YouTube TV still carries ESPN, but the bundle has changed
YouTube TV has not dropped ESPN entirely. The service still includes ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3 as part of its standard package. However, the channel lineup has shifted over time—YouTube TV removed some sports channels in 2023 and 2024 as licensing agreements changed, and it no longer carries every regional sports network it once did. If you are looking for a specific ESPN channel or a regional sports broadcast, your access depends on which channels YouTube TV currently holds rights to in your area.
The confusion often comes from the fact that YouTube TV's sports offerings have genuinely shrunk. The service dropped channels like MLB Network, NHL Network, and some regional sports networks to reduce costs. ESPN's main channels remain, but if you relied on YouTube TV for niche sports programming, you may have lost access to content you watched before.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV includes ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3 in its base package, though regional availability can vary.
- YouTube TV removed several sports-focused channels between 2023 and 2024, including MLB Network and NHL Network, but this is separate from ESPN availability.
- You can check which channels are available in your specific area by entering your zip code on YouTube TV's channel list page before subscribing.
- If you need sports channels YouTube TV no longer carries, you may need to add a separate streaming service or check whether your cable or satellite provider still offers them.
Which ESPN channels are included with YouTube TV
YouTube TV's base subscription includes the main ESPN channels: ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3. These three channels cover most major sports events—college football, NFL games, NBA broadcasts, and other programming that ESPN holds rights to. The exact schedule and which games appear on which channel depends on ESPN's own broadcast agreements, not YouTube TV's decision.
ESPN+ is a separate streaming service owned by Disney and is not included in YouTube TV. If you want ESPN+ (which carries additional games, original shows, and out-of-market sports), you have to pay for it separately or bundle it with Disney+ and Hulu through Disney's bundle options. YouTube TV does not offer ESPN+ as an add-on.
What sports channels YouTube TV removed and why
In 2023 and 2024, YouTube TV dropped several sports-specific channels to lower its overall package price. The removed channels included MLB Network, NHL Network, NBA TV, and Pac-12 Networks. YouTube TV also lost access to some regional sports networks that carry local team broadcasts. These removals were part of YouTube TV's strategy to reduce the cost of its base subscription.
The reason for these removals is straightforward: licensing fees for sports channels are expensive, and YouTube TV negotiates directly with the networks that own these channels. When those negotiations do not result in a deal YouTube TV finds affordable, the channel gets dropped. This is the same reason cable and satellite providers have also cut sports channels in recent years.
How to check if ESPN is available in your area
YouTube TV's channel lineup can vary slightly by location because some channels are only licensed for certain regions. To see exactly which channels are available where you live, go to YouTube TV's official channel list page and enter your zip code. The page will show you every channel available in your area before you subscribe.
If you see ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3 listed for your zip code, they will be included in your subscription from day one. If a channel does not appear in the list for your area, YouTube TV does not currently carry it in your region, and there is no way to add it through YouTube TV.
What to do if you need sports channels YouTube TV no longer carries
If YouTube TV dropped a sports channel you relied on—like MLB Network or a regional sports network—you have a few options. First, check whether the sport or team you follow streams through the league's own app or website. Many leagues now offer direct streaming: MLB.TV for baseball, NBA League Pass for basketball, and NHL.TV for hockey. These services let you watch out-of-market games, though local blackout rules still explore.
Second, check whether your local cable or satellite provider still carries the channel. Some people keep a cable subscription specifically for sports channels that streaming services have dropped. Third, look into whether the specific game you want to watch is being broadcast on a channel YouTube TV does carry—ESPN often has the marquee games, even if regional networks carry others.
If none of those work, you may need to add a second streaming service. Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV's competitors carry different sports channel lineups, so it is worth comparing what each service offers for the sports you actually watch.
How YouTube TV's sports lineup compares to other streaming services
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV all carry ESPN and ESPN2, but they differ on regional sports networks and niche sports channels. Hulu + Live TV tends to have a wider sports lineup overall, including some regional networks YouTube TV dropped. Sling TV is cheaper but carries fewer channels overall. Cable and satellite providers still carry the broadest range of sports channels, but they cost significantly more.
The trade-off is always between price and channel selection. YouTube TV chose to lower its price by cutting expensive sports channels. If sports are your priority, comparing the current channel lists on each service's website is the only way to know which one fits your needs. Channel lineups change frequently, so what was true six months ago may not be true today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does YouTube TV have ESPN+?
No. ESPN+ is a separate subscription service owned by Disney. YouTube TV does not include it or offer it as an add-on. You can buy ESPN+ directly from Disney, or bundle it with Disney+ and Hulu through Disney's subscription options.
Can I watch local sports games on YouTube TV?
It depends on the sport and your region. YouTube TV carries some regional sports networks, but it dropped many between 2023 and 2024. Check your zip code on YouTube TV's channel list to see which regional channels are available where you live. If your local team's games are on a channel YouTube TV no longer carries, you may need to use the team's own streaming app or a different service.
Why did YouTube TV remove so many sports channels?
YouTube TV removed channels like MLB Network and NHL Network to reduce the cost of its base subscription. Sports channels charge high licensing fees, and YouTube TV decided it was more important to keep the overall price low than to carry every sports channel. Other streaming services have made similar cuts.
If YouTube TV drops ESPN, where else can I watch ESPN games?
ESPN games are also broadcast on cable and satellite providers, and some games stream through the ESPN app if you have a cable login. Hulu + Live TV and other live TV streaming services also carry ESPN. However, YouTube TV currently still includes ESPN, so this is not an when ready concern.
Can I add sports channels to YouTube TV if they are not in my area?
No. YouTube TV's channel availability is determined by licensing agreements and regional restrictions. If a channel does not appear in your zip code's channel list, YouTube TV does not have the rights to offer it in your area, and there is no way to add it.