ESPN is a leading American sports network that broadcasts live games and provides analysis and news from across the sporting world. The network, first founded in 1979 as an acronym for Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, is majority-owned by the Walt Disney Company, as well as Hearst Communications. ESPN broadcasts on paid TV across the U.S. and is available to cord-cutters via several live streaming services.
This article will explore how to watch ESPN, look at the options available to watch ESPN live, and provide insight on services that enable cord-cutters to stream ESPN.
What’s the difference between ESPN and ESPN+?
ESPN is a national network that broadcasts through the channel lineups on paid-for TV and live streaming services. ESPN+ is a separate streaming service that shows live games and on-demand content and is available through the ESPN+ mobile app and on its website. For $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year, you can subscribe to ESPN+ to get access to thousands of hours of live sports, and much more.
Streaming ESPN
ESPN is available to cord-cutters through several streaming services that include the network in their channel lineups. Popular ways to stream ESPN include DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, Vidgo, and YouTube TV.
Steam ESPN Live on DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM offers ESPN and over 75 channels in its Entertainment package, which is its base package, for $74.99 per month. There are no contracts, no hidden fees, and a subscription includes unlimited cloud DVR storage.
Plus, the streamer carries other popular ESPN networks such as ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, and ESPN Deportes. ESPN2 is available in the Entertianment plan, however, the other channels are available through higher-tier packages.
New subscribers can take advantage of a 5-day free trial before subscribing.
Stream ESPN Live on Fubo
Originally known as a sports-oriented streaming service, Fubo has grown to become a service with a little bit of everything. Starting at $74.99 per month, the Pro plan includes ESPN, and over 140 channels. ESPN2 is also available with the Pro Plan.
Plus, you can add-on other ESPN networks such as ESPNEWS, ESPNU, ESPN Deportes, and more.
Relive your favorite moments, events, shows, and more with 1000 hours and Cloud DVR space.
New subscribers can try Fubo for free for one week.
Stream ESPN Live on Hulu + Live TV
Skip the high cost of cable and stream ESPN, and over 85 channels on Hulu + Live TV for $69.99 per month. If you’re looking for the most ESPN family of networks for the best price then Hulu + Live TV is a must have. The base plan includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, and ESPN College Extra.
Plus, if you need more sports from the network, the service includes The Disney Bundle which features Disney+, the Hulu library, and live sports and more on ESPN+.
Record and relive your favorite content for up to 9 months with unlimited DVR storage.
Stream ESPN Live on Sling TV
One of the most affordable ways to watch ESPN is with Sling Orange. At the low price of $40 per month, subscribers can watch ESPN and over 30 channels with 50 hours of DVR storage to record and relive the biggest moments. ESPN2 and ESPN3 are included with Sling Orange. ESPNU and ESPNEWS are available as add-ons.
Stream ESPN Live on Vidgo
Another way to watch the ESPN live is with the Plus plan from Vidgo. For $69.99 per month, you can stream over 110+ live channels, on-demand, and record content with DVR storage. Other ESPN networks that are included in Vidgo’s base plan: ESPN Deportes, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, and ESPNU.
Stream ESPN Live on YouTube TV
Stream over 100 channels, including ESPN live with YouTube TV for only $72.99 per month. YouTube TV features other ESPN Networks ESPN Deportes, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, and ESPNU.
The service includes unlimited DVR which will allow you to rewatch sports, shows, movies and more, plus you have the ability to share 6 accounts per household.
ESPN Supported Devices
ESPN can be streamed online through mobile and web browsers. It’s also available on any device that supports apps provided by the live streaming services listed above, such as mobile phones and tablets, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and streaming media players.
Popular devices that streamers can watch ESPN on include:
- Amazon Fire TV streaming devices.
- Android mobile phones and tablets.
- Android TV.
- Apple iOS mobile phones and tablets.
- Apple TV streaming devices.
- Google Chromecast.
- LG, Samsung, and Vizio smart TVs.
- Roku streaming devices.
- Web browsers on Mac and Windows computers.
- Xbox gaming consoles.
However, it’s worth noting that Fubo isn’t available on Xbox devices. Vidgo, and DIRECTV STREAM aren’t available to watch on Xbox or Playstation consoles.
The final cut
ESPN is a popular national sports network that lets you watch live games from a wide range of sports, as well as award-winning documentaries, and sports news and analysis. The most affordable way to stream ESPN is by subscribing to Sling TV’s Orange plan for $40/mo. Streamers can also get ESPN in the channel lineups for DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Vidgo, and YouTube TV.