Disney Plus does not carry Alabama football games on its own
Disney Plus by itself does not broadcast Alabama Crimson Tide football. However, Disney owns ESPN and ESPN+, and those services do carry some Alabama games depending on the conference and the broadcast schedule for that season. If you want to watch Alabama play, you need to know which service holds the rights to each game — and that changes week to week.
The University of Alabama plays in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The SEC has a media rights agreement that splits games across multiple broadcasters: ESPN, ABC (which Disney owns), SEC Network (also owned by Disney), and occasionally other networks. This means some Alabama games air on ESPN+, some on the main ESPN channel, some on ABC, and some on SEC Network — and you may need more than one subscription to see all of them.
Key Takeaways
- Alabama games are broadcast by ESPN, ABC, SEC Network, and occasionally other channels, not by Disney Plus directly.
- ESPN+ (a separate subscription from Disney Plus) carries some Alabama games, particularly non-conference matchups and certain SEC games.
- You can bundle Disney Plus, ESPN+, and Hulu together at a lower price than buying them separately.
- The broadcast schedule for each season is published before the season starts, so you can check ahead to see which service will carry each game.
- If a game airs on ESPN or ABC instead of ESPN+, you may be able to watch it through the ESPN or ABC app if you have a cable or streaming TV subscription.
Where Alabama games actually air
Most Alabama games air on one of four platforms. ESPN+ carries some games, particularly non-conference games and certain SEC matchups. ESPN (the cable channel) and ABC carry primetime and marquee matchups. SEC Network, which is part of the ESPN family, carries other conference games. A few games may air on other networks depending on the year and conference agreements.
The specific schedule depends on the season and which games the SEC has sold to which broadcaster. The University of Alabama athletics website publishes the full football schedule before each season, and each game listing shows which network will broadcast it. That is your most reliable source for knowing where to find a specific game.
How to watch Alabama on ESPN Plus
If an Alabama game is scheduled for ESPN+, you need an ESPN+ subscription. ESPN+ is separate from Disney Plus — it is a different service, though Disney owns both. You can subscribe to ESPN+ alone for a monthly fee, or you can buy a bundle that includes Disney Plus, ESPN+, and Hulu together at a discounted rate.
Once you have ESPN+, open the ESPN+ app or website, search for the game by team name or date, and stream it on your phone, tablet, computer, or connected TV. ESPN+ games are usually available to stream starting a few minutes before kickoff.
Watching games on ESPN, ABC, or SEC Network instead
If the Alabama game airs on ESPN, ABC, or SEC Network instead of ESPN+, you have two options. If you have a cable or streaming TV subscription (such as YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, or a traditional cable package), you can watch through the ESPN app or ABC app by signing in with your TV provider credentials. This does not require ESPN+ or Disney Plus.
If you do not have a TV subscription, you cannot watch these games through ESPN+, Disney Plus, or any Disney service. You would need to find another way to view them, such as watching at a sports bar or asking someone with a TV subscription to share their login.
The Disney Plus, ESPN Plus, and Hulu bundle
Disney offers three bundle options that combine Disney Plus, ESPN+, and Hulu. The most affordable option includes Disney Plus and ESPN+ with ads, plus Hulu with ads. A mid-tier bundle removes ads from Disney Plus and ESPN+ but keeps ads on Hulu. The premium bundle removes ads from all three services. Prices vary and change periodically, so check Disney's website for current rates.
If you plan to watch Alabama games on ESPN+ regularly and also want Disney Plus for other content, the bundle usually costs less than buying the services separately. You can cancel or change your plan at any time.
Finding the Alabama schedule and broadcast information
The University of Alabama athletics website (rolltide.com) publishes the full football schedule before each season begins. Each game listing includes the opponent, date, time, and the network that will broadcast it. This is the official source and the easiest way to plan which service you need for each game.
You can also check the ESPN website or the SEC Network website for schedule information. All three sources should show the same broadcast assignments, but the Alabama athletics site is the most straightforward if you are only interested in Crimson Tide games.
What to do if a game is not on ESPN Plus
If an Alabama game is scheduled for ESPN, ABC, or SEC Network but not ESPN+, you have limited options through Disney services. SEC Network is included in some cable and streaming TV packages, but not in ESPN+ or Disney Plus. ESPN and ABC games require either a cable subscription or a live TV streaming service.
If you do not have access to one of those services, you may be able to watch highlights or replays after the game airs, though these are usually available only after a delay. Some games are also replayed on SEC Network or ESPN+ in the days following the broadcast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Alabama games with just a Disney Plus subscription?
No. Disney Plus does not carry Alabama football. You would need ESPN+ (a separate subscription) for games broadcast on that service, or a cable or streaming TV subscription for games on ESPN, ABC, or SEC Network.
Does ESPN Plus have all Alabama games?
No. ESPN+ carries some Alabama games, but not all. Games on ESPN, ABC, and SEC Network require different subscriptions or a cable TV login. Check the Alabama athletics website before each game to see which network is broadcasting it.
Can I watch Alabama games if I have a cable subscription?
Yes, if the game is on ESPN, ABC, or SEC Network. Sign into the ESPN or ABC app with your cable provider login. Games on ESPN+ require an ESPN+ subscription even if you have cable.
Is the Disney Plus, ESPN Plus, and Hulu bundle worth it for football?
That depends on how many games you watch and whether you use the other services. If you watch most Alabama games on ESPN+ and also want Disney Plus and Hulu, the bundle usually costs less than buying them separately. If you only want ESPN+ for football, a standalone ESPN+ subscription may be cheaper.
Where can I find the Alabama football schedule?
The University of Alabama athletics website (rolltide.com) publishes the full schedule before each season, with broadcast information for every game. The ESPN website and SEC Network website also list the schedule.