Download ESPN Videos and Never Miss a Game Again
Summary: Learn how to download ESPN videos on both mobile and desktop. This guide covers official methods and third-party tools for offline viewing.
Introduction
As a devoted Golden State Warriors fan, I prefer to follow games at my own pace. Weekdays are usually hectic, so I like to catch up on full game replays over the weekend, often accompanied by tactical breakdowns or in-depth commentary. Sometimes, I even clip key moments from the games to save as highlights or share with fellow fans.
However, content on ESPN updates quickly. A full replay and post-game interviews might be available right after the game, but within a few days, they often get buried under new programming and become hard to find. That’s why, for fans like me who not only follow games closely but also care about the viewing experience, having a reliable and controllable way to download ESPN videos is absolutely essential.
Can You Download Videos from ESPN?
- On mobile devices (like iPhone or Android), the ESPN App offers a limited download feature that allows ESPN+ subscribers to watch certain videos offline.
- On computers, however, ESPN does not currently support direct downloads. If you want to save, transfer, or watch ESPN+ content offline on your PC, you'll need a third-party tool such as StreamFab ESPN Plus Downloader, which lets you download high-quality ESPN videos in MP4 format and even transfer them back to your mobile device.
Next, I’ll walk you through how to download ESPN videos on both mobile and desktop platforms.
How to Download ESPN Videos on Mobile Phone?
Tool Required: ESPN App
If you’re an ESPN+ subscriber using a mobile device, the official ESPN App offers a built-in download feature for offline viewing. It’s a convenient option for catching up on games, shows, and replays when you're on the go—without relying on a constant internet connection.
ESPN officially offers a video download function, but it is not comprehensive. The specific situation is as follows:
Downloadable content (with restrictions)
Some of the content on the ESPN App (mobile terminal) can be downloaded for offline viewing:
- Available to ESPN+ subscribers only
- Not all content is downloadable — typically includes: Original programming, select ESPN+ exclusive replay content
- Compatible with both iOS and Android devices
- Downloaded videos can only be viewed within the ESPN App, with time limits and DRM protection applied
Unsupported situations
- Live streams are not available for download
- Videos on the ESPN website have no native download option
- Offline download is not available to regular users without an ESPN+ subscription
- The desktop and web versions of ESPN do not offer any download buttons or caching features
A Step-by-Step Guide：
Here are some suggestions for your reference if your ESPN+ is not working properly.
How to Download ESPN Videos on a Computer?
Tool Required: StreamFab ESPN Plus Downloader
This tool is designed for anyone who wants to download videos from ESPN+ to their computer for offline viewing. Whether you're saving full games, highlight clips, interviews, or other sports programs, StreamFab ESPN Plus Downloader makes the process simple and flexible. It gives you full control over how and when you watch your favorite ESPN+ content—no internet required.
- Download any sports video from ESPN in 720p with a high speed
- Download sports shows and save them as MP4 files
- Download sports shows in AAC 2.0 audio track
- Save sports videos in high framrate 60fps
- Download video with closed caption subtitles
- Download sports shows in batch mode and fast speed
- Download metadata info to manage your videos better
A Step-by-Step Guide：
A Comparison of These 2 Tools
The ESPN App and StreamFab ESPN Plus Downloader each offer unique advantages tailored to different devices and viewing preferences. To help you choose the right method based on your needs, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the two:
| Feature | ESPN App | StreamFab ESPN Plus Downloder |
|---|---|---|
| Supported devices | iOS, Android phones & tablets | Windows, Mac computers |
| Officially Provided | √ | x |
| Requires ESPN+ Subscription | √ | √ |
| Content Types Supported | Selected ESPN+ content | Almost all playable ESPN+ content |
| Download Format | Encrypted cache, playable only within the app | Standard MP4 files, playable on any device |
| Download Quality | Up to 1080p, depending on the original video’s quality | 720p |
| Offline Viewing | √ | √ |
| File Expiration | Yes, may expire or become unavailable | No, permanent files |
| Batch Download Support | x | √ |
| Subtitles Download | x | √ |
FAQs
Not all content on ESPN+ is available for download. Downloadable videos are usually marked with a download icon. If you don’t see it, the content may be restricted to streaming only.
ESPN App does not support live stream downloads. While StreamFab supports downloading after the live stream ends, once the video becomes available as on-demand content. If it's only in the form of live streaming, then I suggest you try the RecordFab screen recording tool.
More about how to record ESPN+ videos.
Final Words
Whether you're a casual viewer catching highlights on your phone or a dedicated fan archiving full matches on your computer, having the ability to download ESPN videos gives you greater freedom and flexibility. The official ESPN App is a convenient choice for mobile users who want quick offline access, while StreamFab ESPN Plus Downloader offers more advanced features for those who value high-quality downloads and multi-device compatibility.
By choosing the method that fits your lifestyle, you’ll never have to miss a great play—or a great play-by-play—again.
