What Channel Is ESPN On?

Since its launch in 1979, ESPN has regularly revolutionized how we watch sports on TV. Of course, sports broadcasting has changed a lot in recent years. Over-the-top streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, and Peacock are revving up their live sports content. But there’s still much demand for the traditional ESPN channels because of their exclusive programming.

In this play-by-play guide, we outline how to add ESPN channels to your viewing roster. We also explain the difference between ESPN and ESPN+. And, if you already have an existing TV subscription, we’ll point you in the right direction to find the channel number for ESPN.

Jump to:

• ESPN channel numbers
• Get ESPN with cable or satellite
• Get ESPN with a live TV streaming service
• What’s on ESPN?

What is the channel for ESPN on TV?

ESPN channel numbers can vary by TV provider location. Only satellite services like DIRECTV and DISH maintain consistent channel numbers because they’re available nationwide.

ESPN channel availability on popular TV providers

Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by area and are subject to change.
*ESPNews, ESPNU, and ESPN Deportes may require higher-tiered plans or add-on subscriptions.

Get ESPN with cable or satellite

Most cable and satellite TV providers offer ESPN and other important sports channels like FOX Sports 1 (FS1) and CBS Sports Network. No matter which service you go with, you’re bound to find coverage of your favorite sport.

Here are four of our favorite cable and satellite TV providers:

• Xfinity ($20.00–$80.00/mo.)
• Spectrum ($59.99/mo.)
• DISH ($79.99–$109.99/mo.)
• DIRECTV ($64.99–$154.99/mo.)

Get ESPN with a live TV streaming service

All the major live TV streaming services carry ESPN channels. Each service has its pros and cons, so we recommend visiting our Best Streaming Services for Sports page to review how they stack up sportswise.

One of our favorite services to stream ESPN is Hulu + Live TV. Not only does it come with ESPN and ESPN2, but it also has ESPN College Extra, ESPNews, and ESPNU in its base plans. And if that’s not enough ESPN for you, Hulu + Live TV includes ESPN+ at no extra cost. That means you can seamlessly navigate between the traditional ESPN channels and ESPN+ content, all within the Hulu app.

For reference, here’s a quick look at all five of our top ways to watch ESPN without cable:

• DIRECTV STREAM ($74.99–$154.99/mo.)
• fuboTV ($74.99–$94.99/mo.)
• Hulu + Live TV ($69.99–$82.99/mo.)
• Sling TV ($40.00–$55.00/mo.)
• YouTube TV ($72.99/mo.)

To stream live TV—especially live sports—you want fast and reliable internet. Check out our Best Internet for Streaming guide for ways to improve your streaming experience.

What’s the cheapest way to get ESPN?

Sling TV offers the cheapest way to get ESPN. The Sling Orange plan costs $40 a month and comes with ESPN and ESPN2. You even get in-app access to ESPN3, a digital-only overflow network that airs tons of live sports that ESPN can’t fit onto its main channels.

The biggest downside to Sling TV is that it doesn’t carry many local channels, which are vital for watching events like the Super Bowl and the World Series. Luckily, an over-the-air (OTA) antenna can pick up channels in your area, and there’s a slick Sling TV deal featuring a free antenna. Plus, ESPN3 usually simulcasts extra Formula One coverage and live sports airing on ABC, so you can still get those marquee ESPN on ABC broadcasts through Sling TV.

What’s on ESPN?

ESPN airs news and analysis programs, debate shows, documentaries, and live games. The channel basically covers every sport under the sun—especially when ESPN8: The Ocho programming rolls around each year with its obscure sports. Delivering sports content 24/7 is a bold strategy, but it pays off for us fanatics.

Here’s just a fraction of what you’ll find on ESPN and ESPN2.

What’s ESPN?

ESPN is a basic cable network dedicated to all things sports. Founded in the late 1970s, the channel was originally the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network. But that name eventually became “ESPN” before its debut on September 7, 1979, at 7 p.m. Eastern with the first broadcast of SportsCenter.

Over the years, ESPN helped popularize events like the NFL Draft and created its own, like the X Games. ABC’s purchase of ESPN in 1984 took the channel to another level, introducing more live games from leagues like MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL. Now, ESPN is still that same channel from 1979 airing SportsCenter daily, but it’s also a major media outlet with an international TV, radio, and internet presence.

What channel is ESPN on FAQ