Want to watch live ESPN channels and access ESPN+ Originals on your Roku device? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, from signing in with a TV provider to using streaming services like fuboTV.
Overview
Roku offers a simple way to stream the ESPN app and access live games, news, analysis, and highlights. However, a valid TV subscription is required. Alternatively, you can subscribe to a live TV streaming service with ESPN channels.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- What you need to watch ESPN on Roku
- Using the ESPN app on Roku
- Signing in with a TV provider
- ESPN+ on Roku
- Watching ESPN through live TV streaming platforms
- Using a VPN for access outside the US
Follow these steps and you’ll be watching ESPN on your Roku device in no time.
Prerequisites to Stream ESPN on Roku
To watch ESPN on your Roku device, you’ll need:
- A Roku streaming device (any model)
- High-speed internet connection
- Subscription with a TV provider or live TV streaming service
- ESPN app downloaded from the Roku Channel Store
The ESPN app comes pre-installed on some Roku devices. If not, simply search and add it for free.
While a Roku device gives you access to the ESPN app, a valid TV provider subscription is still required to watch live ESPN channels. Details below.
Using the ESPN App on Roku
The ESPN app grants free access to latest sports news, highlights, and analysis. However, to unlock live ESPN channel streaming, you’ll need to sign in with a valid TV provider.
Steps to Add ESPN App on Roku
If the ESPN app didn’t come pre-loaded, here’s how to download it:
- Press the Home button on Roku remote
- Select Streaming Channels
- Search for “ESPN”
- Select ESPN app
- Click Add Channel
- Wait for confirmation message
- Click OK to add ESPN to your Roku home screen
You can now open the ESPN app and browse free sports content. But what about live ESPN channel access?
Signing in With a TV Provider
To unlock live streaming of ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and more channels, you need to link a valid TV provider account.
Supported TV providers include:
- AT&T TV
- Cox
- DirecTV
- Dish
- Fios
- Hulu + Live TV
- Optimum
- Spectrum
- SuddenLink
- Verizon
- Xfinity
- YouTube TV
Steps to Link TV Provider on ESPN App
- Open ESPN app on Roku
- Select “Sign In”
- Choose your TV provider
- Enter credentials to sign in
- Access live ESPN channels after linking accounts
By signing in with a valid TV subscription, you can now watch live ESPN along with replays, analysis, and more exclusive sports content.
But what if you don’t have cable? The good news is you still have options.
Can You Get ESPN+ on Roku?
In addition to the regular ESPN app, Roku also supports the ESPN+ streaming service.
ESPN+ grants access to live sports events including UFC fights, MLB, international soccer, college sports, PGA tours, and much more. There’s also access to original shows, documentaries, and studio programs.
An ESPN Plus subscription starts at $9.99/month or $99.99 per year.
Here’s how to sign up and watch ESPN Plus on your Roku device:
- Subscribe to ESPN Plus at plus.espn.com
- Download ESPN app on Roku
- Launch app and select “ESPN+” tab
- Enter ESPN+ login credentials
- Start streaming sports events and original programming
With ESPN+, you can watch live games without the need for a TV provider. But what if you still want those cable channels too? Streaming services are the way to go.
Watch ESPN Via Live TV Streaming Services
Don’t want cable but need access to live ESPN channels? Consider these top-rated live TV streaming platforms:
Monthly pricing starts around $35+ depending on the service. Many offer free trials so you can test the channel lineup first. If you’re interested in specific sports, we also have guides on watching NFL, NBA, MLB, and MotoGP on Roku.
Our top pick is fuboTV for sports streaming. With plans starting from $74.99 per month, you get over 100 channels including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU, and more. Local channels are also available based on your location.
Here’s how to sign up and start streaming ESPN with fuboTV:
- Visit fuboTV and register
- Select base plan or add-ons
- Enter payment details
- Download fuboTV app on your Roku
- Sign in and link your account
- Enjoy ESPN along with 100+ more channels
The same works for other live TV platforms mentioned above. Sling Orange plan starts at $40 per month and includes access to over 30 channels with ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3.
So whether you want the ESPN app, ESPN Plus, or a full cable channel lineup, Roku makes it easy to watch ESPN without commitments. We also have guides on watching FS1 on Roku and watching Fox on Roku for more sports content.
Using a VPN to Watch ESPN Outside USA
If traveling or living abroad, you can still watch ESPN on Roku with an added step: a VPN.
Due to broadcasting rights, ESPN access is only available within the United States. So to unlock streams internationally, a VPN masks your IP and provides a US-based one instead. If you’re considering other streaming devices, check out this comparison of Chromecast vs Roku.
Our recommended VPN for Roku is ExpressVPN. With 160 server locations worldwide, fast speeds, and easy-to-use apps, it makes accessing ESPN abroad simple.
Follow these steps to watch ESPN internationally:
- Subscribe to ExpressVPN
- Download & install ExpressVPN app on Roku
- Connect to a US-based server
- Access ESPN app or fuboTV as you normally would in the US
- Stream live ESPN channels and content worldwide
Using a VPN to watch ESPN on Roku takes just minutes to set up but is necessary for those outside the US.
Key Takeaways
Hopefully this guide has helped explain all your options to watch ESPN channels through Roku devices:
- The ESPN app is free on Roku but requires a valid TV provider to unlock live ESPN streaming
- ESPN+ subscription grants access to live games, fights, original shows without the need for cable
- Live TV streaming services like fuboTV and Sling TV allow cable-cutting while still streaming ESPN
- Using a VPN like ExpressVPN lets you watch ESPN from anywhere overseas by masking your location
We also have guides on watching ESPN on Apple TV and watching ESPN on Chromecast if you’re using other streaming devices.
So whether you want live games, exclusive originals, or just highlights and news – Roku makes accessing ESPN streaming simple. Feel free to drop any questions in the comments!
