You can watch ABC and ESPN through their own apps, cable login, or streaming services that carry them
YouTube TV is not the only way to reach ABC and ESPN. Both networks offer direct streaming through their own platforms, and several other services bundle them together. The route that works best depends on whether you have a cable subscription, how much you want to spend, and which other channels matter to you.
ABC streams full episodes and live content through the ABC app and ABC.com, though some programs require you to sign in with a cable or streaming provider account. ESPN offers ESPN+ as a standalone subscription, but ESPN+ does not include live broadcasts of most regular-season games — those air on ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3, which require either a cable login or a service that carries them. If you want both networks without YouTube TV, you will need to combine services or use a cable login you already have.
Key Takeaways
- ABC and ESPN both have their own apps and websites where you can watch some content free and some with a cable login.
- ESPN+ is a separate subscription service that costs around $11 per month but does not include live broadcasts of regular ESPN channel programming.
- Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV all carry both ABC and ESPN and cost less than YouTube TV in some cases.
- If you have a cable subscription from another provider, you can use your login credentials to watch both networks on their apps and websites.
Streaming ABC through the ABC app and website
The ABC app and ABC.com let you watch full episodes of ABC shows and some live content at no cost, but many programs require a cable or streaming login. If you have a cable subscription from Comcast, Charter, AT&T, or another major provider, you can sign in with those credentials and unlock full access. The same login works for most streaming services that carry cable channels.
ABC also streams some content without any login — typically clips, previews, and older episodes. Live sports and prime-time shows usually require authentication. The app is available on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android, and iOS. If you do not have a cable login and want to watch live ABC programming, you will need either a service that carries the channel or an antenna for over-the-air broadcasts.
Understanding ESPN+ versus ESPN channel access
ESPN+ is a standalone subscription service that costs around $11 per month (or bundled with Disney+ and Hulu). It includes original shows, some college sports, soccer, hockey, and other content, but it does not include live broadcasts of regular ESPN, ESPN2, or ESPN3 programming. If you want to watch Monday Night Football, college football, or NBA games on ESPN, you need access to the ESPN channel itself, not just ESPN+.
To watch live ESPN channel broadcasts, you need either a cable subscription with ESPN included, or a streaming service that carries ESPN. ESPN.com and the ESPN app let you watch some clips and highlights free, but live games require a cable login or a service subscription. Many people buy ESPN+ for original content and use a cable login or another service for live games.
Live TV streaming services that carry both ABC and ESPN
Several services bundle ABC and ESPN together as part of a larger channel lineup. Hulu with Live TV includes both networks plus dozens of others for around $77 per month (prices vary by region and promotions). Sling TV carries ESPN through its Sling Orange package for around $40 per month, but ABC is not included in Sling — you would need to add it through another method. FuboTV includes both ABC and ESPN as part of its base package for around $80 per month.
Each service offers a free trial period, usually seven days, so you can test the interface and channel lineup before committing. All three allow simultaneous streams on multiple devices, though the number varies. Hulu with Live TV and FuboTV include cloud DVR storage, so you can record games and shows to watch later. Sling TV's DVR storage is limited unless you pay extra. If you only need ABC and ESPN and do not want other channels, these services may cost more than you need to spend.
Using a cable login without a full streaming service
If you already have a cable subscription from a provider like Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, AT&T, or Verizon Fios, you can use that login on the ABC app, ESPN app, and ESPN.com to watch most content. This is often the cheapest option if you already pay for cable. Your cable bill includes ESPN and ABC access, so there is no additional cost.
The limitation is that not all content is available through the apps — some regional sports and local broadcasts may only air on the cable channel itself. You can watch on your phone, tablet, or streaming device using the apps, but you cannot watch on a television unless you connect a streaming device or use the cable box. If you are thinking about cutting cable entirely, this option does not explore.
Over-the-air antenna for ABC broadcasts
ABC is a broadcast network, which means it transmits over the air for free in most markets. An antenna plugged into your television will pick up ABC, along with NBC, CBS, Fox, and PBS. A basic antenna costs $20 to $60 and requires no subscription. This works well if you want to watch ABC news, sports, and prime-time shows live, but it does not help with ESPN, which is a cable channel and does not broadcast over the air.
Antenna reception depends on your location, distance from broadcast towers, and the antenna quality. You can check whether ABC broadcasts in your area using the FCC's TV signal map at fcc.gov/media/engineering/television. An antenna is a one-time purchase with no monthly cost, making it the cheapest way to watch ABC if you live in an area with strong signal.
Comparing cost and features across options
The table below shows the main ways to reach ABC and ESPN, what each one covers, and what it costs. If you want both ABC and ESPN without YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV and FuboTV are the most direct replacements because they include both networks. They cost more than YouTube TV in most cases, but both offer free trials so you can test them first.
| Option | ABC Access | ESPN Access | Approximate Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABC app + cable login | Yes (with login) | No | Included in cable bill | People who keep cable |
| ESPN+ subscription | No | Original content only | $11/month | ESPN original shows and niche sports |
| Hulu with Live TV | Yes | Yes | ~$77/month | People who want many channels |
| FuboTV | Yes | Yes | ~$80/month | Sports-focused viewers |
| Sling TV Orange | No | Yes | ~$40/month | Budget-conscious ESPN viewers |
| Over-the-air antenna | Yes | No | $20–$60 one-time | ABC only, no monthly cost |
If you already have cable, your login is the cheapest option. If you only care about ABC, an antenna plus ESPN+ for original content is the most economical combination, totaling around $11 per month plus a one-time antenna purchase. For sports fans who want both networks and do not have cable, Hulu with Live TV and FuboTV are the most complete solutions, though they require a larger monthly commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch live ABC sports with just the ABC app?
Some live ABC sports are available through the ABC app, but most require a cable or streaming service login. Check the ABC app or ABC.com to see whether a specific game requires authentication. If it does, you will need to sign in with a cable provider account or a service like Hulu with Live TV.
Does ESPN+ include Monday Night Football?
No. ESPN+ does not include live broadcasts of regular ESPN channel programming, including Monday Night Football. To watch Monday Night Football, you need access to the ESPN channel through a cable subscription, Hulu with Live TV, FuboTV, or another service that carries it. ESPN+ includes original shows and some college sports instead.
What if I do not have a cable subscription?
You can watch ABC over the air with an antenna, through the ABC app with limited free content, or through a live TV streaming service like Hulu with Live TV or FuboTV. For ESPN, you need either ESPN+ for original content, a live TV streaming service, or a cable login from someone else's account if they allow you to use it.
Can I use someone else's cable login on the ABC and ESPN apps?
Yes, if they give you permission. The ABC app, ESPN app, and ESPN.com all accept cable logins from other accounts. However, most cable providers' terms of service restrict account sharing, so check your provider's policy first. Some providers limit how many devices can stream simultaneously from one login.
Is there a way to watch both ABC and ESPN for less than YouTube TV costs?
If you already have cable, your login is free. If you do not have cable, Sling TV Orange costs around $40 per month and includes ESPN, though you would need to add ABC through an antenna or another method. The cheapest combination overall is an antenna for ABC plus ESPN+ for original content, which totals around $11 per month plus a one-time antenna purchase.