ESPN is the leading sports broadcasting network, offering coverage of all major professional and college sports. However, a traditional cable TV subscription can be expensive. Fortunately, with the rise of live TV streaming services, there are now several ways to watch ESPN without cable.
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Live TV Streaming Services
Live TV streaming services provide online access to live channels, similar to cable TV but without the high cost. Most of these services offer ESPN and other sports channels. Here are some of the best options:
1. Sling TV
Sling TV is one of the most affordable live TV streaming options. The Sling Orange plan includes 30+ channels including ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3 for only $40 per month.
Key Details:
- Starts at $40/month
- Includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3
- Stream on Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Chromecast, iOS, Android
- No long-term contract
2. Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV offers 75+ live channels including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and regional sports networks. It also includes access to Hulu’s on-demand streaming library.
Key Details:
- $70/month
- 75+ channels including ESPN networks
- Cloud DVR included
- Stream on Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Chromecast, iOS, Android
- No long-term contract
3. YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers 85+ channels including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN News, ESPN Deportes and more. It has unlimited cloud DVR storage.
Key Details:
- $65/month
- 85+ channels including ESPN networks
- Unlimited cloud DVR
- Stream on Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast, iOS, Android
- No long-term contract
4. fuboTV
fuboTV focuses on sports, offering 100+ channels including national and regional sports networks. It’s a great option for soccer and international sports fans.
Key Details:
- Starts at $70/month
- 100+ channels, heavy on sports
- 250 hour cloud DVR
- Stream on Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Chromecast, iOS, Android
- No long-term contract
ESPN+
ESPN+ is ESPN’s standalone streaming service with live sports, original shows, and on-demand programs. It does not include access to ESPN’s TV channels.
Key Details:
- $9.99/month or $99.99/year
- Live out-of-market MLB, NHL, MLS games
- UFC PPV events
- On-demand original programming
- Stream on Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Chromecast, iOS, Android
Watching ESPN For Free
Many of the live TV streaming services offer free trials, usually 5 to 7 days. This allows you to test out their channel lineups and features.
- Sling TV offers 50% off your first month
- Hulu + Live TV offers 7 days free
- YouTube TV offers 7 days free
- fuboTV offers 7 days free
This allows you to watch ESPN for free for the duration of the trial before deciding if you want to pay for an ongoing subscription.
Some services like DirecTV Stream also offer occasional promotional discounts for the first few months.
Using a TV Antenna
If you live near the local broadcast towers, you may be able to watch ESPN’s nationally televised games for free with an over-the-air (OTA) antenna.
Games shown on ABC and ESPN’s networks are sometimes simulcast on OTA channels like ABC. Just connect an indoor or outdoor HD antenna to your TV and scan for channels.
Watching At A Sports Bar
Can’t watch the big game at home? Head to your local sports bar! Most sports bars have subscriptions to live TV services, giving you access to ESPN’s coverage.
Just buy some wings and drinks while you enjoy the game on their big screens. Be sure to call ahead to confirm they will have the game on.
Getting Creative With Login Sharing
If you have a friend or family member that pays for cable or a live TV streaming service, sometimes you can use their login to access the ESPN app.
However, this usually violates the terms of service. Check with your TV provider before sharing logins.
In summary, with the rise of affordable live TV streaming options from Sling TV, Hulu, YouTube TV, and more, it’s easier than ever to cut the cord and still be able to watch live sports on ESPN.
Take advantage of the free trials to test out which service has the right channel lineup and features for your needs. For access to live out-of-market games, check out ESPN+. Or just head down to your local sports bar to catch the game!
