LG manufactures some of the best performing televisions, leveraging state-of-the-art display technology beloved by home theater enthusiasts. However, limitations in LG‘s webOS smart platform mean several popular streaming services are unsupported. This includes live TV provider YouTube TV and sports leader ESPN. As a result, LG smart TV owners face disappointment realizing ESPN Plus is unavailable as a native app.
Not to worry – with the right streaming device, accessing ESPN‘s premium sports content becomes simple. This guide examines multiple methods for installing the ESPN app to open up ESPN Plus on your LG television. Follow step-by-step to finally enjoy exclusive live games and on-demand shows.
Why ESPN Plus Isn‘t Available on LG TVs
Before covering how to add ESPN Plus capabilities to an LG smart TV, it first helps to understand why the service is missing.
The LG webOS platform runs on a proprietary operating system instead of more common smart TV systems like Android TV or Roku TV. Without the massive built-in user base of competitors, LG webOS faces challenges securing app development from top streaming platforms.
For example, YouTube TV ended LG webOS support citing financial and resource requirements. ESPN encounters similar obstacles dedicating engineering assets towards a niche TV environment.
With Roku streaming players powering over half of streaming devices in the US, platforms like their operating system take priority for app creators.
| Streaming Device Market Share | Device | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Roku | 56% | |
| Amazon Fire TV | 15% | |
| LG webOS | Under 10% |
Streaming Device Market Share as of 2022 per Parks Associates Data
The costs of building and managing an LG webOS app cut into potential subscriptions and ad revenues for providers like ESPN. Unless market share expands, companies focus development on well-established platforms.
This leaves LG owners with no native ESPN Plus access. But bypassing this limitation proves cheap and easy using the simple workaround detailed next.
What You‘ll Need to Access ESPN Plus on an LG TV
Since ESPN Plus remains unavailable as an LG webOS app, our workaround relies on connecting separate streaming hardware with ESPN support. Check your entertainment setup for one of the following compatible devices:
- Game Consoles
- PlayStation 4/5
- Xbox One/Series X|S
- Streaming Devices
- Amazon Fire TV
- Apple TV
- Roku
Browse the full list of ESPN approved platforms here. Nearly any modern media device allows installing apps – perfect for delivering ESPN Plus to your LG television.
You‘ll also need an active ESPN Plus account. Subscription options include:
- Monthly Plan – $9.99/month
- Annual Plan – $99.99/year (Saves $20)
- The Disney Bundle – Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Plus for $13.99/month
Once equipped with a compatible gadget already on your TV setup plus an ESPN+ membership, streaming sports content becomes a breeze.
How to Start Watching ESPN Plus on an LG Smart TV
With capable hardware and an ESPN Plus subscription in hand, now follows the simple process for enabling access:
Step 1: Connect Streaming Device to Television
Make sure your chosen device – whether a Roku, Fire TV, or PlayStation – is powered on and connected to an LG TV HDMI port. You may need to switch inputs on your TV remote to display that specific gadget.
Some streaming devices even support HDMI-CEC allowing automatic input switching. Consult your device‘s instruction manual for details.
Step 2: Install ESPN App
Use your device‘s remote to navigate to the App or Channel Store section:
- Roku – The Roku Channel Store
- Fire TV – Amazon Appstore
- Apple TV – App Store
- Game Consoles – PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store
Search for "ESPN". Select the app entitled "ESPN" to download/install – your gateway to live sports and ESPN Plus!
ESPN App in Roku Channel Store
Step 3. Launch App and Sign In
Open the ESPN app now installed on your streaming device. Follow the prompts to log in using credentials from one of the following:
- ESPN Plus – If you subscribe directly to the standalone service
- TV Provider – For access to live ESPN channel programming
- Disney Bundle – If you access ESPN Plus via this package
You may need to enter passcodes from the ESPN Plus website or Disney Bundle login to verify subscriptions.
ESPN App Login Screen
Step 4. Start Streaming ESPN Plus!
Once signed in, you should see various menu options like Live, ESPN Plus, Programs, Favorites, and more. Select the ESPN Plus area to access available live streams and on-demand replays exclusive to subscribers.
Choose any live event or recorded programs to finally start watching ESPN Plus on your LG television! You can also access and purchase pay-per-view events from this section.
Tips for Navigating the ESPN App
As you stream more ESPN Plus content, consider the following tips for easily accessing your favorite teams and events:
- The ESPN Plus section houses exclusive subscriber-only content
- Live mixes events across ESPN channels and ESPN Plus
- Use Favorites to bookmark desired programs for quick access
- Some live games require TV provider login instead of ESPN Plus
- Certain programs like UFC fights need added pay-per-view purchase
Take time to explore where everything lies within the ESPN environment on your streaming device. The layout becomes intuitive with use.
Think of connecting a gadget to enable ESPN Plus as expanding your LG TV functionality. While missing apps prove frustrating, solutions exist driving immense extra value from your investment.
Why Add ESPN Plus to an LG Smart TV?
Going the extra mile by attaching streaming devices gives LG owners ESPN Plus access alongside various unsupported apps. Additional benefits include:
Live Sports Content
ESPN Plus unlocks pro, college, and niche live event coverage unavailable on ESPN channels or elsewhere. Football, baseball, hockey, cricket – no sport left behind!
On-Demand Replays & Originals
From documentaries like 30 for 30 to premium shows like Peyton‘s Places, ESPN Plus offers thousands of hours of exclusive programming alongside replays.
Bundling Opportunities
Cost-conscious streamers can bundle ESPN Plus with Disney+ and Hulu starting at only $13.99 a month. The price of two lattes for 3 top services!
Expanding Smart TV Capabilities
Streaming gadgets also enable other missing apps like YouTube TV at low one-time prices. Investing in supplemental hardware pays dividends over your LG TV‘s lifetime.
Let‘s examine popular streaming device options for getting the most out of your television…
As the data shows, capable gadgets start around only $30 or less for Black Friday sales. Instead of upgrading to a whole new TV system, streaming devices bridge capability gaps at tremendous value.
Transforming devices otherwise collecting dust into ESPN Plus access points keeps additional purchases minimal. The initial annoyance of extra equipment fades over time through enjoyment unlocked.
Let‘s Get Streaming
This concludes our guide detailing how to finally watch ESPN Plus on LG smart TVs. While LG‘s webOS platform offers demonstrated picture advancements, limitations exist even for leading brands.
Luckily the workaround first outlined here eliminates streaming service roadblocks in just a few quick steps:
- Connect a Compatible Streaming Device
- Install the ESPN App
- Sign In and Access ESPN Plus Content
Now experience exclusive live games, original programs, and niche sports content otherwise unavailable. I welcome any questions that arise setting up your ESPN Plus enhanced theater – feel free to reach out!
