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How To Watch ESPN and ESPN2: Best Options 2024
By Lara Vukelich,
2023-10-15
There’s nothing like the rush of sinking into your couch and turning on ESPN just in time for the game to start. You might be used to watching your favorite team on cable, but you can cut the cord without losing access to top channels like ESPN and ESPN2. Options for livestreaming sports tend to be more affordable than traditional cable. Plus, you can log into your account on a mobile device and take the action wherever you go. Say goodbye to contracts and hello to a new way to watch every play this season.
What is ESPN and ESPN2?
ESPN (originally short for the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network), is a sports cable channel that is majority owned by Disney. The channel is included in most basic cable subscriptions and, since its inception in 1979, has spawned several other channels, including ESPN2, ESPNU , ESPN3 and several others. You can watch everything from NFL and arena football to soccer and MLB baseball on ESPN and ESPN2. In addition to live game coverage, the networks air content like original documentaries and game highlights.
Which streaming services offer ESPN and ESPN2?
Fill in the chart below with check marks ✔ for the streaming services that offer the channel.
DIRECTV STREAM
Fubo
Hulu + Live TV
Sling TV
YouTube TV
ESPN and ESPN2
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
Watch ESPN and ESPN2 on Sling TV (Featured Partner)
Plan
Cost per Month
Channels
Free Trial
Orange
$40
31+
No
Orange & Blue
$55
42+
No
All three Sling TV packages offer 50 included hours of cloud DVR storage, and the Blue plan allows for up to three simultaneous streams. For an additional fee, the platform offers a variety of extras, including more news networks, expanded storage space, additional kids’ programming, and more. Only the Sling Orange and Sling Orange & Blue plans include both ESPN and ESPN2. If you want more sports from NFL Network and Fox Sports 1 (FS1), you’ll want to go with Sling Orange & Blue because those channels are only on Sling Blue.
Hulu + Live TV is the live streamer’s package option with a robust channel lineup alongside Hulu’s classic on-demand library. In both cases, expect some commercials in live broadcasts. Both plans offer two simultaneous streams and 95-plus channels . Hulu’s live TV offering gives subscribers access to ESPN and ESPN2, as well as a handful of other ESPN-affiliated networks. Even better, all Hulu + Live TV customers get ESPN Plus access as a part of their service. This stand-alone app has everything from live collegiate games to original sports talk shows.
DIRECTV STREAM has four plans , each offering more content than the last. Each plan allows users to stream on an unlimited number of screens at home and on up to three devices simultaneously outside of the home. DIRECTV STREAM includes unlimited Cloud DVR storage to record games. This is one of the best options for watching sports channels, including ESPN and ESPN2, without cable. Test out the service with their 5-day free trial to make sure it has everything you’ll need.
Fubo is best known as a sports-focused streaming service, with sports like soccer, football, basketball, and more all available among its covered programs. Among its many sports offerings, Fubo’s channel lineup includes both ESPN and ESPN2. Fubo boasts one of the best sports lineups in streaming, with Marquee Sports Network, Altitude Sports , NFL Network, the Golf Channel , and more on the roster, not to mention a few platform-specific networks like Fubo Sports.
YouTube TV has one basic plan, and fortunately for sports fans, that plan includes ESPN and ESPN2 in its channel lineup. You can enjoy three simultaneous streams at no extra cost, so the whole family can watch whatever they want to during the game without fighting over the remote.
YouTube TV includes a long list of sports channels, including CBS Sports Network, ESPNEWS, NBA TV , and more. You can also get additional channels like Fox Soccer Plus with the Sports Plus add-on.
If you have a cable or livestreaming subscription that includes ESPN and ESPN2, you can watch a lot of the networks’ content on the mobile app. Available content includes full live games, highlights, breaking news alerts, and league scores. The ESPN app is available for Android and Apple devices, compatible with iPhones and iPads, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Apple TV, Kindle Fire, Android TV, PS4, Xbox and Oculus.
FAQ
How do I watch ESPN for free?
You’ll need a livestreaming subscription or cable provider to watch ESPN. However, some livestreaming platforms offer free trial periods that allow you to watch ESPN for several days before you have to pay.
Can I watch ESPN without a cable provider?
Yes, you can watch ESPN and ESPN2 without a cable provider. Livestreaming platforms like Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV STREAM, YouTube TV, and Fubo have ESPN in their channel lineups.
What is the cheapest ESPN streaming service?
The most affordable way to get ESPN with a streaming service is Sling TV. You can get the channel on Sling Orange for $40 per month in most markets, or $45 if you live in an area where Sling TV provides local channels.
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