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Millions of YouTube TV customers found themselves without ESPN, ABC, and other Disney channels on Friday after YouTube and Disney failed to reach an agreement during carriage fee contract negotiations.
At a Glance: How to Watch ESPN, ABC Without YouTube TV
The YouTube TV ESPN and ABC blackout comes before a weekend packed with events on ESPN, including Saturday’s Oklahoma vs. Tennessee and Vanderbilt vs. Texas college football matchups, NBA games, and the NFL’s Monday Night Football.
How to Watch ESPN, ABC Without YouTube TV
If you’re one of the YouTube TV customers unable to watch Disney channels, there are several alternatives to livestream ESPN and ABC online without YouTube TV. One way is to get another live TV streaming service that carries ESPN and ABC, such as DirecTV, Fubo, Sling, or Hulu + Live TV. DirecTV, Fubo, and Hulu + Live TV all offer free trials and a ton of other channels, making them some of the best ways to watch ESPN and ABC without YouTube TV.
DirecTV
Get a five-day free trial to stream ABC and ESPN channels.
Sling is also a great option because they offer short-term passes. They have a day pass, which costs $4.99, a weekend pass, which costs $9.99, and a week pass, which costs $14.99.
Sling
Short-term passes for ESPN, ABC streams during the YouTube TV blackout.
Another option is to watch ESPN using the sports giant’s own streaming service, ESPN Unlimited. The new service delivers livestreams of all ESPN channels, making it a great YouTube TV alternative. However, it’s slightly pricey at $29.99 and doesn’t offer a free trial.
ESPN Unlimited
All ESPN channels in one place.
Stream ESPN, ABC for Free
If you want to watch ESPN or ABC for free, take advantage of the free trials from DirecTV, Fubo, and Hulu + Live TV. All three of these will get you free ESPN and ABC livestreams for a limited time — hopefully until the YouTube TV-Disney dispute has been resolved.
When Will ESPN, ABC be Back on YouTube TV?
There’s no word yet on when ESPN, ABC, and other Disney properties will be back on YouTube TV. Last year’s DirecTV-Disney dispute lasted for 13 days, for reference, but this one could be very different.
