Can You Get ESPN on Hulu? Here’s What to Know
Sports enthusiasts across the United States have a strong affinity for ESPN, the flagship sports network known for its comprehensive coverage of professional and collegiate sports. With the rise of streaming platforms, many viewers are cutting the cord and looking for ways to access their favorite channels online. One common question that arises in this context is: Can you get ESPN on Hulu? The answer is yes—but the specifics are worth exploring to understand what you get, how much it costs, and what it means for your streaming experience.
Understanding the Basics: Hulu vs. Hulu + Live TV
Before diving into ESPN access, it’s essential to differentiate between Hulu’s two main subscription options:
- Hulu (on-demand only): Provides access to a library of movies, television shows, and Hulu Originals. This version does not include live TV channels such as ESPN.
- Hulu + Live TV: Combines the on-demand content of Hulu with a variety of live television channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, and related channels.
To access ESPN through Hulu, you must subscribe to the Hulu + Live TV package.
What Is Hulu + Live TV?
Hulu + Live TV is a subscription package designed for viewers who want to stream both on-demand content and live television without a traditional cable subscription. Launched in May 2017, it competes directly with other streaming TV services like YouTube TV, Sling TV, and fuboTV.
Subscribing to Hulu + Live TV brings you a variety of top-tier networks, with over 90 live TV channels included—ESPN being one of them. Additional ESPN-related channels typically included in the lineup are ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU, and even access to college sports conferences depending on regional availability.
How Much Does Hulu + Live TV Cost?
As of 2024, the cost of the Hulu + Live TV plan is approximately $76.99 per month. This subscription includes:
- Access to over 90 live TV channels
- On-demand streaming from Hulu’s standard library
- Access to Disney+ and ESPN+ at no additional charge
- An option for DVR service with up to unlimited cloud storage
It’s important to note that the ESPN content available through Hulu + Live TV comes from two different avenues:
- Live ESPN Channels: You can watch ESPN and its sister channels live as part of the regular Hulu + Live TV lineup.
- ESPN+ Subscription: Included with Hulu + Live TV, ESPN+ expands the coverage to include exclusive games, original shows, and documentaries.
What Can You Watch on ESPN Through Hulu?
With an active Hulu + Live TV subscription, users can access live broadcasts of popular sports events such as:
- Monday Night Football
- NBA regular season and playoffs
- College football and basketball
- Major League Baseball (MLB)
- UFC Fight Nights (limited—more available via ESPN+)
- International soccer leagues and tournaments
In addition to live sports, ESPN on Hulu provides access to shows like “SportsCenter,” “Pardon the Interruption,” and “First Take.”
How ESPN+ Adds More Value
One often misunderstood feature of Hulu + Live TV is the inclusion of ESPN+. This is ESPN’s separate streaming service, which adds a wealth of exclusive content not available on the main ESPN channel.
Shows and sports available only on ESPN+ include:
- Exclusive UFC events and pay-per-view fight prelims
- Out-of-market NHL games
- Access to PGA Tour Live
- European soccer leagues such as La Liga and Bundesliga
- Original ESPN documentaries and shows
Accessing ESPN+ content through Hulu is seamless. Once integrated, users can browse and play ESPN+ shows and events directly within the Hulu interface.
Device Compatibility
You can enjoy ESPN on Hulu across a wide variety of devices. Hulu + Live TV is compatible with:
- Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio)
- Streaming devices (Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Google Chromecast)
- Game consoles (Xbox, PlayStation)
- Mobile devices (iOS and Android smartphones and tablets)
- Web browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox)
This wide compatibility ensures that no matter where you are or how you prefer to watch, you can tune into your favorite sports action on ESPN through Hulu.
Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) and Limitations
It’s important to note that not all regional sports or specific games might be available due to media rights and blackout restrictions. While ESPN covers national games and events, access to certain regional sports networks (RSNs) may vary based on geographic location and licensing agreements.
To find out exactly which channels and games are available in your region, Hulu provides a live TV zip code tool you can use before subscribing.
DVR and On-Demand Features
Hulu + Live TV includes unlimited cloud DVR storage, allowing users to record ESPN broadcasts and watch them later at their convenience. Recordings are stored for up to 9 months, which is ideal for viewers who might miss live games or want to rewatch key moments.
Additionally, many ESPN programs are available through Hulu’s on-demand library after their original air time, giving you even more flexibility when it comes to watching sports content.
How to Subscribe to Hulu + Live TV
To access ESPN on Hulu, follow these steps:
- Go to the Hulu + Live TV sign-up page.
- Choose the Hulu + Live TV package (with or without ads).
- Create your Hulu account and input billing information.
- Once subscribed, sign in on your device of choice and navigate to the ESPN channel to begin streaming.
It’s as straightforward as signing up for any other streaming platform, and within minutes, you’ll have live access to ESPN along with a host of other valuable channels and content.
Other Ways to Access ESPN
While Hulu + Live TV is a robust and comprehensive option for accessing ESPN, it’s not the only one. Alternatives include:
- ESPN+ standalone: Costs about $10.99/month but doesn’t include the main ESPN channel.
- Other live TV streaming services: Includes YouTube TV, Sling TV (via Sling Orange), fuboTV, and DirecTV Stream.
- Cable or satellite TV subscriptions: Traditional options that offer ESPN as part of standard packages.
Each alternative has its own pros, cons, and pricing, but Hulu + Live TV stands out due to its bundle with on-demand content, Disney+, and ESPN+.
Final Verdict: Is Hulu a Good Way to Watch ESPN?
If you’re looking for a reliable, high-quality way to watch ESPN without cable, then Hulu + Live TV is an excellent choice. The integration of ESPN channels, ESPN+ content, and Hulu’s vast on-demand library makes it particularly appealing for sports fans seeking both depth and flexibility.
Though its price point is higher than some competitors, the value delivered—especially for households who also enjoy Disney shows and general entertainment—can justify the cost. Whether you’re catching the next big game or diving into an ESPN original documentary, Hulu ensures you won’t miss a moment.
Bottom line: Yes, you can get ESPN on Hulu—just make sure you’re subscribed to Hulu + Live TV.