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DirecTV customers were left in the dark earlier this month after Disney pulled its channels from the television provider following a prolonged contract dispute. That meant more than 11 million DirecTV subscribers were left without Disney-owned channels like ABC and ESPN.
The blackout could not have come at a worst time for DirecTV, landing on opening weekend of ABC’s college football coverage, and during ESPN’s ongoing coverage of the U.S. Open tennis tournament. Customers for DirecTV Stream, the company’s live TV streaming service, were also affected by the dispute, which came after DirecTV’s carriage agreement with Disney expired on Sept. 1.
Fortunately, there are still ways to watch ABC and ESPN without DirecTV. The simplest option is also the cheapest: you can pick up an indoor digital television antenna (like this one from Amazon) and get a live feed of your local ABC affiliate.
HP Store Digital Indoor TV Antenna
This antenna is one of the most popular picks on Amazon, with a 4.7-star rating (out of five) from more than 21,000 verified reviews. With a 400-mile range, this indoor antenna will pick up ABC and all the other major networks, but you won’t be able to watch ESPN.
You can also try an OTT streaming service, which lets you watch live television channels — including ABC and ESPN — online without cable. Here are some of the best options below.
Watch ABC and ESPN on Fubo
Your best bet is to switch from DirecTV to a cable provider that offers ESPN and ABC. We like Fubo, which offers more than 200 live television channels as part of its base package. In addition to ESPN and ABC, Fubo’s lineup includes NFL Network, FS1 and NBA TV for sports, and entertainment channels like E!, FX, USA and more.
Regularly $79.99/month, Fubo is currently offering a promotion that gets you instant access for just $49.99. Fubo lets you watch live TV over the internet on your phone, laptop or tablet, or you can stream everything on your smart TV via the Fubo app. Test out Fubo with a generous 7-day free trial here with no commitment.
Watch ABC and ESPN on Hulu + Live TV
Another good option is Hulu + Live TV, which offers access to 90+ live television channels in addition to Hulu’s extensive on-demand library of shows and movies. Hulu + Live TV plans include ABC and ESPN, so you can livestream both channels online without cable. Your subscription to Hulu starts at just $76.99/month and includes bonus access to Disney+ and ESPN+ as well.
Hulu + Live TV has a 3-day free trial offer here that you can use to test out the service.
Watch ABC and ESPN on Sling
And then there’s Sling, one of the most affordable live TV streaming services online, with plans discounted to just $20 right now. Regularly $40+, the new promotion saves you 50% off a monthly streaming plan. The Sling Orange plan includes ESPN, ESPN4K, ESPN2 and ESPN3. Most regions will also get a local ABC feed. Combine it with a Sling Blue package for even more live streaming options. See more details here.
DirecTV has assured customers that it’s working on a solution to getting ESPN and ABC back on-air. The Walt Disney Company, meantime, released a statement from Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, co-chairmen, Disney Entertainment, and Jimmy Pitaro, chairman, ESPN, saying, “Our priority is to reach a marketplace deal that serves the needs of DirecTV and their customers while also recognizing the value of our top-quality content and the significant investment required to create and acquire it. We believe there is a path to a fair and flexible agreement that strikes this critical balance and works for all sides, especially the consumer.”
