With the start of college football right around the corner and the professional leagues beginning in the fall, ESPN is a must-have for sports fans, and with the recent fallout between Spectrum and Disney, Spectrum subscribers could lose ESPN networks and ABC soon.
If Spectrum and Disney are not able to reach a deal, then subscribers to the cable giant could lose ESPN, FX, Freeform, Disney Channel, and more networks that are owned by the multi-media conglomerate. The two sides are trying to come to an agreement but due to rising programming costs, things may not be settled by the reported deadline of Thursday, August 31 at 5:00 PM ET.
If you’re a Spectrum subscriber and you don’t want to miss out on any of this weekend’s sporting events or your favorite college football team taking the field during Week 1, then you can find out how to stream ESPN networks, below.
How to Watch ESPN Networks Without Spectrum TV
If Spectrum and Disney do 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 DIRECTV STREAM, 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 DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM carries ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes and ESPNU. The base plan is the Entertainment package which includes over 75 live channels and in that lineup, you can stream ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 for $74.99/mo.
To unlock ESPNEWS and ESPNU, you’ll have to upgrade to the Choice package which includes over 105 channels for only $99.99 per month.
If you’re in need of the Spanish-language broadcast, you can stream ESPN Deportes on DIRECTV STREAM with the Optimo Mas package for $74.99 per month. The package features 100+ channels (40+ in English and 55+ in Spanish), but to gain access to ESPN Deportes, you’ll need the DEPORTES add-on for an additional $5/mo.
With DIRECTV STREAM, there are no contracts, no hidden fees, and each plan includes unlimited cloud DVR storage.
New subscribers can take advantage of a 5-day free trial before subscribing, which allows you to live stream ESPN for free online.
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 160 live channels and 100+ sporting events for only $74.99/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 1000 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/mo.
ESPN Deportes is available to stream along with over 50 channels and 100+ sporting events in the Fubo Latino package for $32.99/mo. The package features 250 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/mo. and it features 7 other Spanish-language networks.
With Fubo, new subscribers can get a free one-week 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/mo. 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/mo. or Sling Orange & Blue for $55/mo.
To add ESPNU and ESPNEWS to the mix, you can add on Sports Extra for an additional $11/mo. For Spanish-language fans, you can stream ESPN Deportes live with the Sling Latino add-on for an additional $5/mo.
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 $9.99/mo., or $99.99/yr., subscribers can watch studio shows, documentaries, sports, and more on the streaming service.
ESPN on Hulu + Live TV
Stream over 85 channels on Hulu + Live TV for $69.99 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/mo.
ESPN on Vidgo
The Plus plan from Vidgo is an affordable way to stream ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, and over 110+ live channels for only $69.99/mo. You can use your log-in credentials to stream more content on ESPN3, plus other movies and shows on-demand and record with DVR.
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.