8 Best Ways to Get an ESPN2 Free Trial in 2024

Published: January 3, 2024

You can get a free trial of ESPN2 on DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo and YouTube TV. 

But cord-cutters wanting to get the most specialty sports channels possible can go beyond base-level plans. DIRECTV STREAM Ultimate, DIRECTV STREAM Choice, Fubo Elite and Fubo Premier are available to explore as cable alternatives without charge as well.

While you may rely on ESPN for NFL, NBA, and MLB games, ESPN2 remains one of the most sought-after cable sports networks. ESPN2 offers a wide variety of unique live sporting events.

There are college football games, NCAA basketball games, the WNBA, some American Le Mans Series events, all four tennis “Grand Slam” tournaments, and many other live sporting events — too numerous to include.

I’ve compiled a comprehensive, best-of list of streaming services that offer brief free trials for watching ESPN2 without cable.

Hulu Live TV and Sling TV no longer offer a free trial, but it’s a key option to get ESPN without cable. Hulu is still one to consider when looking for a way to combine ESPN and ESPN+. Sling TV is a great budget option for getting ESPN and ABC together in select markets. 

DIRECTV STREAM (formerly AT&T TV) subscribers can get ESPN2 as part of its entry-level channel bundle of cable networks.

The Entertainment package offers over 75 live TV channels and unlimited DVR for $79.99 per month. 

Subscribers can watch live TV on unlimited screens within their home.

The DIRECTV STREAM Entertainment package includes a variety of channels. 

Some of these are A&E, AMC, MLB Network, BBC America, NFL Network, Cartoon Network, NHL Network, CNN, Comedy Central, Discovery, Disney Channel East, Golf Channel, ESPN, ESPN2, Food Network, CNBC World, 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. 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.

Fubo (formerly fuboTV) allows you to watch ESPN2 when you subscribe to its entry-level Pro bundle.

The Pro bundle has approximately 189 live TV channels that emulates a cable-like bundle.

Sports fans, the Pro bundle’s got you covered with channels such as ESPN, ESPN2, NFL Network, beIN Sports (1-8), FOX Sports 1, FOX Sports 2, Golf Channel, Pac-12 Network, and NFL Network.

Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) such as Bally Sports South, NESN, Marquee Sports Network, NBC Sports Chicago, Bally Sports Ohio, Bally Sports Great Lakes, and many others are available within Fubo Pro.

You’ll also find Comedy Central, Food Network, Fox News Channel, MSNBC, and CNBC in the Pro bundle, offering a variety of movies, series, and lifestyle content.

ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC are available in most U.S. markets.

There are a wide variety of 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.

Fubo’s Spanish Language Plus add-on, Latino Plus, is $19.99 per month. Latino Plus adds a variety of Spanish-focused channels like Baby TV (ES), Cine Sony Television, Discovery en Español, Discovery Familia, ESPN Deportes, FOX Deportes, and more.

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.

YouTube TV offers live streaming of ESPN2 on your Smart TV, streaming devices or smartphone.

A subscription to the base plan has more than 128 TV channels for $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 local channels available to you may vary depending on your location.

Your location determines which local and regional sports channels are available in your plan.

The YouTube TV Base plan includes key sports channels like ACC Network, ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, TNT, TBS, SEC Network, NFL Network, and MLB Network.  

Additionally, the YouTube TV base plan has A&E, ABC, ACC Network, ESPNU, AMC, MLB Network, BBC America, NBA TV, BET, BET Her, Bravo, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, CNBC, Tennis Channel, CNN, Cartoon Network, Investigation Discovery, Cheddar News, CMT, Comedy Central, Comedy TV, Comet, Court TV, Cozi TV, and Dabl.

Plus, entertainment networks like Bravo and Disney Junior are included.

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.

The DIRECTV STREAM Choice package is a comprehensive option for those looking for sports coverage from ESPN2 and RSNs. 

Priced at $108.99 per month, it includes a free trial of ESPN2, making it a go-to choice for sports enthusiasts keen on catching the latest college basketball or MLB games along with sports talk shows. 

This package boasts a large selection of cable sports networks including the MLB Network, NBA TV, and regional sports networks such as YES Network, ensuring fans can follow their favorite teams and sports from the NBA, NFL, college basketball and Major League Baseball.

In the Choice bundle, several channels are included that are not available in the Entertainment bundle. These are ACC Network, Big Ten Network, Longhorn Network, Cooking Channel, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, MLB Network, NBA TV, NFL Network, and Travel Channel.

What sets the Choice package apart is its well-rounded selection of channels catering to all members of the family. 

Not only does it provide an extensive sports lineup, but it also offers a variety of popular entertainment channels like TBS, TNT, and USA Network, alongside educational and kid-friendly content from networks like National Geographic and Cartoon Network. 

The DIRECTV STREAM Choice package presents a compelling mix of sports, entertainment, and premium content, making it a preferred choice for households looking for both variety and value.

The Fubo Elite package, a premium offer from FuboTV, comes with ESPN2, a must-have for college basketball fans. 

Included in the Fubo Elite package are key sports networks like NFL Network, NBA TV, NHL Network, and MLB Network, covering major conferences, events and more. 

