Sports on Disney Plus: A Bigger Play for Fans Everywhere

Disney Plus just got a major sports boost by teaming up with ESPN. The service now streams ESPN’s live games and shows in over 50 new places across Europe and parts of Asia. That means fans in Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and more can finally watch top leagues like the NBA and NHL starting in 2026. The mix also includes college sports, documentaries like ESPN’s "30 for 30, " and studio shows—all in one place. Before this update, Disney Plus already had some sports content in Europe. For example, it streamed the UEFA Women’s Champions League in the UK and Ireland, and La Liga matches in those countries too. Nordic viewers could catch Copa del Rey and other European league games. Now, more markets can enjoy these live events without switching apps.Not all sports will arrive at once. The lineup will grow slowly, with thousands of new live events planned over the next year. Some areas will get more English-language ESPN shows first, while others might wait longer. The rollout isn’t perfectly smooth yet, but Disney Plus is clearly betting big on sports to keep subscribers hooked. This move isn’t just about games. Disney Plus already mixes sports with family shows and movies. By adding ESPN’s live content, it’s trying to become a one-stop app for all kinds of entertainment. Whether someone watches a basketball game, a football match, or a documentary, they won’t need to leave the platform.