Upcoming Live Sports Events on ESPN US
ESPN US Streaming Options
7 streaming options available
Authorized official broadcast providers. Regional carriage and subscription plans may vary by territory.
Streaming Plans & Pricing for ESPN US
DIRECTV Stream
Entertainment
- Channel included in base tier (no extra add-on required)
- 90+ live linear channels
- Includes local ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC broadcast feeds
- Unlimited Cloud DVR storage with 9-month retention
Fubo
Fubo Pro
- Channel included in base tier (no extra add-on required)
- 190+ linear channels including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN
- 1,000 hours of Cloud DVR storage
- 10 concurrent streams at home and 2 screens on-the-go
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV (With Ads)
- Channel included in base tier (no extra add-on required)
- 95+ live linear channels including ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC
- Includes Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ digital sports library
- Unlimited Cloud DVR storage with 9-month retention
YouTube TV
Spanish Plan
- Channel included in base tier (no extra add-on required)
- 30+ Spanish-language networks including Univision, Telemundo, and UniMás
- Includes ESPN Deportes, Fox Deportes, and TUDN
- Unlimited Cloud DVR storage with 9-month retention
Disney+
Disney+ Basic (With Ads) + Disney Bundle Trio Premium
- Requires Disney Bundle Trio Premium (+$26.99/mo on top of base plan)
- Full access to core Disney franchise libraries and embedded Hulu tiles
- Adaptive high-definition video streaming up to 1080p Full HD
- Up to 2 simultaneous active display streams
ESPN Unlimited
ESPN Select (Monthly)
- Channel included in base tier (no extra add-on required)
- 32,000+ live digital sports events annually
- NHL Power Play: 1,000+ out-of-market NHL telecasts
- Exclusive LaLiga, Bundesliga, and FA Cup matches
Sling TV
Sling Select
- Channel included in base tier (no extra add-on required)
- 10+ live linear channels
- Includes FS1, FOX News, FX, and NFL Network
- 3 simultaneous transmission screens
What Leagues & Sports Can You Watch on ESPN US?
ESPN US Streaming Guide: Verdict, Cost & Best Options
The Verdict
For years, watching the main ESPN channel without cable meant paying $75+ a month for a full live TV bundle, or settling for Sling Orange. Now you finally have a direct standalone option: ESPN Unlimited ($29.99/month) gives you the live 24/7 ESPN channel, ESPN2, SEC Network, ACC Network, and ESPNU directly inside the ESPN app without a cable contract. Just don't confuse it with the basic $11.99/month ESPN+ (ESPN Select) plan, which still does not include the main ESPN television channel. If you want extra cable channels like TNT and TBS alongside ESPN, Sling Orange ($46/month) is the cheapest multi-channel bundle, though it restricts you to watching on only one screen at a time. Families who need multiple screens and local broadcast channels (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC) are better off with YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, or DIRECTV Stream.
Best For
- NFL fans watching Monday Night Football and wild card playoff games.
- College football fans following SEC and ACC matchups, College GameDay, and the College Football Playoff.
- NBA and WNBA viewers tuning in for midweek national doubleheaders, playoff series, and the NBA Finals.
- Tennis and UFC/boxing fans watching Wimbledon, the US Open, and fight nights.
- Cord-cutters who only want ESPN's channels ($29.99/mo on ESPN Unlimited) without paying $80+ for a full cable-replacement bundle.
Pricing Reality
Because ESPN is a pay-TV channel, you cannot pick it up for free with a digital antenna (though ABC simulcasts select Monday Night Football and college football games over the air). Your cheapest standalone way to get the actual 24/7 ESPN channel is ESPN Unlimited at $29.99/month (or $35.99/month bundled with Disney+ and Hulu). Do not buy the $11.99/month ESPN+ plan expecting to watch Monday Night Football or NBA games airing on the main ESPN channel—that tier only carries supplementary digital streams and locks out the live TV network. If you want a multi-channel live TV guide, Sling Orange ($46/month) is the lowest-priced bundle carrying ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3, but it strictly limits you to one stream at a time. For multi-screen households that also want local broadcast stations, ESPN is included in the base plans of YouTube TV ($72.99/month), Fubo ($79.99/month), Hulu + Live TV ($82.99/month, which includes Disney+ and ESPN+ at no extra charge), and DIRECTV Stream ($86.99/month).
What We Like
- Available standalone for $29.99/month on ESPN Unlimited without buying a full live TV bundle.
- Unmatched year-round live sports calendar covering the NFL, College Football Playoff, NBA, NHL, MLB, and tennis majors.
- Included in every major sports-focused live TV streaming bundle (Sling Orange, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DIRECTV Stream).
- Alternate broadcasts like the ManningCast and MegaCast are included for major NFL and college football games.
Things to Consider
- Cannot be watched for free with an over-the-air TV antenna.
- The $11.99/month ESPN+ plan does not include the live 24/7 ESPN television channel—you must pay $29.99/month for ESPN Unlimited or link a TV provider.
- Sling Orange ($46/month) only allows one person to stream ESPN at a time.
- Local market blackouts still apply to select MLB and NHL games if a regional sports network owns the local rights in your city.
Looking for a specific team or game?
Live rights are distributed daily across multiple television networks. Check today's sports TV schedule or find channels by team.
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How to Stream ESPN US: Live TV & Schedule FAQ
Does standard ESPN+ ($11.99/month) include the live ESPN TV channel?
No. The $11.99/month ESPN+ (ESPN Select) plan only includes out-of-market digital streams, UFC/PGA feeds, and on-demand shows—it does not include the live 24/7 ESPN cable channel. To watch the main ESPN channel without a live TV bundle, you need the $29.99/month ESPN Unlimited plan.
What is the cheapest way to watch ESPN live without cable?
If you only want ESPN's networks (ESPN, ESPN2, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPNU, and ESPN+), the standalone ESPN Unlimited plan at $29.99/month is the cheapest option. If you also want other cable channels like TNT and TBS, Sling Orange at $46/month is the cheapest multi-channel bundle.
Can I watch ESPN for free with a digital antenna?
No. ESPN is a cable network and does not broadcast over the air. However, Disney simulcasts several Monday Night Football games, Saturday night college football games, and the NBA Finals on ABC, which you can pick up for free with an antenna.
Why does Sling Orange only let me watch ESPN on one screen?
Under Disney's carriage contract with Sling TV, all channels inside the Sling Orange package (including ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3) are restricted to a single stream at a time. If you need multiple people in your house to stream ESPN simultaneously, you will need ESPN Unlimited, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, or DIRECTV Stream.
Does the Disney+ Bundle include the live ESPN channel?
The standard Disney Bundle Trio only includes ESPN+ digital content, not the live ESPN TV channel. To get the live 24/7 ESPN channel in a Disney bundle, you must pick either the Disney+/Hulu/ESPN Unlimited bundle ($35.99/month) or Hulu + Live TV ($82.99/month).
Recently Aired Matches on ESPN US
Where ESPN US is Available
Licensed Broadcast TerritoryOfficial distribution for ESPN US is licensed within United States. Check the full directory of verified television networks and legal cord-cutting options available in this territory.