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How to Get ESPN on Your TV and Wireless Devices

What devices can you use to watch ESPN? Learn about all your options to watch ESPN on cable TV, streaming services, and dedicated apps.

As one of the longest-running and most successful sports channels in television’s short history, ESPN covers a wide variety of sporting events from around the world, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s no surprise, then, that ESPN has an average of 115 million viewers each month.

Whether you’re looking for college football, NBA games, soccer matches, or Sunday night baseball, ESPN has your back with high-quality coverage of all of your favorite teams and events.


ESPN Access is Changing

ESPN access has changed in quite a few key ways over the past several years. Even some of the most avid sports watchers may not be aware of all of their options.

Under the ESPN umbrella there are many programming options, including Watch ESPN and ESPN Plus. Additionally, access to ESPN has expanded beyond just cable TV to multiple additional platforms.

Are you ready to experience the full range of ESPN offerings? Though cable TV is probably still the most popular and reliable way to view all of your favorite ESPN games and events, there are a lot more on-the-go options — some of which are accessible through your cable TV provider.

Here are some of the ways you can increase your access to ESPN programming.


ESPN Online Access

Did you know that you don’t need a cable TV subscription to watch ESPN on your TV?

If you’re familiar with video streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu, then you’ve already got the idea. You can stream ESPN directly to your TV through your phone or other mobile devices — no cable subscription needed.

Simply download the ESPN streaming app to learn more about what your subscription to the channel might cost based on the streaming services you’re accessing it through.

For example, Hulu’s live TV service includes classic ESPN, as well as ESPN 2, ESPNews, and ESPNU. You’ll have full access to these and many other cable TV channels for $64.99, along with complete access to all other streaming content on Hulu.

Many other online streaming services, including Youtube TV, Vidgo, Sling TV, and Fubo TV, offer cable channel packages that feature many of the same ESPN offerings as Hulu.

Not sure whether your streaming service offers ESPN? Take some time to browse subscription availability and find out if it’s offered.


Can I Purchase ESPN Online Without a Streaming Service?

Don’t want to pay for a streaming service because all you really want is ESPN? No worries!

You can also bring your favorite ESPN programming directly to your mobile phone, tablet, Xbox, Apple TV, Roku, and more with a cable TV subscription and the WatchESPN app.


What is WatchESPN?

WatchESPN is an exclusive app that provides access to all of the individual programming options that the ESPN network has to offer including: ·
  • ESPN2
  • ESPN3
  • ESPNU
  • SEC Network and SEC Network+
  • ESPN Deportes
  • ESPNews
  • ACC Network Extra
  • Longhorn Network
  • Buzzer Beater/Goal Line/Bases Loaded

So, how do you get WatchESPN? Read on to find out.


How Do I Subscribe to WatchESPN?

To use WatchESPN, you’ll need a cable TV subscription.

All you have to do is download the app. Then, select your cable TV provider and enter your password.

Once you’ve connected, you’ll find that many of the programming options on WatchESPN are available free of charge. Even better, they can be accessed on any connected device no matter where you are!


What Is ESPN+?

Unlike the cable TV channel add-ons that are optional with streaming services, ESPN Plus is a live, on-demand streaming service all its own. It provides sports fans everywhere with all of their favorite events and games without the need to pay for any extra channels.

ESPN Plus subscribers also get access to exclusive live events, series, and original shows that aren’t available on classic ESPN networks.

ESPN Plus includes all of your favorites — from select games from the NBA, MLB, MLS, and NHL to a variety of college sports, UFC events, PGA golf, there is something for everyone.


How to Access ESPN+

If you’re an avid sports watcher, you can purchase an ESPN Plus-only package for just $5.99 per month or opt for the annual payment plan of $60 per year to enjoy streaming straight to your mobile device or TV.

You can also purchase ESPN Plus with the Disney Bundle, which includes Hulu and Disney Plus streaming services for just $13.99 per month.

One word of caution: the content on ESPN+ is not the same content as what is offered on cable TV’s packages, so you still may need a cable TV subscription and WatchESPN to cover all your sport viewing needs.


Can I Watch ESPN Plus Without TV Providers?

Yes! You don’t need to work with a cable TV provider to purchase ESPN Plus streaming. However, if you’d like to add cable TV channel access, you can always opt for the cable bundle through Hulu if you purchased ESPN Plus within the Disney Bundle.

Watching ESPN for Free

Looking for free access to ESPN content? If you want to try and watch ESPN content for free, the best way to do so is to take advantage of a free trial.

Hulu Live TV offers a 7-day free trial, which includes a host of channels in addition to ESPN content. Youtube TV and Fubo TV also provide 7-day free trials. DirecTV Stream issues a full refund if you cancel your subscription within two weeks of signing up.

If you take advantage of each service’s free trial, you’ll be able to watch ESPN for free for weeks. You’ll also have a better idea of which streaming service you prefer once it’s time to officially sign up. Or, you’ll find that cable TV’s traditional offering — especially with the WatchESPN app — makes the most sense for your viewing habits and desires.

As you can see, there are so many ways to access everything ESPN has to offer through cable TV and streaming options.

At SmartMove, we can help you find the best ways to access services like ESPN. Learn about cable TV and ESPN options where you live today!
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