ESPN and ABC are an essential combination for sports fans.
Both ESPN and ABC cover a wide range of live sports, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, college football, and basketball. Fans looking for comprehensive coverage across multiple sports would benefit from having access to both networks.
ABC distinguished itself among the ESPN family of networks by airing the most-watched PAC-12 game ever and leading its sibling networks in total minutes watched, according to SportsVideo.org.
So what’s the most economical route for a cord-cutter or cord-never to keep ESPN and ABC in their channel lineup? Here is what I will cover:
Streaming and OTA TV for ESPN and ABC
For sports fans prioritizing ESPN and ABC alongside a broad channel selection, Hulu with Live TV stands out as a balanced solution. At $76.99 per month, it is pricier than Sling TV but offers a more extensive channel lineup, including the ESPN family, ABC, and additional entertainment options.
For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, a combination of Sling TV’s Orange plan and a TV antenna gets you ESPN with ABC at the lowest price possible.
The Sling Orange plan, priced at $40 per month, provides access to ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3, covering a broad spectrum of sports content.
By using a TV antenna, viewers can get ABC and other local broadcast channels that carry sports such as FOX, CBS and NBC for free. This setup not only offers comprehensive sports coverage with ESPN’s offerings but also ensures access to major sporting events on broadcast networks, all at a significantly lower cost than streaming services like Hulu Live TV.
Analysis: Getting ESPN and ABC Together
| Service | Pros | Cons | Monthly Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hulu Live TV | Extensive channel selection including ESPN family and ABC. Unlimited DVR. Includes Disney+ and ESPN+. | Higher monthly cost. | $76.99 |
| Sling TV Orange + Antenna | Economical. Access to ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3. Free local channels with antenna. | Limited to one screen. No ABC in package (requires antenna). | $40 (Sling Orange) + Antenna Cost |
| Sling TV Orange + Sports Extra + Antenna | Economical. Broad sports coverage with ESPN. Free ABC with antenna. | Limited to one screen. Antenna required for local channels. | $51 (Sling Orange + Sports Extra) + Antenna Cost |
| Fubo | Wide variety of sports and entertainment channels. 1,000 hours DVR. | Higher price. Add-ons can increase cost. | $74.99 |
| DIRECTV STREAM | Comprehensive cable-like experience. Unlimited screens at home. | Most expensive. Similar to traditional cable pricing. | Starts at $79.99 |
| YouTube TV | Over 128 channels including key sports networks. Unlimited DVR. | Less cost-effective for those focusing on specific channels. | $72.99 |
| Sling TV Blue | Includes local ABC in select markets. More channels than Orange plan. | No ESPN. Limited ABC coverage depending on location. | $40 (Sling Blue) |
| Sling TV Orange and Blue Combined | Mix of ESPN and local channels including ABC in select areas. More sports options. | Higher cost compared to Orange plan alone. Limited ABC market coverage. | $55 (Combined) |
For those looking to further expand their sports channel lineup, adding the Sports Extra add-on to the Sling Orange plan for an additional $11 per month brings the total to $51.
This add-on includes 10 more sports-focused channels such as SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPNU, SEC Network+, NBA TV, and NHL Network.
This option still presents a more budget-friendly alternative to Hulu Live TV’s $76.99 per month, while providing a robust selection of sports channels.
Combining Sling TV’s Orange and Blue plans could be advantageous. The Blue plan carries NFL Network and FS1 along with local broadcast channels such as ABC in a small number of markets.. Priced at $55 per month, it offers a significant saving of about $22 compared to Hulu Live TV, making it another budget-friendly choice for ESPN and ABC access, albeit with some limitations in ABC coverage.
The choice between these services should consider both the comprehensive coverage of Hulu Live TV and the budget-friendliness of Sling TV, depending on individual preferences and geographical location.
In summary, combining Sling Orange with a TV antenna, and potentially the Sports Extra add-on, offers sports fans a versatile and cost-effective way to enjoy a wide range of sports content, including both ESPN’s comprehensive sports coverage and ABC’s major broadcast events.
