As the most well-known name in sports, ESPN is a sports-centric network that includes several sister channels like ACCN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPNU, among others. ESPN’s programming includes popular sports commentary shows like E:60, First Take, and SportsCenter. And, of course, ESPN and its sister networks broadcast live sporting events for essentially every mainstream sport, including at both the collegiate and professional levels.
To find more about how to watch ESPN without cable, we report the over-the-top (OTT) streaming services that carry ESPN as well as additional methods to stream live.
Ways to watch ESPN
Since ESPN is the cream of the crop when it comes to sports programming, the only way to tune in on the regular is with a pay-TV service. So, if you’re new to streaming services or unfamiliar with OTT cable-alternative services, you’re in the right place. OTT cable-alternatives work by streaming through your Wi-Fi connection rather than with invasive equipment. And, unlike traditional TV services, cable-alternatives don’t require contracts or include hidden fees.
Curious how to stream ESPN? Below we list out the top streaming services with ESPN and also shine a magnifying glass on some of the other sports coverage and features you can expect.
Get ESPN
Most major streaming services carry ESPN and some of its sister channels. Here are a few of our favorites.
Stream your favorite sports channels like ESPN live on fuboTV
Dependable live coverage for sports programming, live streams, and RSNs
ESPN and another 105 channels are available with Fubo‘s Pro plan that’ll run you $74.99/mo. You can gain additional ESPN channels like ACCN, ESPNews, and ESPNU with the Elite plan for $84.99/mo. or Spanish-language options with the Latino plan ($32.99/mo.).
The Pro, Elite, and Premier plans include 1000 hours of Cloud DVR storage and you can watch up to 10 screens at once. The Latino plan includes 250 hours of Cloud DVR and up to 2 screens at once.
For an in-depth look at Fubo’s channels, features, and plans, take a timeout and skip on over to our fuboTV review.
Hulu + Live TV carries ESPN live and local channels
A solid full-service experience for sports fans.
Hulu + Live TV‘s subscription starts at $69.99/mo. and carries ESPN networks like ACCN, ESPN 2, ESPN College Extra, ESPNews, ESPNU, SEC Network, and over 85 channels. Also included is The Disney Bundle: Hulu’s on-demand library with thousands of episodes and movies, movies and shows on Disney+, and more live sports on ESPN+.
The service has unlimited hours of cloud DVR storage and allows you to stream on 2 screens simultaneously.
Hulu + Live TV seems to check all the boxes. But to find out if it meets all of your needs, take a look at our complete review.
Build your ultimate sports package with ESPN live channels on Sling TV
Pick and choose your favorite channels and features.
Get ESPN, ESPN 2, and ESPN 3 with Sling Orange for $40/mo. Included with the plan is a total of 30+ channels and 50 hours of cloud DVR storage. There’s also a Sling Blue plan that costs the same price of $40/mo. for 39+ channels, but it doesn’t carry ESPN. Sling Blue also lets you stream on 3 screens simultaneously, while Sling Orange only allows 1. You can combine both channels and features into Sling Orange + Blue for $55/mo.
Sling TV offers tons of add-ons in the form of channel bundles and feature upgrades. Or tack on 15 other sports channels with the Sports Extra add-on for $10/mo., and get channels like ACCN, ESPNU, ESPNews, SEC Network, and more.
If you want to learn more about add-ons, channel bundles, features, and pricing, we provide a fair and balanced analysis in our Sling TV review.
Get a well-rounded package including ESPN live on Vidgo
An affordable TV package with high-value channels.
Vidgo costs a reasonable $69.99/mo. for its “Plus” plan that comes with 110 live channels that include ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Goal Line, ESPNews, and ESPNU — not to mention ACCN, BTN, and SEC Network. Plus you can record with DVR. And it has decent simultaneous streaming capabilities, permitting you up to 3 screens at any given time.
ESPN without cable FAQs
Can I stream live programming on the ESPN app outside of the streaming service interface?
Yes, the app itself is free, but you’ll need your TV provider’s credentials in order to access live games and programming. Otherwise, you’ll only see ESPN’s live TV schedule. This also applies to ISPs (internet providers), where you can watch directly on ESPN.com.
When I use the ESPN mobile app, will I get access to ESPN’s sister networks?
The content available on your ESPN app depends on the subscription you have with a participating TV provider. So, if ESPN 3 isn’t included in your current plan, you won’t be able to stream it in the app.
Why am I not seeing the game? What are blackouts?
If you’re expecting the game but can’t find it, it might be because of a local blackout. If your current TV provider doesn’t offer the RSN that you need to tune into the game, you may want to consider a digital antenna. Did you know that YouTube TV includes a generous amount of local channels and RSNs? Learn more about YouTube TV’s features and pricing with our analysis of its service.
If I miss the game live, is there another way I can stream it?
You can find live events, replays, and upcoming programming on ESPN.com. After you provide your TV service’s credentials, click on the Schedule tab. From there, you’ll see the Live, Upcoming, and Replays tabs in the menubar.
Is ESPN+ included in the ESPN app?
To put it simply, ESPN+ is housed within the ESPN app but typically is an additional cost outside of your TV provider. So, it’s a standalone service that complements rather than replacing ESPN programming. You can pay $9.99/mo. or $99.99 annually to include ESPN+ within the app. This will open up live sporting events as well as exclusives like UFC title card events.