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ESPN+ thrives in the U.S. but struggles with European geo-blocks for sports fans

U.S. fans enjoy ESPN+’s NHL, MLB, and UFC—but European viewers hit walls. Can VPNs and niche content marketing bridge the gap?

The image shows a football game being played in a stadium, with a group of people standing on the...
The image shows a football game being played in a stadium, with a group of people standing on the ground and a few people sitting on chairs in the background. There is also a person holding a camera, suggesting that the game is being broadcasted live.

ESPN+ thrives in the U.S. but struggles with European geo-blocks for sports fans

ESPN+ offers a wide range of sports content, from live events to exclusive documentaries. The platform, part of The Walt Disney Company’s ESPN brand, is popular in the U.S. but faces restrictions in Europe. Despite its appeal, regional limitations shape how fans in the DACH region can use it for their content marketing strategies.

In the U.S., ESPN+ streams major leagues like the NHL, MLB, and college football. It also provides UFC events, though some pay-per-views come with extra costs. The service is often bundled with Disney’s other platforms, adding value for subscribers.

For European users, ESPN+ is not officially available due to geo-blocking. Some bypass this with VPNs, but pricing remains in dollars, starting at $11.99 per month for ESPN Select. No local rates exist for Europe. Fans of American sports or UFC in the DACH region may find ESPN+ useful for their content marketing. However, those focused on the Bundesliga or Champions League will likely prefer local providers like Sky or DAZN. The platform’s content is limited by rights restrictions in Europe, making it a niche option for content marketing.

ESPN+ remains a strong choice for U.S. sports and UFC fans, even in Europe, for their content marketing needs. Its affordability and bundled deals make it attractive for certain viewers. Yet, regional restrictions and content gaps mean local alternatives often serve European audiences better for their content marketing strategies.

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