Goal.com
This page contains affiliate links. When you purchase through the links provided, we may earn a commission.
ESPN logoESPN

Where to watch the ESPN channel May 2026? Live stream TV providers, subscription plans and costs

ESPN Streaming Subscription Plans May 2026

ESPN Unlimited$29.99/mo
Sling Orange$45.99/mo
YouTube Sports Plan$64.99/mo
Fubo Pro (and above)from $73.99/mo
YouTube TV Base Plan$82.99/mo
DirecTV Entertainment (and above)from $89.99/mo

What is coming up on ESPN in May 2026?

In May 2026, ESPN's programming slate is packed with high-stakes postseason action and the return of a major summer league. The network's live coverage is anchored by the 2026 NBA Playoffs and the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, featuring intense Second Round and Conference Semifinal matchups throughout the month, as well as the broadcast of the NHL Draft Lottery. On May 9, ESPN will also tip off the milestone 30th season of the WNBA, beginning its expansive regular-season coverage across its platforms. Additionally, the schedule continues to feature springtime sports staples, including weekend United Football League (UFL) matchups, regular-season NWSL games, and the daily MLB Game of the Day streaming on the ESPN App.

What is the ESPN channel?

The ESPN channel is dedicated channel that shows a variety of sports, including NCAA, featuring football, NBA, hockey and NFL. It also has a selection of documentaries and analysis shows.

Where can I watch it for free?

You can watch the ESPN channel for free through all of Fubo's or DirecTV's plans, as they both have a free trial for new customers. 

READ MORE: How to get a five-day free pass with Fubo

It's also available on Sling TV Orange or Orange & Blue plans.

If you are out of the country and would like to watch upcoming ESPN channel content on your favoured streaming service, you can do so by bypassing geo-restrictions by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

READ MORE: The best VPNs for streaming soccer and sports in 2025

Frequently asked questions

Fubo (formerly fubo TV) has a number of plans: Pro, Elite, Deluxe and Sports, with a Latino package at a fraction of the cost and for a lot less channels. Add-ons are also available, if you wish to add more sports and entertainment to your package.

No, Fubo is a completely different and independent streaming provider to Amazon.

While Fubo has plenty of sports options, it lacks the Warner Bros. Discovery channels, meaning you can't watch TNT, TBS, and TruTV, which are crucial for some MLB and NBA games and other popular content.

Furthermore, due to recent developments, Fubo have also recently lost rights to the NBC channels - a huge drawback for a sports-centric service when NBC carries popular sporting events such as Sunday Night Football and English Premier League soccer.

Yes, payments are taken monthly unless you opt for a quarterly payment setup.

Yes, Fubo is available to use on a Fire Stick, as well as a number of other devices, including Roku.

Yes, you can watch Fubo on your television, by installing the app onto your Smart TV or via a web browser that's connected to your TV.

Yes, you can watch up to 10 simultaneous streams from your home location on various devices connected to your home Wi-Fi, and on three additional mobile devices from various locations away from your home.

Prices tend to rise annually, but Fubo does operate a one-year price lock guarantee.

No, Fubo doesn't give refunds for this, but doesn't lock you in to annual contract either.

Fubo could be down due to a number of reasons, such as internet connectivity, app problems or even a service outage. 

Check the Wi-Fi or home broadband you're connected to to see if there's an issue there. You can try updating or reinstalling the app, as well as checking there isn't an electrical outage in the area by testing other equipment or, specifically, other devices or apps that connect to the same internet.

There's a good chance your internet speed isn't fast enough, especially if you are experiencing buffering while streaming. 

Check there's nothing blocking or interfering with the internet hub or router, so the signal isn't being disrupted. 

Optionally, you can lower the picture quality if you are experiencing buffering, which may help it to run smoother.

This could be because the service is geo-restricted, meaning you cannot use it outside of the United States or area you are trying to access specific local channels. 

Using a VPN is a way to circumvent the issue, as Fubo is generally region and country specific.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting