ESPN's Status on YouTube TV Right Now
ESPN is not currently available on YouTube TV. The two companies ended their carriage agreement in March 2024, which removed ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and related channels from the service. This happened after a dispute over the cost YouTube TV would pay to carry the channels.
YouTube TV subscribers who relied on ESPN for live sports lost access to those channels when the agreement expired. The removal affected not just ESPN's main channels but also ESPN+, which is a separate streaming service that requires its own subscription.
As of now, there is no announced date for ESPN's return to YouTube TV. Both companies have not made public statements indicating they are close to a new deal, though negotiations could happen at any time.
Key Takeaways
- ESPN channels were removed from YouTube TV in March 2024 after the carriage agreement ended.
- The removal included ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and related sports channels but not ESPN+ (which is a separate streaming service).
- YouTube TV subscribers can still watch some sports through other channels like ABC, which carries select ESPN events.
- If you need ESPN content, you can subscribe to ESPN+ directly or use a cable or streaming service that carries ESPN channels.
- Check YouTube TV's channel list on their website to see if ESPN has returned, since deals can be announced without advance notice.
Why ESPN Left YouTube TV
The removal came down to money. YouTube TV and ESPN could not agree on how much YouTube TV should pay to carry ESPN's channels. ESPN's parent company, Disney, has been raising the cost of its sports programming across the industry as traditional cable subscriptions decline and streaming becomes more common.
YouTube TV had already raised its monthly price multiple times in recent years, and adding more cost for ESPN channels would have meant another price increase for subscribers. The company decided the cost was too high and let the agreement expire rather than pay what Disney was asking.
This type of dispute is common in the streaming world. Other services have also dropped channels or been dropped by networks when the two sides could not agree on price. It does not necessarily mean the channels will never return — it means the two companies have not found a price they both accept.
Where to Watch ESPN Without YouTube TV
If you want to watch ESPN content, you have several options. ESPN+ is a standalone streaming service that costs about $11 per month (or more if bundled with Disney+ and Hulu). ESPN+ carries some live games, original shows, and exclusive content, though not all ESPN broadcasts appear on the app.
Cable and satellite providers like Comcast, DirecTV, and Dish still carry ESPN channels as part of their packages. If you have a cable login, you can also watch ESPN.com and the ESPN app by signing in with your provider credentials.
Other streaming services that carry ESPN channels include Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV's main competitor, which costs more than YouTube TV but includes ESPN as part of the package. Sling TV also offers ESPN on some of its plans at a lower price point than YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.
What YouTube TV Subscribers Can Still Watch
Even without ESPN channels, YouTube TV still carries ABC, which broadcasts some major sporting events that ESPN produces or partners on. This includes college football, some NFL games, and other sports programming. The ABC channel is included in YouTube TV's base package.
YouTube TV also carries Fox, NBC, and CBS, which all broadcast sports events throughout the year. If you follow specific teams or leagues, check which network carries those games before deciding whether YouTube TV works for your needs.
For sports fans, the loss of ESPN is significant because ESPN carries far more games and sports content than any single broadcast network. However, if you only follow a few specific teams or events, you may still be able to watch them through the channels YouTube TV does have.
Could ESPN Return to YouTube TV in the Future?
It is possible ESPN could return to YouTube TV if the two companies reach a new agreement. Carriage disputes are often temporary — the channels leave, negotiations continue behind the scenes, and eventually a deal is struck. However, there is no timeline for when or if this might happen.
The longer ESPN stays off YouTube TV, the more likely YouTube TV subscribers will switch to other services or find alternative ways to watch sports. This pressure could push both sides toward a deal, or it could mean YouTube TV decides it is not worth paying what Disney is asking.
If you are considering YouTube TV specifically for ESPN, it is worth checking the current channel list on YouTube TV's website before subscribing. You can also contact YouTube TV's support team to ask if there are any updates on ESPN negotiations, though they may not have information to share.
Comparing Your Options for Sports Streaming
| Service | ESPN Channels | Other Sports | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | No | ABC, Fox, NBC, CBS | $73/month |
| Hulu + Live TV | Yes | ABC, Fox, NBC, CBS | $77/month |
| Sling TV (Orange) | Yes | Fox, NBC | $40/month |
| ESPN+ (streaming only) | Some content | Limited | $11/month |
| Cable/Satellite | Yes | All major networks | Varies widely |
The table above shows the main ways to access ESPN. Prices and channel lineups change, so check each service's current offerings before subscribing. If ESPN is essential for your viewing, Hulu + Live TV or Sling TV may be better choices than YouTube TV right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch ESPN games on YouTube TV through any other channel?
Not directly. ESPN produces most of its own content, so the games do not appear on ABC, Fox, NBC, or CBS unless those networks have a separate broadcast agreement for that specific game. Check the schedule for the sport you follow to see which network carries each game.
If I subscribe to ESPN+, can I watch all ESPN channel broadcasts?
No. ESPN+ carries some live games and original content, but it does not include all the programming that airs on ESPN, ESPN2, or ESPN3. Many games that air on the cable channels are not on ESPN+. You would need both ESPN+ and cable or another streaming service to see everything.
Will YouTube TV prices go down if ESPN stays off the service?
YouTube TV has not announced any price cuts related to ESPN's removal. The service has raised prices several times in recent years regardless of which channels are available. It is unlikely the price will drop because ESPN is missing.
How can I learn about ESPN comes back to YouTube TV?
Check YouTube TV's channel list on their website, which updates when channels are added or removed. You can also follow YouTube TV's social media accounts or contact their support team, though they may not announce negotiations before a deal is finalized.
Is there a way to get ESPN cheaper than subscribing to a full streaming service?
ESPN+ is the cheapest way to get some ESPN content at about $11 per month, though it does not include all ESPN broadcasts. If you only need to watch a few specific games, you might be able to watch them through a friend or family member's cable login on ESPN.com or the ESPN app.