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How to Watch ESPN 2 Live Without Cable

Written by Derek Fleming

Sports fans can stream ESPN2 with DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV Orange, or YouTube TV. If your pay TV package already includes ESPN2, logging into the ESPN app with the username and PW from that account will allow access to ESPN2 as well.

Table of Contents
  1. Which live TV streaming services carry ESPN2?
  2. How to live-stream ESPN2 on the ESPN app
  3. How to Watch ESPN2 on DIRECTV STREAM
  4. How to Watch ESPN2 on fuboTV
  5. How to Watch ESPN2 on Hulu + Live TV
  6. How to Watch ESPN2 on Sling TV
  7. How to Watch ESPN2 on YouTube TV
  8. Watching ESPN2 FAQ

ESPN has the TV rights to air more sports content than it can fit on the main flagship channel. As a result, ESPN2 was created to fit in more programming for sports fans, including soccer matches, Eli and Peyton Manning’s Monday Night Football simulcast, as well as college football and basketball. You can live stream ESPN2 on a host of different devices, including Amazon Fire TV, iPhone, Samsung Smart TV, Apple TV, Roku, and more.

Although most live TV streaming services carry ESPN2, our top pick for watching the channel is Sling TV Orange. Sling TV Orange is the cheapest way to stream both ESPN and ESPN2, however, if you want more sports coverage on channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, Telemundo, and others, opt for another platform, like fuboTV, with a more extensive channel lineup.

Sling Orange

Best budget option for watching ESPN and ESPN2.

$35 / month

Explore offers

Fubo

Watch ABC, CBS, ESPN, FOX, FS1, NBC, and more.

$74.99 / month

7 Day Free Trial

Which live TV streaming services carry ESPN2?

Most major live TV streaming services carry ESPN2 in the base package. In the easy to use table below, we list the streaming platforms that offer ESPN, as well as our review for each app, so you can choose the right option for your household.

DIRECTV STREAM – ChoiceDIRECTV STREAMFuboHulu + Live TVPhilo TVSling Orange & BlueYouTube TVSling Orange
ESPN2 ESPN2

How to live-stream ESPN2 on the ESPN app

ESPN and ESPN2 programming is available on the Watch ESPN app via “TV Everywhere” if your pay TV provider carries ESPN (and most do). To watch live sports on ESPN through the app, use the login credentials from your live TV streaming or cable provider to login to the app.

When you select login, ESPN will prompt you to enter your pay TV credentials. This works for cable and streaming subscribers.

The ESPN app is supported by most major streaming devices including iPhone, Roku, Smart TVs, and tablets. In the screenshots below, I demonstrate how to login to the ESPN app based on my first-hand experience.

Watch ESPN app
Login to the ESPN app
Access ACCN Extra on the Watch ESPN app

How to Watch ESPN2 on DIRECTV STREAM

DIRECTV STREAM carries both ESPN and ESPN2 in the base package, as well as a large selection of sports channels like FS1, TNT, TBS, and the Bally Sports regional sports networks.

If you follow your local MLB, NBA, or NHL team, DIRECTV STREAM “Choice” will offer in-market regular season broadcasts in addition to ESPN2.

How to Watch ESPN2 on fuboTV

fuboTV carries ESPN and ESPN2 in the base package. Although Big Ten Football will no longer air on ESPN, fuboTV does carry the NBC Sports regional sports networks, as well as a large number of college football games that air on FOX in 4K, just make sure your device is supported.

How to Watch ESPN2 on Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV carries ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN+ in the base package, all from the same platform. I especially like ESPN+ for UFC Fight Nights, out-of-market NHL games, and MLS soccer.

How to Watch ESPN2 on Sling TV

As I mentioned earlier in the viewing guide, Sling TV Orange is the closes thing to an à la carte ESPN experience you can get in the streaming world. If your goal is to save some money, and only watch ESPN and ESPN2, Sling Orange is the best option, but be prepared for some major gaps in sports coverage.

How to Watch ESPN2 on YouTube TV

YouTube TV carries ESPN2 in the base package, and live streams select ESPN broadcasts in 4K.

Watching ESPN2 FAQ

Is ESPN2 carried on Paramount Plus?

No, ESPN and ESPN2 aren’t available on Paramount Plus. Paramount Plus is a streaming platform owned by CBS/Viacom, whereas ESPN and ESPN2 are owned by Disney. Paramount Plus airs local CBS affiliates, AFC NFL matchups, and a selection of on-demand TV and movies, but not ESPN2.

Can I watch ESPN2 on Peacock?

No, you can’t watch ESPN or ESPN2 on Peacock. Peacock is a streaming platform owned by NBC Universal, whereas ESPN and ESPN2 are owned by Disney. Peacock airs NBC content, it doesn’t have the rights to stream Disney owned properties like ESPN2.

Can I watch ESPN2 without a TV provider?

No, you need a cable TV or live TV streaming service account to access ESPN2 programming. At present, ESPN2 isn’t available à la carte, as with ESPN+.

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