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NBA on ESPN logo on a camera at the Denver Nuggets game
Mar 12, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; General view of ESPN broadcast camera during a game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

How to Watch live sports on ESPN and ESPN2 without cable

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The time of year where Playoffs begin has finally arrived for sports fanatics. The NBA and NHL seasons have closed and this years playoffs will be something you won't want to miss. Will the Lakers and newly acquired Luka be able to make a deep run? Will the Colorado Avalanche be able to bring another cup home without the help of Mikko Rantanen? 

With live coverage of both the NBA and NHL playoffs, ESPN is a must have channel for the next few months. Coverage begins April 16th with the Miami Heat taking on the Chicago Bulls and the Sacramento Kings facing the Dallas Mavericks following the East Coast 9/10 Play-in matchup.

Key Takeaways

  • You can watch ESPN and ESPN2 on streaming services (Hulu + Live TVDIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Sling TVand YouTube TV), cable networks, and even the ESPN app.
  • ESPN and ESPN2 are American international networks owned by the Walt Disney Company.
  • Thousand of live sporting events are broadcast on these channels every year ranging from NBA and NHL Playoffs to niche sports like cricket.

How to watch ESPN and ESPN2 live?

With access to ESPN and ESPN2 at home or on the go, you won't miss a single play this post season. Streaming services such as Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Sling TV, and YouTube TV all offer free trials or first month discounts for new subscribers to test out the service before fully committing.


Watch ESPN and ESPN2 with Hulu + Live TV

Hulu logo
  • Pricing begins at $82.99/mo
  • 95+ live TV channels
  • Free trial available

Hulu + Live TV plans offer ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNews in both options, along with unlimited cloud DVR so you can record games and watch them anytime. Your subscription will also come bundled with ESPN Plus, giving you access to exclusive live events, original shows, and in-depth sports analysis. 

Whether you're tuning in for NBA Playoffs, the Stanley Cup, college football, or UFC fights, Hulu + Live TV makes sure you are there for every moment of the action. Test out Hulu + Live TV for 3 days free with their current free trial offering.


Watch ESPN and ESPN2 on DIRECTV STREAM

DIRECTV Stream logo
  • Pricing begins at $86.99/mo
  • 90+ live TV channels
  • Free trial available

Watching ESPN on DIRECTV STREAM is simple with any of its packages since they all include ESPN, ESPN2, and other must-have sports channels. For an even deeper sports lineup, subscribers can upgrade to the Choice package or higher, which adds networks like ESPNU, ACC Network, SEC Network, and regional sports networks (RSNs) for local team coverage. 

With unlimited cloud DVR, you can record games and never miss a moment. The ability to stream on unlimited devices at home makes it easy to keep up with the action from anywhere. Test out the service for free with a 5 day free trial offering.


Watch ESPN and ESPN2 on Fubo

Fubo logo
  • Pricing begins at $84.99/mo.
  • 211+ live TV channels
  • Free trial available

Fubo subscribers can select the Pro, Elite, or Premier plans, all of which include ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNews. With Fubo’s sports-focused lineup, you’ll also get channels like FS1, CBS Sports Network, and regional sports networks, making it a great choice for comprehensive game-day coverage. 

If you're looking for even more action, you can add the Sports Plus package for access to ESPNU, SEC Network, and more. Plus, with 1,000 hours of cloud DVR and the ability to stream on multiple devices, you’ll never miss a big play


Watch ESPN and ESPN2 with Sling TV

Sling TV logo
  • Pricing begins at $45.99/mo.
  • 35+ live TV channels
  • Free trial currently unavailable

Sports fans can catch all the action on ESPN and ESPN2 with Sling TV by choosing any of the available plans. Sling Orange includes ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3, giving you access to major sporting events like NBA games, college basketball, Monday Night Football, and more. 

If you want even more coverage, you can add the Sports Extra package for an additional fee, unlocking channels like ESPNU, SEC Network, and ACC Network. Plus, you'll get 50 hours of cloud DVR (upgradeable to 200 hours) so you can record your favorite games and watch them on your schedule.


Watch ESPN and ESPN2 on YouTube TV

YouTube TV logo
  • Pricing begins at $82.99/mo
  • 100+ live TV channels
  • Free trial available

YouTube TV is one of the best all-around streaming platforms for a more straightforward, cable-like experience. There’s plenty of channels, including ESPN and a wide selection of other live sports programming. 

The base plan includes mainstays like ESPN2, ESPNU, FS1, NFL Network, ACCN, SEC Network, TBS and TNT, along with a lot of national action on your local stations. You can add even more action with the NFL RedZone with Sports Plus add-on or a subscription to NFL Sunday Ticket.


FAQ

How can I stream ESPN and ESPN2?

ESPN and ESPN2 are available on a variety of live TV streaming services. These include Sling TV, Fubo, DIRECTV STREAM, Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV.

Can I watch ESPN with Amazon Prime?

No, ESPN is not currently available as an Amazon Prime paid channel. If you have ESPN with another provider, you can download a free app that lets you watch it on an Amazon Fire TV.

What's the cheapest way to get ESPN?

Sling Orange has ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3. The plan costs a reasonable amount per month and represents the cheapest way to get these channels. 

Luke Daugherty is a freelance writer, editor, and former operations manager based in St. Louis. His work covers business, marketing, and personal finance, as well as many of his personal passions, including coffee, music, and social issues.