How to Watch ABC Live Without Cable in 2026: How to Stream ABC Without Cable

DIRECTV Genre Packs: The Best Streaming Option for ABC

DIRECTV includes your local ABC affiliate in most markets across multiple Genre Packs, giving you flexibility to pick the package that matches how you watch.

MySports Genre Pack: Best for Sports Fans

If the reason you need ABC is the NBA Finals, Monday Night Football, the NFL Draft, college football, or NHL playoff games, MySports is the move.

• Price: $64.99 per month ($44.99 per month for the first two months)
• ABC: Yes (most markets)
• Other key channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, Fox, FS1, FS2, TBS, TNT, truTV, NBC (most markets), CBS Sports Network, NFL Network, MLB Network, NBA TV, NHL Network, SEC Network, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, Golf Channel, and more
• ESPN Unlimited: Included free (normally $29.99 per month standalone), giving you full ESPN app access, MLB.TV, and PGA TOUR LIVE
• DVR: Unlimited Cloud DVR
• Streams: Up to 20 simultaneous at home
• Free trial: 5 days
• Contract: None

MyNews Genre Pack: Best for News and Primetime Viewers

If you want ABC primarily for local news, World News Tonight, Good Morning America, and primetime entertainment like Abbott Elementary, Grey's Anatomy, and The Bachelor, MyNews is the most affordable DIRECTV option.

• Price: $39.99 per month
• ABC: Yes (most markets)
• Other channels: CBS, NBC, Fox, CNN, CNBC, Fox News, MS NOW, Newsmax, BBC News, and more (10+ channels)
• DVR: Unlimited Cloud DVR
• Contract: None

MySports + MyNews Duo Pack: Full Coverage

Want sports channels and news channels together? The Duo Pack bundles both.

• Price: $60 per month for the first two months (normally $80 per month combined)
• What you get: Everything in MySports and MyNews, including ABC, ESPN, Fox, FS1, TBS, TNT, CNN, NBC, NFL Network, MLB Network, and more
• ESPN Unlimited: Included free

What Airs on ABC in 2026 That You Don't Want to Miss

Sports

NBA: The 2026 NBA Finals just wrapped, with the New York Knicks defeating the San Antonio Spurs 4-1 on ABC (June 3 to 13). It was the Knicks' first championship in 53 years and the most-watched NBA Finals since 2018, averaging over 20 million viewers. All NBA Finals games air exclusively on ABC. During the regular season, ABC carries marquee Saturday and Sunday games, and conference finals games are split across ABC, ESPN, and NBC.

Monday Night Football: ABC simulcasts ESPN's Monday Night Football throughout the NFL season (September through January). Both ABC and ESPN are included in DIRECTV's MySports Genre Pack.

NFL Draft: The 2026 NFL Draft aired April 23 to 25 from Pittsburgh on ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network. Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) went No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. MySports carries all three networks that broadcast the draft.

NHL: The 2026 Stanley Cup Final aired on ABC, with the Carolina Hurricanes defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in six games. ABC carries select regular-season NHL games on Saturdays and Stanley Cup Playoff games throughout the spring.

College Football: Select Saturday afternoon games air on ABC, including marquee Big Ten, SEC, and ACC matchups. ABC will also carry Monday Night Football alongside ESPN starting in September.

The Oscars: The annual Academy Awards ceremony airs live on ABC.

Entertainment (Current and Fall 2026)

ABC's scripted lineup includes Abbott Elementary, Grey's Anatomy, 9-1-1 (now in its fourth season on ABC after moving from FOX), 9-1-1: Nashville, The Rookie, High Potential, Shifting Gears, Will Trent, R.J. Decker, and the new revival of Scrubs. Unscripted programming includes Dancing with the Stars, Shark Tank, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, American Idol (Season 24 wrapped May 11 with Hannah Harper winning), Celebrity Jeopardy!, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, America's Funniest Home Videos, and Jimmy Kimmel Live!

News

World News Tonight with David Muir, Good Morning America, 20/20, and Nightline. Your local ABC affiliate also carries morning and evening local news, weather, and community coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I watch ABC live without cable?

You can watch ABC free with an over-the-air antenna in most areas. For streaming, DIRECTV's MyNews Genre Pack includes ABC for $39.99 per month, and the MySports Genre Pack includes ABC plus ESPN, Fox, TBS, TNT, and more for $44.99 per month (promo price). YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo also carry ABC.

Is ABC free with an antenna?

Yes. ABC is a broadcast network, and your local ABC affiliate transmits a free over-the-air signal. A digital antenna ($20 to $40 one-time cost) will pick up ABC in most areas.

Does DIRECTV MySports include ABC?

Yes. The DIRECTV MySports Genre Pack carries your local ABC affiliate in most markets along with ESPN, Fox, FS1, TBS, TNT, NBC, MLB Network, NFL Network, and 15+ other sports channels. ABC availability varies by ZIP code.

What is the cheapest way to stream ABC live?

DIRECTV's MyNews Genre Pack at $39.99 per month is the cheapest live TV streaming option that includes ABC along with CBS, NBC, Fox, CNN, and other news channels. For a sports-focused package, MySports starts at $44.99 per month (promo).

Are the NBA Finals on ABC?

Yes. Every game of the 2026 NBA Finals airs exclusively on ABC, starting June 3 at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Is Monday Night Football on ABC?

Yes. ABC simulcasts ESPN's Monday Night Football throughout the NFL season. Both ABC and ESPN are included in DIRECTV's MySports Genre Pack.

Can I watch ABC shows on Hulu without live TV?

Yes. Many ABC shows (Abbott Elementary, Grey's Anatomy, The Rookie, and others) are available on demand through Hulu's basic plan ($7.99 per month) the day after they air. However, you cannot watch live ABC programming or sports without the Hulu + Live TV plan ($89.99 per month).

Does DIRECTV require a satellite dish?

No. DIRECTV's Genre Packs are streaming-only products that work over your home internet connection through the DIRECTV app. No dish, no installation, no equipment rental.