Watching ESPN and ABC Without Cable
There are five other ways you could consider getting ESPN and ABC together without a cable subscription. Here are other options you can consider.
TV Antenna
One of the key advantages of a TV antenna is the potential to access major broadcast networks, including ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. Even if you spent as much as $100 or $150 for a quality outdoor antenna, it’s a one-time investment with no recurring subscription or fees.
There are a variety of other local networks available on over-the-air channels, such as PBS affiliates, GRIT, COMET, MeTV, and The CW Network.
Choosing a TV Antenna for ABC coverage
Before delving into the specifics of watching ABC with a TV antenna, it’s essential to select an appropriate antenna for your location. The type of antenna you need depends on your proximity to local broadcast towers.
Metropolitan areas like Boston, New York City, or Los Angeles generally have a better chance of receiving more local TV stations than rural areas. However, the U.S. designed its 210 TV markets so that most people can take advantage of free over-the-air TV.
You may wonder if it’s worth investing in a TV antenna. The answer is a resounding yes, even if you reside in a smaller city, town, or rural area with only a few TV broadcast towers nearby.
Many TV stations across the U.S. are transitioning to NextGen TV, also known as ATSC 3.0, which promises more TV channels in higher picture quality. This new broadcast standard should eventually deliver Ultra High Definition (UHD) 4K picture resolution, High Dynamic Range (HDR), and Dolby audio, potentially enhancing your viewing experience.
Hulu + Live TV
- Sign up & get Disney+ and ESPN+ included
- Unlimited Cloud DVR (9 mos.)
- Two simultaneous streams
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Hulu + Live TV | $76.99/month | 90+ |
Hulu with Live TV offers access to ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3 as part of a bundle of 90 live TV channels.
Hulu Live TV provides an extensive selection of channels catering to a diverse range of viewing preferences, including sports, news, entertainment, and local channels.
For sports enthusiasts, the service includes ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, CBS Sports Network, NBC Sports Network, and the Big Ten Network.
News watchers can tune in to channels like CNN, Fox News, CNBC, MSNBC, and ABC News Live. Entertainment seekers have various options, including Bravo, FX, TNT, TBS, A&E, and USA Network. Additionally, Hulu Live TV provides access to local channels, ensuring viewers can stay connected with their local news and programming.
You can stream live TV on up to two screens at once. A subscription costs $76.99 per month, now including Disney+ and ESPN+. Hulu with Live TV comes with unlimited Cloud DVR so you can record sports, news, movies, or whatever else you want.
To start watching ESPN3 with Hulu Live TV, you need to use the ESPN app.
Hulu’s channel lineup also includes local NBC, ABC, and FOX stations across the U.S.
Sling TV
- Half off for first month
- 50 hours Cloud DVR
- Simultaneous Streams: 1 to 3
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Orange | $40/month | 32 |
| Blue | $40/month | 41 (Locals included) |
| Orange + Blue | $55/month | 88 |
Sling TV’s Orange plan is still the cheapest way to watch ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3. However, adding ABC to the mix is limited to a small number of markets and costs more.
The Sling Orange plan offers A&E, History, and TNT for $40 per month. Sling Orange has about 31 channels in total. Subscribers get 50 hours of Cloud DVR. With Sling Orange, you can watch live TV on one screen at a time.
The Sling Blue plan offers 40 channels, including Discovery, NFL Network, FOX Sports 1 (FS1), FOX Sports 2 (FS2), and MSNBC. Only the Blue plan carries local ABC, NBC, and FOX stations.
The ABC stations are:
- WLS in Chicago
- KFSN in Fresno, Calif.
- KTRK in Houston, Texas
- KABC in Los Angeles
- WABC in New York
- WPVI in Philadelphia
- WTVD in Raleigh-Durham
- KGO in the San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose
If you live in or around one of those cities, then you should be able to stream ABC through Sling Blue.
You can combine Sling Orange and Sling Blue for $55 per month. The Sports Extra package adds 15 channels, including ACC Network, ACCNX, NFL RedZone, Longhorn Network, SEC Network, SEC Network+, MLB Network, NBA TV, and ESPNU for $11 per month.
