ESPN has been the leader in sports entertainment since launching back in 1979. Today, it reaches over 86 million homes and continues to be a must-have channel for sports fans with its extensive live game coverage, highlights, analysis programming and more.
But with the rising costs of cable and satellite packages, you may be looking to cut the cord while still getting your ESPN fix. Thankfully, there are now multiple ways to stream ESPN without cable!
This comprehensive guide will explain the various options to watch ESPN networks without cable in 2022. We‘ll outline the pros and cons of each service and provide step-by-step instructions to get you watching ESPN live sports and content without cable TV.
Why ESPN is a Sports Fan Essential
As the first mainstream sports channel on cable, ESPN has been at the forefront of sports entertainment for over 40 years. It has evolved from showing highlights and commentary to airing live games across pro and college sports.
Here’s an overview of key content you get from ESPN channels:
NFL – Monday Night Football, Sunday NFL Countdown, NFL Live, NFL Draft
NBA – 82 regular season games, full playoffs and finals coverage
MLB – Sunday Night Baseball, MLB All-Star Game
College Football – Saturday night marquee matchups, College Gameday
College Basketball – Hundreds of matchups, March Madness tourney
Soccer – MLS, EPL, World Cup, UEFA Euro
Original Shows – SportsCenter, 30 for 30, PTI, First Take
No other sports network offers this level of in-depth coverage across leagues, insights from top analysts, and critically acclaimed original programming.
But this abundance of premium content comes at a price – ESPN is the most expensive basic cable channel, costing each subscriber over $9 a month. For cable packages that include ESPN, you‘ll pay around $50-85 per month.
Thankfully, you have alternatives to get ESPN at a much lower monthly cost. Here are the best options:
Watch ESPN Without Cable
Live TV Streaming Services
Live TV streaming services provide online access to live channels and on-demand content without the need for cable. Most include ESPN and its family of networks like ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, SEC Network, ACC Network, and more.
Here are the top four picks for streaming live ESPN channels through internet TV services:
| Service | Price/month | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $64.99 | 85+ channels Unlimited cloud DVR Roku, Apple TV, Firestick compatibility |
No NFL Network Limited customization |
| Hulu + Live TV | $69.99 | 75+ channels 50 hours cloud DVR Original Hulu on-demand shows |
Fewer regional sports networks DVR upgrades cost extra |
| Sling TV | Starts at $35 | Low base price Customize channel add-ons Access to premiums like RedZone |
No ESPN3 DVR costs extra Orange/Blue plan quirks |
| FuboTV | $69.99 | 100+ channels 250-hour cloud DVR All the sports channels |
No TNT or TBS More expensive packages |
As you can see, each live TV streaming service comes with certain pros and cons. Compare the channel lineups, features, and your budget to pick the best option.
Most streaming services offer free trials so you can test them out risk-free. Just remember to cancel before the trial ends to avoid being charged. Sling TV notably does not offer free previews.
Let‘s compare the sports and entertainment channels offered on each service:
| Channel | YouTube TV | Hulu + Live TV | Sling TV | FuboTV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESPN | Yes | Yes | Yes* | Yes |
| ESPN2/ESPN3 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| ESPNU | Yes | Yes | Add-on | Yes |
| ESPNews | Yes | Yes | Add-on | Yes |
| SEC Network | Yes | Yes | Add-on | Yes |
| NBA TV | Yes | No | Add-on | Yes |
| NFL Network | No | Yes | Add-on | Yes |
| NFL RedZone | Add-on | Add-on | Add-on | Add-on |
*ESPN and ESPN2 only on Sling Orange package
As we can see, FuboTV and YouTube TV offer the most robust sports channel lineups. While Sling TV starts cheaper, you‘ll need to add on many extras to get full sports coverage.
Most of these services keep improving, so check their latest channel offerings before signing up.
Now let‘s walk through how to get signed up with YouTube TV and watch ESPN live without cable:
- Go to tv.youtube.com – Create your YouTube TV account and select your preferences.
- Start YouTube TV free trial – Get 1-month free before your first payment of $64.99.
- Download YouTube TV app – Get the app on your streaming devices like Firestick, Roku, Apple TV or game consoles.
- Watch ESPN live – Tune to the ESPN channel in the YouTube TV guide to start streaming live.
- Set recordings – Use the unlimited DVR to schedule recordings for your favorite ESPN shows.
The process is similar when signing up with Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, or other services. Take advantage of free previews to decide on the best option before paying.
ESPN App with TV Provider Login
Another approach is using someone else‘s cable TV subscription to access the ESPN app.