You’ll also find ESPN, ESPNU, and ESPNews for sports news, documentaries, and live events. Soccer fans can enjoy beIN SPORTS for international matches. Golf Channel and Tennis Channel ensure plenty of tournament action.

But the Elite package isn’t just about sports. It offers a variety of entertainment and news channels, including FX, FXX, Paramount Network, and AMC for movies, series, and classic TV. For specialized interests, there’s National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and Animal Planet for educational content. Plus, Comedy Central, Bravo, and Syfy cater to different tastes.

In summary, the Fubo Elite package, with ESPN2, delivers a diverse range of channels for various interests. Whether you want to stream live sports, movies, news, or sports highlights, this package has you covered. It’s a great choice for households seeking variety and depth in their TV lineup, promising a rich entertainment experience.

The Elite plan includes 255 channels and costs $89.99 per month. It offers approximately 65 additional sports, news, and entertainment channels. Elite subscribers enjoy all channels from the Pro subscription, along with Fubo Extra and the News Extra add-ons.

The DIRECTV STREAM Ultimate package is a one-stop solution for sports fans who want a diverse content selection without the hefty price tag of traditional cable.

Designed to cater to a wide audience, this package offers an extensive mix of sports, entertainment, news, and lifestyle channels. With ESPN2 as a focal point, the Ultimate package ensures subscribers won’t miss any major sports events or highlights.

Beyond ESPN channels, the Ultimate package boasts a robust lineup of specialty channels, including NFL Network, NBA TV, MLB Network, and NHL Network. 

Regional sports networks offer localized event and team coverage. Other sports-focused channels like the Golf Channel, Tennis Channel, and CBS Sports Network serve mainstream and niche sports fans with live events, tournaments, and deep-dive content.

But the Ultimate package isn’t confined to sports; it serves up a diverse menu of entertainment options. 

Premium networks like FX, FXX, and Paramount Network deliver everything from blockbuster movies to critically acclaimed series. AMC, TCM, and SundanceTV cater to cinephiles with classic and indie films. For those into science and nature, National Geographic and Discovery Channel offer educational and inspiring content. Rounding out the lineup are favorites like Comedy Central, Syfy, and Bravo, ensuring something for everyone.

The DIRECTV STREAM Ultimate package with ESPN2 is an all-encompassing streaming TV solution. It’s ideal for households seeking depth and variety in their TV experience, providing a wide range of options to please every family member. 

The Fubo Premier package is a robust offering tailored for sports enthusiasts and a diverse range of TV-viewing preferences, with ESPN2 taking a prominent place in its lineup. 

This package aims to provide a comprehensive viewing experience, ensuring subscribers access a wide range of content, from live sports and analysis to movies, series, and more. 

In the world of sports, the Fubo Premier package is a serious player, providing unique channels tailored for devoted sports fans.

Alongside ESPN2, subscribers can enjoy various other sports networks like NFL Network, MLB Network, NBA TV, and NHL Network, providing extensive coverage of major American sports leagues. Additional sports channels may include Golf Channel, Tennis Channel, and Soccer Plus.

The Premier package also boasts a wealth of entertainment and lifestyle channels, ensuring something for every family member to enjoy. Channels may encompass FX, FXX, and AMC for mainstream movies and original TV series.

Networks like National Geographic and the History Channel offer reality TV, educational and documentary-style content. For niche interests, there are channels like IFC and Sundance TV, catering to fans of independent films and critically acclaimed productions.

It’s worth noting that while Fubo is known for its sports focus, the precise channel offerings, including those exclusive to the Premier package, can vary due to agreements and regional availability. 

The DIRECTV STREAM Premier package stands out as the top-tier offering in the DIRECTV STREAM lineup.

It prominently features ESPN2 alongside a vast selection of cable and broadcast networks. This package is designed for viewers who want a wide and diverse range of sports coverage, premium entertainment, and everything in between.

The Premier package offers an array of sports channels catering to various interests. This includes comprehensive coverage of major leagues and sports through channels like NFL Network, MLB Network, NBA TV, and NHL Network. 

For enthusiasts interested in less mainstream or global sports, networks such as Tennis Channel and Golf Channel deliver dedicated coverage of specialized sporting events.

Beyond its sports offerings, the Premier package boasts an extensive lineup of entertainment channels. Premium networks such as HBO, SHOWTIME, Cinemax, and STARZ offer a wide selection of movies, original series, and exclusive content. 

The package also includes a diverse range of other popular networks, including AMC, FX, USA, and Comedy Central, ensuring that all preferences for movies, series, and general entertainment are well catered to.

The DIRECTV STREAM Premier package is tailored for households seeking the ultimate television experience, combining top-tier sports action with the best in movies and TV series.

It’s a comprehensive solution for those who desire extensive options and access to premium content all in one place.

Methodology

I spend hundreds of hours throughout the year conducting hands-on testing of streaming services, including Peacock, DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV. I do the same rigorous testing for TV antennas and TV-related hardware. Check out the review policy to see how I compare products and services.The Cord Cutting Report is a reader-supported publication, and may earn affiliate commissions when you pick a streaming service through a recommendation. Read our affiliate policy for more information.