YouTube TV does not carry ESPN3, but it does include ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU
YouTube TV's sports lineup includes the main ESPN networks — ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU — but ESPN3 is not part of the package. ESPN3 is a digital-only streaming service that requires a separate subscription or a cable login from an internet provider that carries it. If you watch sports through YouTube TV, you get access to live games, events, and analysis on the flagship channels, but you will need another way to reach ESPN3 content.
The distinction matters because ESPN3 carries different events than the main channels. ESPN3 shows college sports, soccer, rugby, cricket, and other programming that does not appear on ESPN or ESPN2. If a specific sport or team streams only on ESPN3, YouTube TV alone will not get you there.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV includes ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU, but not ESPN3, which is a separate digital streaming service.
- ESPN3 carries college sports, international soccer, rugby, and niche sports that do not air on the main ESPN channels.
- You can access ESPN3 through a cable or internet provider login, or through a standalone ESPN+ subscription that bundles ESPN3 access.
- YouTube TV's sports package covers major leagues and events, but gaps exist for certain college games and lower-tier professional sports.
What sports channels YouTube TV actually includes
YouTube TV carries ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and SEC Network as part of its base package. You also get Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, NFL Network, NBA TV, NHL Network, and MLB Network. These channels cover the major professional leagues — NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB — plus college football and basketball on ESPN and SEC Network.
The package does not include regional sports networks in most markets, so local team broadcasts may not be available depending on where you live. YouTube TV's coverage of local games varies by city and sport. For example, you might see some NBA or NHL games on regional channels in your area, but not all.
How ESPN3 differs from ESPN and ESPN2
ESPN3 is a digital-only service that streams events ESPN and ESPN2 do not broadcast. It focuses on college sports — football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and volleyball — as well as international sports like rugby, cricket, and professional soccer leagues outside the United States. ESPN3 also carries esports and niche sports like lacrosse and field hockey.
ESPN and ESPN2 prioritize the biggest games and events, which means they show fewer college matchups and almost no lower-tier professional sports. If you follow a mid-tier college team or want to watch international soccer regularly, ESPN3 is where that content lives. YouTube TV's ESPN channels will not show those games.
How to access ESPN3 if you use YouTube TV
The most direct route is ESPN+, a standalone subscription service that includes ESPN3 access. ESPN+ costs about $11 per month on its own, or you can bundle it with Disney+ and Hulu for a higher combined price. ESPN+ also carries original shows, documentaries, and some live sports that do not appear on ESPN3 or the cable channels.
If you have a cable or internet provider login — from Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, or another carrier — you can also log into the ESPN app or ESPN.com to watch ESPN3 for free. This route works only if your provider includes ESPN3 access with your internet or cable plan. Not all providers offer it, so check your account or call your provider to confirm.
YouTube TV itself does not offer ESPN+ as an add-on, so you would need to pay for ESPN+ separately if you want that service alongside YouTube TV.
Other ways to watch college sports and niche events on YouTube TV
YouTube TV includes channels that carry college sports beyond ESPN. SEC Network shows Southeastern Conference football and basketball. You also get access to Fox Sports 1 and Fox Sports 2, which air college events, soccer, and other sports. Pac-12 Network is not available on YouTube TV, which is a gap if you follow West Coast college teams.
For specific events, check the YouTube TV guide a few days before game day. Many college games appear on ESPN or ESPN2 rather than ESPN3, especially marquee matchups. If a game is scheduled for ESPN3 only, you will need to use ESPN+ or a cable provider login to watch it.
What to do if a game you want is only on ESPN3
Before you assume a game is ESPN3-only, search for it on the ESPN website or app. The listing will show which channel or platform carries it. If it says ESPN3, you have three options: subscribe to ESPN+ for that month, log in through a cable or internet provider if you have one, or check whether a local broadcast or radio stream is available.
Some games that appear on ESPN3 online also air on cable channels in certain regions, so it is worth checking your YouTube TV guide even if ESPN3 is listed as the primary source. Regional sports networks sometimes carry college games that ESPN3 also streams.
Comparing YouTube TV to other streaming services for sports
YouTube TV's sports package is broad but not complete. Hulu + Live TV includes similar ESPN channels and adds regional sports networks in some markets. Sling TV is cheaper but carries fewer sports channels overall. FuboTV focuses on sports and includes more niche channels, but costs more than YouTube TV.
None of these services include ESPN3 as a built-in feature. If ESPN3 access is important to you, ESPN+ is the most straightforward addition to any streaming service. The choice between YouTube TV and competitors depends on which specific teams and sports matter most to you, not just the number of channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch college football on YouTube TV without ESPN3?
Yes. Most major college football games air on ESPN, ESPN2, or Fox Sports channels that YouTube TV includes. ESPN3 carries additional games, especially mid-week matchups and lower-tier conferences, but the biggest games are on the main channels. Check the YouTube TV guide for your specific team's schedule.
Does YouTube TV ESPN+ bundle exist?
No. YouTube TV does not offer ESPN+ as an add-on. You must pay for ESPN+ separately if you want it. Some other streaming services bundle ESPN+ with their packages, but YouTube TV does not.
What if my cable provider gives me ESPN3 access?
You can use your provider login on the ESPN app or ESPN.com to watch ESPN3 on any device, even while using YouTube TV for other channels. The two services do not conflict — you can have both active at the same time.
Is ESPN3 the same as ESPN+?
No. ESPN3 is a digital channel that streams specific events, while ESPN+ is a subscription service that includes ESPN3 plus original content, documentaries, and exclusive live sports. ESPN+ costs money; ESPN3 is free if you have a cable provider login or an ESPN+ subscription.
Will YouTube TV ever add ESPN3?
YouTube TV's channel lineup changes periodically, but ESPN3 is unlikely to be added because it is a digital service, not a traditional cable channel. YouTube TV focuses on cable channels. ESPN3 content is available through ESPN+ or a provider login instead.