Are you an avid sports fan looking for a way to catch your favorite teams and players in action without breaking the bank? You’re not alone! With the rise of streaming services, it’s never been easier to cut the cord and ditch traditional cable TV. But one question remains: Can I watch ESPN on Amazon Prime?
The Rise of Streaming Services and Live Sports
In recent years, the way we consume live sports has undergone a significant shift. Gone are the days of relying solely on cable TV to catch the big game. With the proliferation of streaming services like Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Sling TV, fans now have more options than ever before to watch their favorite sports and teams.
And it’s not just sports either. With the rise of streaming, people are increasingly cutting the cord and ditching traditional cable TV in favor of online services that offer more flexibility and affordability. In fact, according to a report by eMarketer, the number of cord-cutters in the US is expected to reach 43.9 million by the end of 2022.
What is Amazon Prime and What Does it Offer?
Before we dive into whether or not you can watch ESPN on Amazon Prime, let’s take a step back and explore what Amazon Prime is and what it offers.
Amazon Prime is a premium membership program offered by Amazon that provides a range of benefits, including:
- Free two-day shipping on millions of eligible items
- Access to Prime Video, which includes a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content
- Music streaming through Prime Music
- Photo storage on Amazon Drive
- Early access to lightning deals and other promotions
- Twitch Prime, which offers ad-free viewing, free games, and other perks for gamers
In addition to these benefits, Amazon Prime also offers a range of sports-related content, including Thursday Night Football, UEFA Champions League matches, and more. However, when it comes to ESPN, things get a bit more complicated.
Does Amazon Prime Include ESPN?
The short answer is no, Amazon Prime does not include ESPN as part of its standard membership package. While Amazon Prime offers a range of sports-related content, ESPN is not currently one of the channels included in the service.
However, there are a few workarounds that can help you get your ESPN fix.
Watching ESPN on Amazon Prime through Additional Services
While ESPN is not included in the standard Amazon Prime package, there are a few additional services that can help you get access to the channel.
- Sling TV: Sling TV is a streaming service that offers a range of channels, including ESPN. You can sign up for Sling TV and watch ESPN through the service, which is available on a range of devices, including Amazon Fire TV. As an Amazon Prime member, you can get a discounted rate on Sling TV, making it an attractive option for sports fans.
- YouTube TV: YouTube TV is another streaming service that offers ESPN as part of its channel lineup. You can sign up for YouTube TV and watch ESPN through the service, which is also available on Amazon Fire TV.
- Hulu with Live TV: Hulu with Live TV is a streaming service that offers a range of channels, including ESPN. You can sign up for Hulu with Live TV and watch ESPN through the service, which is available on Amazon Fire TV.
It’s worth noting that these services require a separate subscription and are not included in the standard Amazon Prime package.
Other Ways to Watch ESPN without Amazon Prime
If you don’t have Amazon Prime or don’t want to use one of the additional services mentioned above, there are still other ways to watch ESPN.
ESPN App
The ESPN app is a free download that allows you to watch ESPN content on a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and streaming devices like Roku and Chromecast. However, to access live content, including sports and events, you’ll need to log in with a cable provider or streaming service that offers ESPN.
Cable TV
Of course, you can always watch ESPN through traditional cable TV. If you have a cable subscription that includes ESPN, you can watch the channel through your TV provider.
Conclusion
While Amazon Prime does not include ESPN as part of its standard package, there are still several ways to watch the channel through additional services or other means. Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or just looking for a way to catch the big game, there’s never been a better time to cut the cord and explore the world of streaming services.
As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, it’s likely that we’ll see more and more options for watching live sports and events online. So, whether you’re an Amazon Prime member or not, there’s no excuse not to get in on the action and cheer on your favorite teams and players.
| Service | Includes ESPN? | Compatible with Amazon Fire TV? |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime | No | Yes |
| Sling TV | Yes | Yes |
| YouTube TV | Yes | Yes |
| Hulu with Live TV | Yes | Yes |
| ESPN App | Yes (with login) | Yes |
| Cable TV | Yes (with subscription) | N/A |
Note: The table above is not an exhaustive list of services that offer ESPN, but rather a summary of the options discussed in this article.
