How to Watch ESPN and ESPN2 in 2024

What is ESPN and ESPN2?

ESPN and ESPN2 are premier sports networks for sports fans. At the forefront of sports viewing, these are the channels you need to stay up to date on all your favorite teams and players. Launched in 1979, ESPN has round-the-clock programming, whether it’s games, highlights, commentary or documentary-style coverage of the sports world. ESPN2 was launched in 1993 as an offshoot to target a younger audience, but that shifted within a few years. Now, the channel simply runs as a companion to ESPN, hosting much of the same kind of content and bringing all of the sports to fans. 

ESPN is more commonly home to leagues like the NBA and the NFL, whereas ESPN2 is the home of FIFA and Formula One.

How to watch ESPN and ESPN2

How to watch ESPN and ESPN2 with Sling TV (Featured partner)

ESPN and ESPN2 are only available with Sling Orange and Sling Orange & Blue (not Sling Blue). Depending on which package you choose, simultaneous streams range from 1 to 3.

What sports offerings does Sling TV provide? 

Sling TV offers local channels in some markets, but you’re not going to find any regional sports networks. In addition to ESPN and ESPN2, customers can watch sports on TNT, ESPN3 and Motortrend. NBA TV, NHL Network and more are available with the Sports Extra add-on for $11 per month.

Sling TV is much more limited in channels, but if you’re on a budget, it could be a good option for you because it still offers the core sports channels. Plus, you can get 50 hours of cloud DVR, so you can record the games while you’re not home (or even if you are home and want to be able to rewatch later).

How to watch ESPN and ESPN2 with DIRECTV STREAM

All of DIRECTV STREAM's plans include ESPN and ESPN2, so choosing a plan for you depends on what channel selection you’re looking for. Beyond that, the more money you spend, the more channels you have to enjoy.

What sports offerings does DIRECTV STREAM provide? 

DIRECTV STREAM has a wealth of options for sports fans. If you choose the Choice, Ultimate or Premier plans, you’ll have access to local channels, as well as regional sports networks. Plus, NBA TV, MLB Network, FS1, FS2, and more are included in the channel lineup with ESPN and ESPN2. This means you can watch all the major championships — like the NBA Playoffs or the Super Bowl — as well as the games leading up to them. Who wants to miss out on watching their team making their way to victory?

How to watch ESPN and ESPN2 with Fubo

ESPN and ESPN2 are included in all of Fubo's plans, and customers can stream on 10 devices at a time.

What sports offerings does Fubo provide? 

Beyond ESPN and ESPN2, Fubo has plenty of channels to choose from, including local channels and regional sports networks. You’ll also see Big Ten Network, CBS Sports Network, ESPNU, FS1, FS2 and many more. Some of the popular sports channels like NBA TV and MLB Network require the Sports Plus with NFL RedZone add-on for $11 per month, and Fubo also doesn’t include TNT, which is a popular channel for games. Otherwise, Fubo has a lot to offer sports fans.

How to watch ESPN and ESPN2 with Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV has two plans that are basically the same, except that one has ads and one doesn’t for its on-demand content. You can stream on two devices, but customers have the option to upgrade that to unlimited.

What sports offerings does Hulu + Live TV provide? 

Hulu + Live TV does have your local channels to stream sporting events, but it’s not going to have regional sports networks. In addition to ESPN and ESPN2, sports fans can watch Big 10 Network, ESPNU, Golf Channel, SEC Network and more. Hulu + Live TV doesn’t have as many channels as some of the other streamers, but it does offer its on-demand library of movies and TV shows for customers to enjoy. Plus, Hulu + Live TV comes with a subscription to Disney Plus and ESPN Plus, which means even more content to watch. With ESPN Plus, especially, you have even more sports to watch.

How to watch ESPN and ESPN2 with YouTube TV

YouTube TV has just one plan. It includes unlimited cloud DVR and unlimited simultaneous streams. ESPN and ESPN2 are both included in the channel lineup.

What sports offerings does YouTube TV provide? 

YouTube TV has quite a few sports channels covered. You can stream games on local networks and a few regional sports networks. ESPN and ESPN2 are there, but sports lovers can also stream TNT, NBA TV, CBS Sports Network, ESPNEWS, Golf Channel, NFL Network and more. What makes YouTube TV the most unique is its enhanced features, like Key Plays View and Stats View, that give you real-time insights and highlights while you’re watching your favorite teams play.

How to watch ESPN and ESPN2 on the app

You can watch ESPN content live in the ESPN app, which is available to download free from the iTunes store and Google Play store. However, to access the live shows, you need a cable subscription. Alternatively, you can watch ESPN or ESPN2 through one of the previously mentioned streaming services’ apps instead.

FAQ

What’s the difference between ESPN and ESPN2?

ESPN2 was created as a sister channel to ESPN to draw in a younger audience. However, over the years, it has grown to simply be a companion to ESPN and hosts much of the same sports-centric shows and news.

Does Amazon Prime have ESPN and ESPN2?

Yes, you can watch ESPN and ESPN2 on Amazon Prime. You can get the ESPN app through Prime, which will require you to log in, and ESPN2 requires an add-on for an additional cost.

What is ESPN3?

ESPN3 is a digital channel. This channel, which is part of the ESPN brand, hosts all kinds of sporting events, including volleyball games, basketball games and golf.