates.

App has sucked for years. They’re not going to ever fix it because they know you can’t watch the games anywhere else.

Used to be my go to app for sports news and scores. Now just constantly crashes. So much so I can’t even use it to look up scores without a crash or two.

Layout is decent but cannot consistently watch games on any of my devices. Playback errors on TVs with app or trying to cast/airplay. Sudden crashes on iOS app, infinite spinner. It’s honestly astonishing.

Livestreams have been really poor lately. tired of logging in every single time I have to use this app.