How to Stream ESPN in 2026: 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 2026.

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, 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 6 streaming services that offer the full ESPN channel in 2026.

Watching ESPN with ESPN Unlimited

If all you care about is ESPN, ESPN Unlimited allows you to subscribe to the channel directly.

The ESPN app has two tiers. ESPN Select (which used to be called ESPN+) has nearly all out-of-market NHL games, the “30 for 30” documentary catalog and tons of college sports.

ESPN Unlimited includes all of that plus the full linear ESPN channel and every sporting event that airs on ABC. You have the option of subscribing to the app by itself or bundling it several ways.

Read our full ESPN app review.

Watching ESPN with DIRECTV

DIRECTV is a great live TV option with several different channel packages. In fact, DIRECTV 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)

As long as your package includes ESPN, you’ll get free ESPN Unlimited access.

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.

Read our full DIRECTV 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. You can stream Sling for as little as $4.99 for one day’s access.

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: Fubo Sports ($55.99), Pro ($100.98) and Elite ($110.98). All of these include free access to ESPN Unlimited.

Read our full Fubo review.

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 Unlimited, 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.

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.

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.

What Happened to ESPN+?

ESPN+ is now called ESPN Select. It’s a fine streaming service for sports, but it does not offer the full ESPN channel. You’d have to upgrade to ESPN Unlimited to get the full linear ESPN channel.

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 and ESPNU. Here are some of the key sports.

• Monday Night Football
• UFL
• Bundesliga
• La Liga
• NWSL
• MLB
• NBA
• WWE
• WNBA
• PGA
• NHL
• Tennis
• NCAA Football
• NCAA Basketball

Conclusion and Recommendations

Sports fans will find it hard to live without ESPN. ESPN Unlimited is a great choice if that’s the only channel you care about.

Budget hunters looking for a more robust sports package with ESPN will need to choose between Sling TV and DIRECTV.

While Sling TV has a lot of great features, I think DIRECTV offers the best selection of channel packages, features, and price. Its access to regional sports channels also gives it a leg up over Sling.