Sling TV has apps for Roku, Fire TV, Xbox One, and AirTV Player. Use your membership to activate the ESPN app.
There are no contracts or extra fees like cable TV.
Fubo
- Free trial
- 1,000 hours Cloud DVR
- 10 simultaneous streams
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Pro | $74.99/month | 189 |
| Elite | $84.99/month | 255 |
| Premier | $94.99/month | 264 & Showtime |
Fubo (formerly fuboTV) allows you to watch ABC and ESPN when you subscribe to its entry-level Pro bundle.
The Pro bundle includes about 189 live TV channels.
For sports enthusiasts, the Pro bundle features channels like ESPN, NFL Network, beIN Sports, and Big Ten Network. News aficionados can stay updated with channels like Fox News Channel, MSNBC, and CNBC.
Entertainment options are abundant with channels such as FX, Bravo, Comedy Central, and Food Network, offering a mix of movies, series, and lifestyle content.
ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC are available in most markets.
There are numerous add-ons and channel options available with a Fubo subscription.
The Fubo Extra bundle adds 59 more channels for $7.99 per month. It includes NBA TV, INSP, Tennis Channel, MTV Live, MTV Classic, FXM, Pac 12 Networks, and ESPNews.
The Sports Plus bundle adds 32 more channels and costs $10.99 per month. It includes NFL RedZone, all four Stadium networks, Sports Illustrated TV, Golf TV English, Golf TV Spanish, PAC 12 Arizona, PAC 12 Bay Area, PAC 12 Los Angeles, PAC 12 Mountain, PAC 12 Oregon, PAC 12 Washington, FOX College Sports Atlantic, FOX College Sports Pacific, FNTSY, Fight Network, and TyC Sports.
All subscribers get 1,000 hours of Cloud DVR storage. You can watch live TV on 10 screens at once. If you miss a game, you can use Fubo’s “look back” feature to watch sporting events that aired in the last 72 hours.
There are two other main channel plans. The Elite plan includes 255 channels and costs $84.99 per month. It offers about 65 more sports, news, and entertainment channels. Elite subscribers get all channels included with a Pro subscription along with Fubo Extra and the News Extra add-ons.
The Premier plan has 264 channels, including Showtime, for $94.99 per month. Premier subscribers get all of the Pro channel bundle alongside Fubo Extra, News Plus, and Sports Plus.
Fubo has a library of on-demand content, including movies and TV shows. Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, and Smart TVs all carry the Fubo app.
Subscribers get 1000 hours of Cloud DVR. You can watch live TV on three screens at once. A subscription costs $74.99 per month. FuboTV has a library of on-demand movies and TV shows.
Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Smart TVs all have Fubo apps, allowing you to watch live sports on TV.
DIRECTV STREAM
- 5-day free trial
- Unlimited Cloud DVR
- Unlimited Screens within household
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | $79.99/month | 75+ |
| Choice | $108.99/month | 105+ |
| Ultimate | $119.99/month | 140+ |
| Premier | $164.99/month | 150+ |
DIRECTV STREAM (formerly AT&T TV) subscribers can access ABC and ESPN as part of its entry-level channel bundle.
The Entertainment plan offers more than channels for $79.99 per month. Subscribers can watch live TV on unlimited screens within the home.
The DIRECTV STREAM Entertainment package includes a variety of channels. Some of these are A&E, AMC, Animal Planet, BBC America, BET, Cartoon Network East, CMT, CNN, Comedy Central, Discovery, Disney Channel East, E!, ESPN, ESPN2, Food Network, FOX News Channel, Freeform, FX, FXX, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, History, HLN, Investigation Discovery, Lifetime, MSNBC, National Geographic Channel, Nickelodeon East, Paramount Network, Syfy, TBS, TLC, TNT, TruTV, USA Network, VH1, and WE tv.
You get unlimited Cloud DVR for recording sports and TV shows. There are more than 40,000 on-demand movies and shows.
The Choice plan offers more than 105 channels for $108.99 per month. In the Choice bundle, several channels are included that are not available in the Entertainment bundle. These are ACC Network, Big Ten Network, Cooking Channel, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, MLB Network, NBA TV, NFL Network, and Travel Channel.