Is ESPN included in Amazon Prime Video?
ESPN is not included in Amazon Prime Video. Amazon Prime Video is a streaming service that provides access to a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content produced exclusively for Amazon Prime members. While Amazon Prime Video offers a range of sports content, including some live sports events, ESPN is not part of its standard package.
To access ESPN content, you’ll need to subscribe to a separate streaming service or have a cable or satellite TV subscription that includes ESPN. However, Amazon Prime members can subscribe to the ESPN+ streaming service, which is a separate entity from traditional ESPN, and offers exclusive sports content.
Can I get ESPN on Amazon Prime with an add-on channel?
Yes, Amazon Prime members can subscribe to ESPN through Amazon Channels, which allows you to add individual channels to your Prime Video subscription. This means you can watch ESPN live and on-demand through the Amazon Prime Video app. The ESPN channel add-on is available for an additional monthly fee, and you can cancel at any time.
The ESPN channel add-on through Amazon Channels provides access to all ESPN networks, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, and more. You’ll also get access to ESPN’s on-demand content, including sports documentaries, analysis shows, and highlight reels.
What is ESPN+, and is it included in Amazon Prime?
ESPN+ is a relatively new streaming service from ESPN that offers exclusive sports content, including live sports events, original programming, and on-demand content. ESPN+ is not included in Amazon Prime, but Amazon Prime members can subscribe to ESPN+ as an add-on channel.
ESPN+ is a separate entity from traditional ESPN, and its content is not available through the standard ESPN channel. ESPN+ is designed to provide additional sports content beyond what’s available on traditional ESPN, and it’s a great option for sports fans who want more coverage of their favorite sports and teams.
Can I watch ESPN on Amazon Fire TV?
Yes, you can watch ESPN on Amazon Fire TV, but you’ll need to have a subscription to a streaming service or cable/satellite TV provider that includes ESPN. You can download the ESPN app on your Fire TV device and sign in with your subscription credentials to access live and on-demand ESPN content.
If you subscribe to ESPN through Amazon Channels, you can also access ESPN content through the Prime Video app on your Fire TV device. This provides a seamless viewing experience, and you can easily switch between ESPN and other channels using the Prime Video interface.
Can I watch ESPN on Amazon Prime internationally?
ESPN is a US-based sports network, and its content is primarily available in the United States. While Amazon Prime is available in many countries, ESPN is not included in Amazon Prime Video internationally.
If you’re an international Amazon Prime member, you may be able to access some sports content through Amazon Prime Video, but it will not include ESPN. You may need to subscribe to a separate streaming service or sports network in your country to access ESPN content.
Is ESPN3 available on Amazon Prime?
ESPN3 is a streaming service that provides live and on-demand sports content, primarily focused on college sports, tennis, and cricket. While ESPN3 is available on some streaming devices, it is not currently available on Amazon Prime Video or Amazon Channels.
If you want to access ESPN3 content, you’ll need to subscribe to a separate streaming service that includes ESPN3, such as Sling TV or Hulu with Live TV. Alternatively, you can access ESPN3 content through the ESPN app if you have a subscription to a participating cable or satellite TV provider.
Can I cancel my ESPN subscription on Amazon Prime?
If you’ve subscribed to ESPN through Amazon Channels, you can cancel your subscription at any time through the Amazon website or through the Prime Video app. If you cancel your subscription, you’ll no longer have access to ESPN content through Amazon Channels, but you can still access other Prime Video content.
Keep in mind that canceling your ESPN subscription through Amazon Channels will not affect your Amazon Prime membership. You’ll still have access to all the other benefits and features of Amazon Prime, including free shipping, music streaming, and photo storage.