How to Stream ESPN in 2025: All Legal, Free, and Paid Options
When it comes to sports, ESPN is the top dog in TV. With its combination of live events, highlights, and analysis, it’s a must-have for most sports fans.
Here’s everything you need to know about watching ESPN in 2025.
How to Watch ESPN for Free
There are a few legal ways to watch ESPN live without paying.
Free Trials of Streaming Services with ESPN
You can watch ESPN with free trials of multi-channel streamers like DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV. Those services typically offer 1-5 days of free streaming. Cancel before the trial ends and you won’t be charged.
Paid Options to Stream ESPN
There are 5 streaming services that offer the full ESPN channel in 2025.
Watching ESPN with DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM is a great live TV option with several different channel packages. In fact, DIRECTV STREAM offers more channels than any other live streamer. ESPN is available on the following packages: MySports ($69.99) Entertainment ($86.99), Choice ($114.99) Ultimate ($129.99), and Premier ($169.99)
You’ll get an unlimited DVR, unlimited streams at home, and a very friendly user interface. It’s my top choice for first-time cord-cutters.
$34.99/mo.+
Read our full DIRECTV STREAM review.
Watching ESPN with Sling TV
Sling TV is a strong choice for ESPN. Choose the Sling Orange or Orange + Blue package to access ESPN. Sling offers the least expensive way to watch ESPN. It’s a good service for sports fans, although it does have a few holes in its lineup.
$45.99/mo. $23/mo.
Read our full Sling TV review.
Watching ESPN with Fubo
I don’t normally recommend Fubo because its price is outrageous compared to its competitors. The channel lineup has some giant holes. Still, you can get ESPN with the following packages: Pro ($100.98) and Elite ($110.98).
$100.98/mo. $70.99/mo.
Watching ESPN with Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV might be the best value in live TV streaming. Not only do you get a generous channel lineup, you also get free Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu on-demand. It’s a great package for families. Many users complain about the clunky interface. Still, it’s a ton of entertainment for a fair price and you will be able to stream ESPN.
$82.99/mo.
Read our full Hulu + Live TV review.
Watching ESPN with YouTube TV
YouTube TV is quickly becoming a dinosaur in the live TV streaming world. It was my go-to solution for several years, but I dropped it as the price climbed and the channel lineup remained stale. It’s the same price as Hulu + Live TV but without the free streaming services. YouTube TV does carry ESPN.
$82.99/mo.
Read our full YouTube TV review.
Live TV Streaming Services That Do Not Carry ESPN
Philo, and Frndly TV do not carry ESPN.
Can You Watch ESPN with an Antenna?
You cannot access ESPN with an antenna.
Can You Watch ESPN with ESPN+?
ESPN+ is a fine streaming service for sports, but it does not offer the full ESPN channel. A direct-to-consumer ESPN streamer is supposed to arrive later in 2025.
Can You Watch ESPN with Disney+?
Disney+ does offer several “30 for 30” documentaries and ESPN’s studio shows like “College GameDay” and “Pardon the Interruption.”
You will also be able to watch a “limited selection of ESPN+ sports content.”
What Can You Watch with ESPN?
Obviously, ESPN is home to sports and studio shows like “The Pat McAfee Show” and “SportsCenter.” Some events may appear on sister channels like ESPN2, ESPN3, and ESPNU. Here are some of the key sports.
- Monday Night Football
- UFL
- Bundesliga
- La Liga
- NWSL
- MLB
- NBA
- WNBA
- PGA
- NHL
- Tennis
- NCAA Football
- NCAA Basketball
Conclusion and Recommendations
Sports fans will find it hard to live without ESPN. Budget hunters will need to choose between Sling TV and DIRECTV STREAM.
While Sling TV has a lot of great features, I think DIRECTV STREAM offers the best selection of channel packages, features, and price. Its access to regional sports channels also gives it a leg up over Sling.
