YouTube TV still carries ESPN, but not every ESPN channel
YouTube TV includes the main ESPN channel in its standard package. You also get ESPN2 and ESPNU. However, YouTube TV does not carry ESPN+ (the streaming service), ESPN News, or some regional sports networks that used to be available. The confusion often comes from people looking for a specific ESPN channel or show that moved off the service or was never part of the base package.
The lineup has shifted over time. YouTube TV dropped some regional sports networks in 2021 and 2022 as those contracts ended. If you watched a particular sport or team on YouTube TV before and cannot find it now, the broadcast rights likely moved to a different network or a dedicated streaming service.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV includes ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU in its standard package at no extra cost.
- YouTube TV does not include ESPN+ (the separate streaming service), ESPN News, or most regional sports networks.
- Sports that moved to ESPN+ or other streaming services will not appear on YouTube TV, even if they were there before.
- You can add the Sports Plus add-on to YouTube TV for additional channels, though ESPN channels are not part of that add-on.
Which ESPN channels are on YouTube TV
The three main ESPN channels available through YouTube TV are ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU. These carry the bulk of live sports programming: college football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and some professional sports. The schedule varies by season and by sport.
ESPN and ESPN2 are the primary channels where you will find marquee events. ESPNU focuses more on college sports and niche programming. All three are included in the base YouTube TV package with no additional fee.
What ESPN channels YouTube TV does not have
ESPN+ is a separate subscription service owned by Disney, not a cable channel. It is not part of YouTube TV and requires its own subscription. ESPN+ streams original shows, some live games, and exclusive content that does not air on the cable ESPN channels.
ESPN News is another channel YouTube TV does not carry. This 24-hour news network focuses on sports headlines and analysis. If you want ESPN News, you would need a different pay-TV service or cable provider.
YouTube TV also dropped most regional sports networks that once carried local team games. If your team's games moved to a regional network or to a league-specific streaming service (like MLB.TV or NBA League Pass), you will not find them on YouTube TV.
Why sports programming moves between services
Broadcast rights are sold separately for each sport, league, and region. When a contract ends, the rights go to whoever bids highest — which might be ESPN, a regional network, a league's own streaming service, or another broadcaster entirely. YouTube TV cannot keep a channel or sport if the company that owns the rights chooses not to sell it to YouTube TV.
This is why a game you watched on ESPN last year might be on ESPN+ or a team's streaming service this year. The rights holder changed, not YouTube TV's decision to drop the content.
How to find where a specific sport or game is broadcasting
If you are looking for a particular game or sport, start by checking the league's official website or app. The NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL all list where games air each week. You can also search the team's website directly.
Once you know which network or service has the broadcast, you can check whether YouTube TV carries it. If the game is on ESPN, ESPN2, or ESPNU, you can watch it through YouTube TV. If it is on ESPN+, a regional network, or a league streaming service, you will need that service separately.
Adding sports channels to YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers a Sports Plus add-on that includes channels like MLB Network, NBA TV, NHL Network, and Pac-12 Network (where available). This costs extra per month beyond the base YouTube TV package. However, the main ESPN channels are already in the base package and are not part of Sports Plus.
The Sports Plus add-on is useful if you want dedicated coverage of a specific league or conference, but it does not add ESPN channels — those are already included.
Checking your YouTube TV channel list
To see exactly which channels you have access to, open the YouTube TV app or website and go to your channel guide. Search for "ESPN" to see which ESPN channels appear. You can also filter by category to see all sports channels available in your area, since some regional channels vary by location.
If you see ESPN and ESPN2 but are missing a game you expected to find, the broadcast is likely on a different network. Check the game listing on the league or team website to confirm which channel is carrying it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch ESPN+ through YouTube TV?
No. ESPN+ is a separate streaming service that requires its own subscription. YouTube TV does not bundle it or offer it as an add-on. You would need to subscribe to ESPN+ directly through the ESPN website or app.
Does YouTube TV have regional sports networks?
Most regional sports networks are no longer available on YouTube TV. The company dropped many of them in 2021 and 2022 as contracts ended. Some local games now air on ESPN, ESPN2, or league-specific streaming services instead.
Why is a game I want to watch not on ESPN?
Broadcast rights vary by sport, league, and year. A game might be on ESPN+, a regional network, a league streaming service, or a different broadcaster. Check the league or team website to see which channel is carrying that specific game.
What if I want more sports channels than YouTube TV offers?
You can add the Sports Plus add-on for channels like MLB Network and NBA TV. For sports that moved to ESPN+ or league-specific services, you would need those subscriptions separately. Some people use multiple services to cover all the sports they follow.
Are ESPN channels available in all areas on YouTube TV?
ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU are available nationwide on YouTube TV. Some regional sports channels vary by location, but the main ESPN channels are the same everywhere.