Don’t worry about the YouTube TV blackout! Discover the top 4 live TV alternatives to watch ESPN, ABC, and Disney Channels in 2025—without missing a single game.
ESPN Channels Go Dark on YouTube TV — Everything You Need to Know About the Blackout
If you opened YouTube TV recently and noticed that ESPN, ABC, or FX are suddenly missing, you’re not alone. As of October 31, 2025, Disney has removed all of its channels from YouTube TV after both companies failed to renew their carriage agreement. This decision has affected millions of subscribers across the U.S., leaving them without access to sports coverage, entertainment programs, and family content.
The impact is significant — sports fans lost the ability to watch college football, NBA, NHL, and Monday Night Football right in the middle of the season.
According to multiple reports, YouTube TV subscribers may receive a $20 credit if the blackout continues, but that still doesn’t solve the immediate problem: how to keep watching ESPN now.
The bright side? There are reliable and affordable streaming services that still include ESPN — many even come with free trials or flexible monthly plans so you can watch your favorite games instantly without the long-term cost of traditional cable.
Why ESPN and Disney-Owned Channels Are Missing on YouTube TV
This blackout stems from an ongoing carriage dispute between Disney and Google (YouTube TV’s parent company). These types of disputes occur when companies fail to agree on the fees required to carry certain channels. In this case, Disney and YouTube TV could not finalize new terms for channels such as ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ABC, FX, Freeform, and National Geographic.
When no agreement is reached, networks are legally required to remove their content from the platform. This explains why, as of now, all Disney-owned networks are unavailable on YouTube TV.
The dispute is not new — YouTube TV has faced similar standoffs before with NBCUniversal and FOX, which also led to temporary blackouts. However, this time the issue is more disruptive, mainly because of ESPN’s dominance in sports broadcasting.
As of early November 2025, there’s no confirmed date for resolution. Both Disney and YouTube have issued public statements expressing their desire to “work toward a quick resolution,” but so far, negotiations remain stalled. For now, the most practical approach is to switch — temporarily or permanently — to another service that offers ESPN live.
Best Ways to Watch ESPN Without YouTube TV in 2025
Even though ESPN is currently unavailable on YouTube TV, there’s no shortage of legal ways to stream it. Below are the best streaming services that include ESPN in their plans, so you can keep up with live sports without interruption.
These services differ in pricing, features, and channel lineups, allowing you to choose what fits your viewing style best — whether that’s a temporary trial or a complete replacement for YouTube TV.
Top ESPN Alternatives to YouTube TV (With Free Trials and Pricing)
1. DIRECTV Stream – A Full ESPN and Disney Channel Experience
Channels Included: ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, FX, Disney Channel, SEC Network
Starting Price: $49.99/month for the first month ($89.99/month after)
Free Trial: 5 days
DIRECTV Stream is one of the best full-scale replacements for YouTube TV. It offers all ESPN and Disney-owned channels along with a robust mix of local and regional sports networks. The service is available on Smart TVs, Roku, Fire Stick, and mobile devices.
What sets DIRECTV Stream apart is its wide channel selection and reliable HD quality. Subscribers can access college football, NFL, NBA, NHL, and more — without missing a game.
Tip: Take advantage of the five-day free trial to catch a full weekend of ESPN content for free before committing to a plan.
Why It’s Great: DIRECTV Stream is the closest match to YouTube TV, offering nearly identical channel coverage with additional sports-focused options.
2. Sling TV (Orange Plan) – The Most Affordable Way to Stream ESPN
Channels Included: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3
Starting Price: $40/month
Free Trial: No free trial, but occasional discounts
Sling TV’s Orange Plan is designed for budget-conscious sports fans. It includes ESPN’s primary channels at one of the lowest prices available among major live TV platforms.
You can add the Sports Extra add-on for $11/month to unlock ESPNU, ACC Network, and SEC Network — expanding your sports coverage while keeping your bill manageable.
Pro Tip: Sling TV often offers discounts for new users, so check for limited-time promotions to get your first month cheaper.
Why It’s Great: Sling TV provides flexibility and affordability, making it perfect for viewers who just want access to ESPN without dozens of extra channels.
3. FuboTV – The Sports-Focused Streaming Service with ESPN and More
Channels Included: ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, ACC Network, FS1, NFL Network, and over 20 sports channels
Starting Price: $45.99/month
Free Trial: 7 days
FuboTV was built specifically for sports fans. Along with ESPN, it offers access to major broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, as well as niche channels for regional and college sports.
Subscribers also get unlimited cloud DVR, allowing them to record games and watch later. Fubo’s user-friendly interface makes navigating sports content simple and fast.
Tip: Pair FuboTV with the ESPN app for even broader access, using your Fubo credentials to log in directly to ESPN platforms.
Why It’s Great: It’s ideal for users who want comprehensive sports coverage across multiple leagues and tournaments — not just ESPN.
4. Hulu + Live TV – ESPN Plus Disney and Hulu Originals in One
Channels Included: ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, FX, Disney Channel, National Geographic
Starting Price: $76.99/month
Free Trial: None
Hulu + Live TV brings together ESPN, Disney+, and Hulu’s on-demand content in a single plan. This package covers sports, entertainment, and movies all at once.
