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How To Watch Live Sports on ESPN and ESPN2 Online Without Cable in October 2025

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What You Need To Know To Stream ESPN and ESPN2

  • You can watch ESPN and ESPN2 on streaming services DIRECTV (Hulu + Live TV,  Fubo, Sling TVand  YouTube TV), cable networks, and even the ESPN app.
  • In October 2025, ESPN features Monday Night Football with 25 games including the ManningCast, while ESPN2 showcases "The Kingdom" docuseries following the Chiefs' Super Bowl quest, weeknight college football, and UFC coverage including Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2.
  • Fall documentary lineup includes 30 for 30 episodes like "The U," "Bullies of Baltimore," and "Catholics vs. Convicts," plus special programming on the Florida Panthers' 2025 Stanley Cup Championship run.
  • Thousands of live sporting events, from NFL and NBA games to college football, Formula 1 racing, and niche sports, are broadcast on these channels throughout the fall season.

While the NBA and NHL playoff seasons have come to a close, ESPN and ESPN2 will broadcast Savannah Bananas games, UFC events, and Athletes Unlimited Softball. You'll also catch quirky competitions during ESPN8: The Ocho and full access to popular shows like SportsCenter, The Pat McAfee Show, and NFL Live.

Plus, October brings expanded NFL coverage with Monday Night Football featuring the ManningCast, while NBA season tips off with live games and daily coverage on NBA Today. With Fall's packed schedule of college football, UFC events, and Formula 1 racing, ESPN needs to be in your channel lineup.


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 DIRECTV, Hulu + Live TV, 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 on DIRECTV with a 5-day free trial

DIRECTV logo
  • Pricing begins at $84.99/mo
  • 90+ live TV channels
  • Free trial available

Watching ESPN on DIRECTV 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 with Hulu + Live TV with a 3-day free trial

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

Hulu + Live TV plans include ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNews with unlimited cloud DVR, plus bundled ESPN Plus for exclusive live events and original shows. Whether you're watching Monday Night Football, NBA games, college football, or UFC fights, you won't miss any action and you can test it out with their 3-day free trial.


Watch ESPN and ESPN2 on Fubo with a 5-day free trial

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 and get 50% off your first month

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 with a 10-day free trial

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, 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.