The Ultimate package includes more than 140 channels. The DIRECTV STREAM Ultimate package includes several channels not found in the Entertainment, Choice, or Entertainment bundles. These channels are Cinemax East, FOX Sports 2, fyi, Golf Channel, LMN, LOGO HD, MGM, Nat Geo Wild, NHL Network, Olympic Channel, Oxygen, Revolt, STARZ (East), Sundance TV, Tennis Channel, TVG, and Universal Kids. The Ultimate package is $119.99 per month.
The Premier Package has over 150 channels. In the DIRECTV STREAM Premier package, there are several exclusive channels not available in the Ultimate, Choice, or Entertainment bundles. These Premier channels include Boomerang, Destination America, Discovery Family Channel, Discovery Life, HBO (East), HBO 2 East, HBO Comedy East HD, HBO Family East, HBO Latino, HBO Signature East HD, and HBO Zone East HD. Subscribers also get a number of STARZ networks.
A subscription is $164.99 per month. All of these channel lineups are virtually identical to DIRECTV satellite service, but with a slight price difference.
DIRECTV STREAM works on Roku, Android TV, Fire TV devices, Apple TV, smartphones, and tablets. Subscriptions run month to month, allowing you to cancel whenever you want.
YouTube TV
- Free trial
- Unlimited Cloud DVR
- Three simultaneous streams
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $72.99/month | 128 |
YouTube TV offers more than 128 channels, including live streaming of ESPN and ABC on your TV, tablet, or smartphone.
A subscription is $72.99 per month. You can watch live TV on three screens at once. Subscribers get unlimited Cloud DVR.
YouTube TV’s Base plan includes 128 live TV channels, although the exact number of channels available to you may vary depending on your location.
Your location determines which local and regional sports channels are available in your plan.
Some of the channels in the YouTube TV Base plan include A&E, ABC, ACC Network, Adult Swim, AMC, Animal Planet, BBC America, BBC World News, BET, BET Her, Bravo, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, CNBC, CNBC World, CNN, Cartoon Network, Cheddar, Cheddar News, CMT, Comedy Central, Comedy TV, Comet, Court TV, Cozi TV, and Dabl.
The YouTube TV base plan carries other key sports channels for fans such as ACC Network, ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, TNT, TBS, SEC Network, NFL Network, and MLB Network. YouTube TV carries entertainment networks such as Bravo and Disney Junior.
You can create up to 6 profiles for a household per account. The service works with Chromecast, Roku, Fire TV, NVIDIA Shield TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast. You can get a free 7-day trial or look over the channel lineup for your area.
YouTube TV has apps for Smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Google TV. New customers can sign up for a free trial.
How to Get ESPN and ABC FAQs
What Streaming Service Has ABC and ESPN?
Hulu Live TV, Fubo, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and DIRECTV STREAM are prominent streaming services that offer both ABC and ESPN.
Hulu Live TV provides these channels as part of a package of 90 live TV channels, including Disney+ and ESPN+. Fubo, with its Pro bundle, also includes ABC and ESPN among its extensive channel lineup.
You can also find ESPN and ABC together on YouTube TV, Sling TV and DIRECTV STREAM.
Can You Stream ABC on ESPN App?
No, you cannot stream ABC directly on the ESPN app. The ESPN app primarily provides content from the ESPN network, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and other channels within the ESPN family. To stream ABC, you would need to use other platforms like Hulu Live TV or a TV antenna for over-the-air access.
Is ESPN Connected to ABC?
Yes, ESPN is connected to ABC. Both networks are owned by The Walt Disney Company and often collaborate in broadcasting sports events. ABC sometimes airs major sporting events that are also available on ESPN networks, making them complementary channels for sports coverage.
How Can I Watch ABC Without Cable?
You can watch ABC without cable by using a TV antenna or streaming services like Hulu Live TV, Fubo, and Sling TV (in select markets). A TV antenna is a one-time investment that offers free access to ABC and other local broadcast networks. Streaming services provide ABC as part of their channel lineup, with varying costs and additional channels.
