If you’re confused about the state of ESPN3, you’re not alone. ESPN has so many channels and digital offerings it can be hard to keep track of them all. For the most part, what was once ESPN3 is folded into the ESPN+ streaming service. But there’s still good reason to stream ESPN3 on its own, and we’ll show you exactly how to do that for free.
Here’s everything you need to know to watch ESPN3 online.
What is ESPN3?
Unlike ESPN2, a sports channel that’s almost as essential as ESPN itself, ESPN3 is much more of a grab bag, both in terms of its content and where it’s available. It’s best to think of it as a key that unlocks a ton of additional programming and live sports on the ESPN site and WatchESPN app.
What will actually be on the ESPN3 channel you can find via a handful of providers? It’s hard to say, but there’s no shortage of content to choose from.
ESPN3 live stream: Which streaming servies carry ESPN3?
ESPN3 on FuboTV
FuboTV will get you ESPN3, but not quite as directly as the other ESPN channels. ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, and even ESPNU stream are available on Fubo plans, and you can access them along with your other Fubo channels. To watch ESPN3, you need to access your ESPN app—read on to learn how to do that—and enter your Fubo credentials. Even a Fubo Standard plan allows you to stream ESPN3 live.
ESPN3 on Sling TV
Sling TV provides two base channel package options, each priced at $30 per month.
Getting Sling Orange brings three ESPN channels (including ESPN3), while Sling Blue includes sports channels like NBCSN (where many Premier League soccer matches appear).
If you’re Team “Why Not Both?” Sling Orange + Blue combines the two for just $45 per month.
Other features include a Free Cloud DVR tier for all subscribers (allowing 10 hours of recording a month), the ability to record all live linear channels, and no VOD preemption on any channels. New subscribers get $10 off the first month.
To maximize your sports streaming, you’ll want to add Sports Extras. It’s $15 a month for 19 channels, including ESPNews, ESPNU, MLB Network, and NBA TV.
Spanish-speaking viewers have quite a few options. For bilingual families, you might consider the Español: Best of Spanish TV package for either Sling Orange or Sling Blue for 24/7 specialty channel LaLiga TV and beIN SPORTS Connect: Channels 4-9, which features matches from La Liga, Ligue 1 and Copa del Rey, among others. Both packages cost $5 per month after your free trial. Sling TV Latino is another Spanish-language package for $10 per month, including NBC Universo, History en Español, and—of import to soccer fans—four beIN SPORTS channels. (And choosing Best of Spanish + Sling Orange for $35 per month gives you access to ESPN Deportes.) For more information, check out our guide to Sling TV channels and our Sling TV review.
| Orange | $35 |
| Blue | $35 |
| Orange + Blue | $50 |
How to watch ESPN3 online
WatchESPN app and website
Cost: Free, but requires provider log-in
Devices: Amazon Fire Stick and Fire TV, Android and Kindle Fire, Google Chromecast, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, and iOS and Android devices
There’s a good chance you have access to stream ESPN3 and don’t even realize it. Anyone accessing WatchESPN, either the app or the main site, using a university (.edu) or military (.mil) network receive free access. Likewise, you may get complimentary access to ESPN3 via your internet service provider. (You can find a full list of providers here or in the WatchESPN app after clicking on a locked video.)
Even better, most of the live TV streaming services will unlock ESPN3 on WatchESPN. That includes Sling TV, Hulu, and YouTube TV.
Sports Channel and Streaming Service Guides
Live TV Service Guides
Streaming Device Guides
As of October 26, 2023, ESPN3 can be accessed via this link on ESPN’s website. Currently, their streaming offerings include UFC Embedded, Why Not Us, After TUF, and SportsCenter.
Additionally, viewers can watch shows like The Captain, Man in the Arena: Tom Brady, The Places Universe, Player 54, The Ultimate Fight, 30 For 30, Bananaland, More Than An Athlete, and Quest for the Stanley Cup on the same site, which are featured from ESPN+.
