For sports fans across the United States, ESPN is a household name. It is short for Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, a 24-hour sports-focused cable and streaming network. YouTube TV has long been a go-to streaming solution, offering a mix of live channels, cloud DVR, and hassle-free access to major sports networks—including ESPN.
However, many people have complained that ESPN is not available on YouTube TV recently. What’s the reason and how to watch ESPN sports content again? This post answers your question one by one.
Why Is ESPN Not on YouTube TV Anymore
Many people reflect ESPN not on YouTube TV anymore. Why ESPN not working on YouTube TV? YouTube TV and Disney failed to reach an agreement on a new contract before the existing contract expired on October 30, resulting in the removal of ESPN and more than 20 other Disney channels from YouTube TV, making these channels unavailable to users.
Google accuses Disney of demanding excessive financial incentives, forcing YouTube TV to raise subscription prices and restricting user choices. The platform also claims that Disney used the suspension as a negotiating tactic to divert users to its own live TV services, such as Hulu + Live TV and Fubo.
Disney once accused YouTube TV of refusing to pay reasonable fees, arguing that it deprived users of the right to watch core content such as NFL and NBA games. This conflict eventually became the trigger for the breakdown of the agreement.
On November 15, 2025, the two sides reached a new agreement, and ESPN and related channels were back online. However, this resumption was temporary, and the long-term validity of the agreement was not specified.
After encountering the inaccessibility of ESPN on YouTube TV, people wonder whether there are better platforms to watch ESPN. Of course! The section below will offer the solutions for this problem.
How to Watch ESPN Without YouTube TV
Several reliable options let you stream ESPN live, access on-demand content, and catch key sports events. Below are the most practical solutions, tailored to different budgets and viewing needs. We will introduce them one by one.
Sling TV
Sling TV offers a large number of types of content, including live sports and news. For fans who only need ESPN for specific games. Sling TV’s day pass is the most cost-effective choice. Note that Sling Orange only allows one simultaneous stream, so it’s best for individual viewers rather than families.
Beyond the ESPN networks and NFL Network, the service offers access to channels like TBS, TNT, and FS1, which broadcast major events such as NBA games, MLB playoffs, NHL matchups, college football, and NASCAR races.
Fubo TV
Fubo TV offers a wide array of live TV channels, including sports, entertainment, and local channels. Plus, Fubo TV’s on-demand content and DVR capabilities give users flexible options for watching their favorite events. It allows new subscribers to use a free trial, so you can try the service before you buy.
Additionally, Fubo TV offers ESPN in its channel lineup, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPN Deportes. However, FuboTV is only available in the United States. If you’re outside the U.S., you’ll need a VPN to access FuboTV.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu is a premium streaming service that combines live television with on-demand streaming content, plus Disney+ and ESPN. It works on smart TVs, streaming devices, gaming consoles, mobile devices, and web browsers.
You can watch ESPN with Hulu + Live TV or the ESPN application and then record ESPN content with unlimited cloud DVR storage.
Spectrum TV
Another YouTube TV alternative to watch ESPN sports is Spectrum TV. Spectrum includes multiple ESPN channels in its TV lineups, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, ESPNU, ESPNews, and ESPNews 4K. However, the channel numbers vary by location. There are three ways to watch ESPN. You can use traditional TV, the Spectrum TV, or the ESPN app.
ESPN App
Apart from the TVs above, you absolutely can use the ESPN app to watch ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACCN, ESPN+, and more in one place. The ESPN app is the primary platform for all ESPN content, but what you see depends on your subscription.
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Final Thoughts
After reading this article, you understand why is ESPN not on YouTube TV anymore. Also, you can choose another 5 YouTube TV alternatives to access ESPN’s unmatched sports content, like Sling TV, Spectrum TV, etc.
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Libur is always willing to try new things and full of enthusiasm for life. At the same time, she is passionate about making fantastic movies. Now, she has become an English editor about multimedia in MiniTool. She is good at writing articles about video editing, video conversion, and screen recording. During her spare time, Libur loves climbing mountains and listening to music. By the way, her favorite singer is Taylor Swift.