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Here’s how DirecTV customers can still watch the US Open on ESPN for free during the outage
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Here’s how DirecTV customers can still watch the US Open on ESPN for free during the outage

DirecTV customers are currently unable to watch ESPN and other channels in the ESPN family of channels due to an ongoing contract dispute between Disney (which owns ESPN) and DirecTV, which is owned by AT&T. But there are plenty of workarounds available for sports fans who don’t want to miss a minute of the U.S. Open or this upcoming weekend of college football.

ESPN is available on every major live internet TV streaming service, including fuboTV (free trial), Sling ($25 off your first month) and others. Those services also include ESPN2, which will air some US Open matches. Fans can also sign up for ESPN+, which doesn’t offer a free trial but does offer extensive match-by-match coverage of the US Open.

STREAM ESPN and the US Open on fuboTV (free trial)

Here are your options for watching ESPN and the US Open while they are blocked on DirecTV.

Why did DirecTV drop ESPN?

Disney’s five-year contract with DirecTV expired on Sunday, September 1, and an unresolved negotiation between DirecTV and Disney to renew the contract resulted in DirecTV removing all of Disney-owned channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN News, ACC Network, SEC Network, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, FX and some local ABC affiliates. DirecTV says Disney is chasing profits at the expense of consumers. Disney says DirecTV is underselling its portfolio of entertainment channels.

Disney was involved in a similar dispute with Spectrum last year at the start of the American football and NFL seasons.

In a statement, the USTA said: “It is disappointing that fans and viewers across the country will not have the opportunity to see the best athletes in our sport compete in the 2024 U.S. Open … We hope this dispute can be resolved as quickly as possible.”

READ MORE: Where to Watch ESPN, ABC, and More Disney Channels After DirecTV Dispute

Where can I still watch ESPN?

Every other major live internet TV streaming service currently carries ESPN as part of their lineup, but some charge extra for access to more specialized sports channels involved in the dispute, such as ACC Network. Some, like fuboTV, offer free trials so you can sign up and enjoy ESPN for free before deciding whether to continue your subscription.

Below you can read what each service has to offer.

BEST BET: fuboTV (free trial)

fuboTV is a comprehensive live TV streaming service that offers over 190 channels including ESPN, ESPN2, ACC Network, unlimited Cloud DVR, and the ability to watch up to 10 streams simultaneously. It focuses on sports and even has its own exclusive fubo Sports channels that air exclusive international soccer matches and other sports. For a limited time, fuboTV is offering your first month for just $49.99 after your free trial. After that, the price is $79.99 per month.

CHEAPEST: Sling TV Orange ($25 off first month)

Sling TV is a great option if you’re looking to save a little on your streaming costs. At $40 per month, it’s cheaper than any of the major competitors, and fans can get $25 off their first month of service, which might be enough to tide you over the contract dispute and make it to the US Open. It lacks local channels, but you can fix that with an HD antenna, like this one . Sling Orange has all the Disney-owned channels you’re looking for, including ESPN, ESPN2, and more.

BEST FOR DISNEY: Hulu + Live TV

If you like Disney-owned channels, Hulu + Live TV might be your best buy on this list. The base $76.99 plan includes 90+ channels, including ESPN and ESPN2, plus channels that other services often charge extra for, like the ACC Network, SEC Network, and ESPNU. It also includes ESPN+, Disney Plus, and Hulu’s entire basic library in that price. It doesn’t come with a free trial, but the value speaks for itself.

A LA CARTE: ESPN Plus

If you’re just going for the US Open, shell out $10.99 for a month of ESPN Plus and you’ll get court-by-court, match-by-match coverage through the remainder of the tournament (which concludes Sunday, September 8). This won’t solve your broader ESPN viewing woes, but it does offer a huge variety of weekly college sports coverage and can be bundled with other Disney-owned services like Disney+ and Hulu for expanded streaming options.

Can I get ESPN with ESPN+?

No.

While limited ESPN broadcasts will also air on ESPN+, the streaming service does not guarantee full access to ESPN’s content.

What about other cable providers?

The DTV-Disney dispute only affects DirecTV subscribers. You can find out about other cable providers with this channel finder: Verizon Fios, Cox, Xfinity, Spectrum, Optimum