If you can get login credentials from a qualifying cable provider, you can use their account to stream live ESPN channels on the ESPN app. This works for providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, Optimum, Cox, DirecTV, DISH.
You can also use the app with a live TV streaming service account like the ones mentioned earlier.
Here‘s how to stream ESPN with TV provider app access:
- Get provider login – Ask a friend or family member if you can use their cable/live TV credentials.
- Download ESPN app – Get the ESPN app on your smartphone, tablet, streaming device or computer.
- Select provider – Choose your provider from the list.
- Sign-in – Input username and password to log into the TV provider.
- Watch live ESPN – You can now access live ESPN channels in the app.
This gives you a legal way to stream ESPN by piggybacking off someone else‘s TV subscription. Just keep in mind access is tied to their account and subscription status.
ESPN+
ESPN+ gives you live sports and on-demand ESPN content without any cable or satellite subscription. But it does not include the main live ESPN channels.
For $9.99/month or $99.99/year, here‘s the key content you get:
- Out-of-market live games – MLB, NHL, MLS, and more
- College sports – Football, basketball, lacrosse, volleyball
- UFC, PFL, Top Rank boxing events, PGA Tour Live
- International soccer – Bundesliga, FA Cup, Carabao Cup
- 30 for 30 documentaries, ESPN originals, analysis shows
ESPN+ has a ton to offer specific sports fans without cable. But it lacks the mainstream ESPN channels with primetime live sports.
You can bundle ESPN+ together with Hulu and Disney+ for $13.99 a month which is an amazing deal.
Free Options
There are limited ways to watch ESPN free legally:
- Locast – Streaming service with local broadcast channels. May offer ABC/ESPN in select regions like New York and Chicago.
- HD Antenna – Over-the-air antenna can get ABC affiliate in many areas, giving access to some live ESPN games.
- ESPN.com/ESPN App – Limited live scores, highlights, and articles for free on ESPN websites and app.
These free options come with major drawbacks like limited channels, availability, and lack of full replays. But can work in a pinch if you can‘t afford paid services.
How to Stream ESPN on Popular Devices
Once you have live ESPN access through a streaming service or app, you‘ll want to watch on your favorite devices.
Thankfully, the ESPN app is available on most major platforms – here‘s how to install and watch:
Fire TV Stick/Fire TV
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From Fire TV home, search "ESPN" and select the ESPN app.
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Install ESPN app and open it once downloaded.
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Choose your TV provider and sign-in to access live ESPN.
Roku
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Use Roku Channel Store to add ESPN app.
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Open the app once installed.
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Sign in with your streaming or cable provider credentials.
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Start streaming live ESPN channels and content.
Apple TV
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Find & download ESPN app from the App Store.
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Launch the app once installed.
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Input your TV provider login information.
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Access live ESPN networks right away.
iPhone/iPad
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Get the ESPN app from the Apple App Store.
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Select your TV provider and sign-in.
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You can now stream live ESPN on your iOS device.
Android Phone/Tablet
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Download ESPN app from the Google Play Store.
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Choose provider and input your username/password.
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Tap on any live ESPN network or sporting event.
The ESPN app works on most platforms including game consoles, smart TVs, Chromecast, computers, and more. Just download, log in, and enjoy live sports!
Watching Key ESPN Content Without Cable
Here are tips for streaming the biggest ESPN programs using the methods in this guide:
Monday Night Football
Stream live on ESPN through a live TV streaming service or the ESPN app. An antenna also provides access on local ABC.
NBA Basketball
Live games air on ESPN and ESPN2 throughout the NBA season. Ensure your streaming service includes those channels.
NCAA Football/Basketball
Hulu and FuboTV have the most college sports coverage including SEC Network and ACC Network.
SportsCenter
This ESPN staple can be streamed live or on-demand using a service with live ESPN channels.
30 for 30
Full archive of award-winning films available on ESPN+ or on-demand in ESPN app.
Check ESPN schedules online for when your desired live sports and programs are airing. An antenna provides ABC simulcasts of some ESPN content.
You‘ll never miss an exciting game or ESPN show again without overprasing cable!
Watch ESPN Networks Without Cable – Final Thoughts
We‘ve outlined several effective and affordable ways to stream live ESPN channels and content without cable TV in 2022.
Simply choose the option that aligns with your viewing preferences, budget, and devices. Sign up for a free trial from a live TV streaming service, download the ESPN app, or get an ESPN+ subscription.
Sports fans can now access ESPN‘s best live games, analysis shows, highlights and more without cable. Use this guide to cut the cord and save money while enjoying all that ESPN has to offer.
Let us know if you have any questions in the comments!