The platform also includes access to the ESPN+ library, meaning you can enjoy live events and exclusive programming like UFC, NHL, and college sports. It’s an excellent all-in-one option for families with diverse viewing interests.
Why It’s Great: Combines live sports, entertainment, and premium streaming libraries under one subscription.
5. ESPN+ – Exclusive Sports Coverage Without Cable
Channels Included: ESPN+ exclusive content (not the live ESPN feed)
Starting Price: $10.99/month
Free Trial: None
ESPN+ is not a direct replacement for ESPN’s live cable channels but serves as a valuable supplement. It features unique live sports, documentaries, and original shows unavailable on traditional ESPN.
Sports fans can access UFC events, soccer leagues, college tournaments, and behind-the-scenes documentaries that expand beyond standard live broadcasts.
Why It’s Great: Perfect for fans who want additional content or niche sports beyond what’s available on standard TV channels.
Free Ways to Watch ESPN After the YouTube TV Blackout
If you only need temporary access to ESPN, several services let you stream for free through trial periods. Both DIRECTV Stream and FuboTV offer short-term free trials that include ESPN and Disney channels.
Quick Tip: Sign up for a free trial on a Thursday or Friday to catch weekend games. Cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges while still watching all your favorite sports.
Additionally, ESPN has made limited programming available on its official app and social media platforms during the blackout. Events like College GameDay can be streamed directly on the ESPN app and X (formerly Twitter), keeping fans connected while negotiations continue.
Quick Comparison of ESPN Streaming Services
| Service | ESPN Channels | Free Trial | Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIRECTV Stream | ESPN, ESPN2, ABC | ✅ 5 days | $49.99/mo | Complete Disney lineup |
| Sling TV (Orange) | ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3 | ❌ | $40/mo | Cheapest ESPN access |
| FuboTV | ESPN, ESPN2, ACC, ABC | ✅ 7 days | $45.99/mo | Sports-focused users |
| Hulu + Live TV | ESPN, ESPN2, ABC | ❌ | $76.99/mo | Families & all-in-one users |
| ESPN+ | ESPN+ exclusive | ❌ | $10.99/mo | Exclusive content fans |
How to Stream ESPN Live Without Cable or YouTube TV
Watching ESPN without cable is simple and flexible. Follow these steps to get started:
- Choose a live TV streaming service that includes ESPN (like DIRECTV Stream, Sling, or FuboTV).
- Sign up for a subscription or free trial.
- Download the app on your preferred device (Smart TV, Roku, Fire Stick, or mobile).
- Log in and navigate to ESPN in the live channels section.
- Start watching instantly.
Tip: Use your provider’s credentials to sign in on the official ESPN app for additional access, such as alternate feeds or extra content.
ESPN vs ESPN+ — Understanding the Key Differences
Many viewers confuse ESPN and ESPN+, but these services are not interchangeable.
- ESPN (Cable Channel): This is the traditional channel that airs live national games such as Monday Night Football, NBA, and college football. You’ll need a live TV provider that includes ESPN to watch these broadcasts.
- ESPN+: This is a separate streaming service offering exclusive content, on-demand replays, documentaries, and niche sports events. It does not include the ESPN cable feed.
Understanding this difference helps you avoid paying for the wrong plan if your main goal is watching live, nationally televised sports.
Choosing the Best ESPN Streaming Option for Your Needs
| Viewing Goal | Recommended Service |
|---|---|
| Cheapest ESPN access | Sling TV Orange |
| All Disney channels + ESPN | DIRECTV Stream or Hulu + Live TV |
| Most sports channels overall | FuboTV |
| Short-term access or free trial | DIRECTV Stream or FuboTV |
Each of these platforms ensures uninterrupted ESPN coverage even during the current blackout.
Conclusion: Watch ESPN Live Without YouTube TV in 2025
The Disney–YouTube TV dispute may have caused temporary frustration, but you still have multiple ways to stay connected to your favorite sports. Whether you want a short-term solution to watch this weekend’s game or a permanent switch from YouTube TV, these streaming services offer flexible, reliable options for every budget.
From Sling TV’s cost-efficient Orange plan to DIRECTV Stream’s full Disney lineup and FuboTV’s sports-heavy platform, every option ensures that you won’t miss a single play.
Until the blackout ends, these alternatives will keep your sports routine uninterrupted — no cable, no delays, just live ESPN streaming on your terms.
FAQs About Watching ESPN Without YouTube TV
Q: Is ESPN+ the same as ESPN?
No. ESPN+ features exclusive programming but does not include ESPN’s live broadcasts.
Q: What’s the cheapest way to watch ESPN right now?
Sling TV’s Orange plan is currently the most affordable option.
Q: Can I stream ESPN for free?
Yes. You can use free trials from DIRECTV Stream or FuboTV for short-term viewing.
Q: Which platforms include both ABC and ESPN?
DIRECTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV all include both channels.
Q: Why did YouTube TV remove ESPN?
Because Disney and Google have yet to agree on new licensing terms for channel distribution.
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