Today, Disney and DIRECTV failed to reach a deal to keep ESPN and other Disney-owned channels on DIRECTV.
“The Walt Disney Co. is once again refusing any accountability to consumers, distribution partners, and now the American judicial system,” said Rob Thun, chief content officer at DIRECTV. “Disney is in the business of creating alternate realities, but this is the real world where we believe you earn your way and must answer for your own actions. They want to continue to chase maximum profits and dominant control at the expense of consumers – making it harder for them to select the shows and sports they want at a reasonable price.”
“Consumer frustration is at an all-time high as Disney shifts its best producers, most innovative shows, top teams, conferences, and entire leagues to their direct-to-consumer services while making customers pay more than once for the same programming on multiple Disney platforms,” Thun continued. “Disney’s only magic is forcing prices to go up while simultaneously making its content disappear.” Thun went on to say.
“DirecTV chose to deny millions of subscribers access to our content just as we head into the final week of the US Open and gear up for college football and the opening of the NFL season. While we’re open to offering DirecTV flexibility and terms which we’ve extended to other distributors, we will not enter into an agreement that undervalues our portfolio of television channels and programs. We invest significantly to deliver the No. 1 brands in entertainment, news and sports because that’s what our viewers expect and deserve. We urge DirecTV to do what’s in the best interest of their customers and finalize a deal that would immediately restore our programming.” Disney said in a statement to Cord Cutters News.
ESPN and other Disney networks have gone dark any second now DIRECTV and DIRECTV STREAM as the two sides continue to work out a new deal. DIRECTV is asking Disney to let it offer smaller, cheaper packages, and it seems that is the main holdup to a new deal being reached.
If you don’t want to miss out on your favorite Disney programming, including ESPN, you can cancel your DIRECTV subscription and switch to another live TV streaming service. Other live streaming options can be found below
How to Watch ESPN Networks Without DIRECTV
Since DIRECTV and Disney have not come to an agreement and you’re in need of a way to watch your favorite sports on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, or ESPN Deportes, don’t worry, you can still stream them live. With a Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, or any other compatible device, a subscription to a live TV streaming service like Fubo, Vidgo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV will give you access to the ESPN family of networks.
In addition to those networks, various sports stream live on ESPN+. ABC is also available to watch with an antenna and a tool like Antenna Web will let you know which affiliates are available in your area.
Find out more about each streaming service, below.
ESPN on Fubo
Fubo is noted for being a sports-oriented streaming service and it carries ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNU, ESPNU, and ESPN Deportes. The base plan is the Pro plan and it offers ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 in a packed lineup of over 190 live channels and 100+ sporting events for only $74999/mo. Plus, you’ll be able to stream ESPN3 with sign-authentication with any plan from Fubo. Relive your favorite moments and rewatch your favorite shows with unlimited hours of Cloud DVR space.
Adding ESPNU and ESPNEWS is simple as both networks are part of the 62-channel fubo Extra add-on for an additional $7.99 per month.
ESPN Deportes is available to stream along with over 50 channels and 100+ sporting events in the Fubo Latino package for $32.99 per month. The package features unlimited hours of DVR space and you can share 2 screens at once. For a limited time, Fubo Latino is available at the low rate of $24.99 for the first month. However, if you’re just looking to add ESPN Deportes to your base package, then the International Sports Plus add-on is only $6.99 per month. and it features 7 other Spanish-language networks.
With Fubo, new subscribers can get a free trial on eligible plans which is a way to stream ESPN online for free before subscribing.
ESPN on Sling TV
One of the most affordable ways to watch ABC (in select markets), ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNU, and ESPNEWS is with Sling TV. Sling’s Orange package is only $40 per month. and it includes a lineup of over 30 channels with ESPN and ESPN2 featured and sign-in authentication for ESPN3. However, if you need ABC, then you’ll have to subscribe to Sling Blue for $40 per month. or Sling Orange & Blue for $55 per month.
To add ESPNU and ESPNEWS to the mix, you can add on Sports Extra for an additional $11 per month. For Spanish-language fans, you can stream ESPN Deportes live with the Sling Latino add-on for an additional $5 per month.
Never miss any of your favorite shows, movies, sports, or more with 50 hours of DVR storage included with each plan.
For a limited time, new subscribers can get half off of their first month.
Stream Sports on ESPN+
You won’t be able to watch ESPN linear networks on ESPN+, however, the streamer does often simulcast events and there are thousands of live sports on the platform. For only $10.99/mo., or $109.99/yr., subscribers can watch studio shows, documentaries, sports, and more on the streaming service.
ESPN on Hulu + Live TV
Stream over 95 channels on Hulu + Live TV for $76.99 per month. Since Hulu + Live TV is owned by Disney, it is one of the most complete ways to stream, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+. The base plan offers everything but ESPN Deportes, plus unlimited access to the Hulu library, Disney+, and live sports on ESPN+ for no additional charge. Record your favorite shows and sporting events for up to 9 months with unlimited DVR storage. Stream events in Spanish on ESPN Deportes with the Espanol Add-on for an additional $4.99 per month.
ESPN on YouTube TV
YouTube TV packs a robust lineup of ESPN platforms for sports fans. ESPN3 is available with sign-in authentication and ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNU, and ESPNEWS are all available in a base plan of 100+ channels for only $72.99 per month. The service includes unlimited DVR, and the ability to share 6 accounts per household.