How To Get ESPN on Your TV and Wireless Devices

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.

From college football and NBA games to soccer matches and Sunday night baseball, ESPN has your back with high-quality coverage of all of your favorite teams and events. If you're moving into a new home and trying to figure out how to keep your ESPN access intact, or weighing cable TV against streaming for the first time, this guide covers your options.

ESPN Access is Changing

ESPN access has changed 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 ESPN Select, ESPN Unlimited, and the fully redesigned ESPN streaming service launched in August 2025. 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.

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.

ESPN Select is the dedicated streaming home for live sports and exclusive ESPN content not available on traditional linear TV. There are two main plan tiers to choose from, depending on how you watch.

ESPN Select vs. ESPN Unlimited — What's the Difference?

Previously known as ESPN+, ESPN Select ($12.99/mo. or $129.99/yr.) gives you access to select games from the NBA, MLB, NFL, MLS, WNBA, and NHL, as well as a variety of college sports, UFC and WWE events, and the PGA Tour.

The ESPN Unlimited subscription ($29.99/mo. or $299.99/yr.) steps up coverage significantly, adding more live games across major leagues and expanded access to premium events. If you're an avid sports watcher who doesn't want to miss a thing, Unlimited is built for you.

Both plans include access to exclusive ESPN originals and documentaries, including series like The Captain and the full library of 30 for 30 films, which aren't available anywhere else.

ESPN and Streaming Services

Many live TV streaming services include ESPN in their channel packages, which is worth considering if you want ESPN alongside other cable TV channels without a traditional cable subscription. Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Fubo TV all offer packages that include ESPN, ESPN2, and other ESPN network channels.

Pricing and channel lineups vary by service, so it's worth comparing what's available at your new address.

Which Devices Can I Watch ESPN On?

ESPN Select and ESPN Unlimited are compatible with a wide range of devices, including:

• Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio, Fire TV),
• streaming sticks and boxes (Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast),
• gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox),
• mobile devices (iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets), and
• web browsers at ESPN.com.

If you're setting up a new home and haven't decided between a smart TV, streaming stick, or gaming console yet, any of these will give you full access to ESPN's streaming options.

What's Included in the ESPN Network Family?

ESPN Select, ESPN Unlimited, and cable TV packages give you access to far more than the flagship channel. The full ESPN network family includes:

• ESPN2,
• ESPNU,
• ESPNews,
• SEC Network and SEC Network+,
• ESPN Deportes,
• ACC Network Extra,
• Longhorn Network, and
• Buzzer Beater / Goal Line / Bases Loaded.

An important note to keep in mind: not every channel is available on every platform or streaming service. SEC Network, ACC Network Extra, Longhorn Network, and the specialty channels (Buzzer Beater, Goal Line, Bases Loaded) are most reliably accessible through a cable TV subscription.

If any of these are must-haves for you, you may want to consider cable TV when setting up service at a new address.

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 ESPN app.

How To Access ESPN

If you have a cable TV subscription, you may already have access to ESPN Select at no extra cost or at a discounted rate through your provider. Providers, including Spectrum, Xfinity, Cox, and others, offer ESPN Select activation as part of select cable packages.

If you're setting up TV service at a new address, it's worth finding out if ESPN Select is included before purchasing it separately. SmartMove can help you find providers in your area that offer this. Simply enter your address to get started.

You can also access ESPN as part of the Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited Bundle, which starts at $35.99/mo. This is a strong option if your household watches more than just sports. Disney continues to market this bundle using the ESPN+ name, so you may see it referred to as ESPN+ in your Disney Bundle.

One thing worth noting is that the content on ESPN Select is not the same as what's available through cable TV, so depending on which games and leagues matter most to you, a cable TV subscription may still be worth having.

Watching ESPN for Free

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

Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Fubo TV all offer free trials for new subscribers. Trial lengths and availability vary by service and may change, so check each provider's current offer before 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 sign up. Or, you'll find that cable TV's traditional offering — especially with access to the ESPN app — makes the most sense for your viewing habits and desires.

Common Questions About Watching ESPN

Do I need cable TV to watch ESPN?

No. ESPN Select gives you access to a large library of live sports and exclusive content without a cable subscription. Keep in mind, though, that some live games — particularly NFL, NBA playoffs, and NCAA games — air on the linear ESPN cable channel and may not be available on ESPN Select alone.

If those games matter to you, a cable TV package or a live TV streaming service that includes ESPN may be the better fit.

What's the cheapest way to watch ESPN?

ESPN Select at $12.99/mo. is the lowest-cost entry point. If you already subscribe to Disney+ or Hulu, bundling through the Disney Bundle can bring the per-service cost down further.

I'm moving — how do I make sure I have ESPN at my new address?

The easiest way is to check what cable TV and streaming options are available where you're moving. Providers and packages vary by area. SmartMove lets you enter your new address and see what's available, so you're not starting from scratch. Enter your address or call 1.877.298.8998, and a SmartMove specialist will walk you through your options.

Can I watch ESPN on multiple TVs or devices at the same time?

ESPN Select allows streaming on up to three devices simultaneously. If everyone in your household likes watching different games in different rooms, a live TV streaming service or cable TV package may give you better options.

Find the Best Way To Watch ESPN at Your New Address

Moving means making a lot of decisions at once, and figuring out your TV and Internet setup shouldn't be the hardest one. SmartMove can help you find the best cable TV and streaming options available at your new address, so you know exactly what ESPN access you're getting from day one.

Whether cable TV makes the most sense for your new home or you're ready to go streaming-only, we'll help you find the right fit. Learn about cable TV and ESPN options where you live today!