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How to Watch ESPN Without Cable

Trying to legally and safely watch ESPN without a cable TV subscription? SmartMove has the answers you need to stream your favorite sports.

 

ESPN is the go-to network for  sports fans to access live game coverage, recaps, analysis, drafts, announcements, and more. While most viewers access ESPN through their cable subscription, many fanatics are looking toward streaming services to stay ahead of the game.

Luckily, there are several ways to tune in to ESPN without cable. That being said, users who want the most robust and versatile ESPN viewing experience should stick with an ESPN cable package that includes an on-the-go app to keep the score of soccer matches no matter where they are. 

For cord cutters, the best ways to get ESPN without a cable package include network TV broadcasts, streaming apps, and live and on-demand cloud platforms. Read on to learn more.

 

Network TV Broadcasts

Technically you can’t get ESPN from a network TV broadcast. What you can get, however, is high-quality and ubiquitous live sports coverage from NBC, FOX, ABC, CBS, and the like. 

Even if you have ESPN through a cable subscription, having access to network TV can keep you from falling victim to blackouts that keep certain games and events from being aired on ESPN in certain markets.

The ESPN+ Streaming App

Live TV sports streaming gives users access to games and events they would never have had access to previously. With the ESPN+ app, those live games — and plenty of other great sports-related content — are accessible on-the-go on your mobile device


Sports fans can watch ESPN+ live online for access to live sports broadcasts or use the ESPN+ app for on-demand coverage.

It should be noted that in order to stream ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPN News, ESPN U, and other regional sports networks, including the Spanish language ESPN Deportes, a cable TV subscription that includes ESPN is necessary.

Live and On-Demand TV Streaming Services

ESPN streaming channels can be found on many different services. These same services offer access to premium channels such as HGTV and AMC. The best channel lineups also include premium cloud DVR and DVR storage services.

Hulu Live TV and YouTube TV offer access to ESPN and many of its subsidiary channels. Other sports apps such as NBA TV are also available for watching live events.

Sports fans can take advantage of the many available platforms to watch their favorite games on a wide variety of streaming devices that include:

  • Roku, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV

  • Apple TV and Android TV

  • Android and iPhone iOS devices

  • SmartTVs

  • PlayStation and Xbox

In many ways, ESPN — and accessing sports coverage in general — without cable has never been easier. Here are some sports streaming alternatives to cable that also provide great live sports coverage as well as ESPN access.

fuboTV

fuboTV offers a comprehensive lineup of channels, largely focusing on sports broadcasts. The company sets itself apart with its large selection of live sports streams and channels, including ESPN and the NFL Network.

Sling TV

Sling TV is a well-known cable alternative that has set the standard for live and on-demand television. A subsidiary of Dish Network, Sling add-on ‘Sling Orange’ offers a variety of sports extras, including ESPN.

Vidgo

Vidgo offers a wide variety of channels and streaming options sports fans can take advantage of, including ESPN. While it’s a much newer contender in the live channels market, it offers a robust set of packages that rival other streaming platforms.

Use Cable for the Best Sports Entertainment Experience

Network TV broadcasts, ESPN+, and on-demand streaming services offer a cable TV-free option for sports fans. Although there are many valid options for catching your favorite sports on ESPN, cable TV still takes the lead as the MVP for all of the content ESPN has to offer.

SmartMove Can Help

If you want better cable TV services for watching and streaming ESPN on-the-go, we can help. We make it simple to find  cable and/or Internet  providers where you are or wherever you may be headed.

Whether you’re looking for Internet, cable TV, or smart home services, SmartMove’s easy-to-use service locator will make sure your digital life stays in sync.

Enter your address and find the package you need to watch ESPN, stream live sports, and stay connected all at the same time!
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