Recent Questions

Why can't I get certain events that I used to have access to on ESPN3?

That content is now available on WatchESPN. ESPN3 is a network focused on exclusive programming.

What will I be able to watch on ESPN3 now?

Exclusive programming on ESPN3 includes college football, college basketball, NCAA Championships, tennis, golf, soccer, cricket and more. Limited events from ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU still exist on ESPN3 during some windows.

When can I still watch ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU live events on ESPN3?

ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU live events will still be available on ESPN3 weekdays from 12:01am-5:59pm and weekends from 12:01am-11:59am. All times local.

How can I tell which specific games are blacked out in my area?

Blackout maps denoting areas of coverage are located next to each event in the schedule page.

Will I still be able to watch those GamePlan and Full Court games on ESPN3?

Yes, games available on GamePlan and Full Court will continue to be carried on ESPN3, subject to local and regional blackouts.

Will replays still be available on ESPN3?

Yes, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU replays will continue to be made available on ESPN3. Replays will be accessible as early as immediately after the conclusion of the event and no later than 2:30 a.m. ET that evening.

When did this change to ESPN3 programming begin?

August 27.

If I have access to ESPN3, why don't I have access to WatchESPN?

WatchESPN requires a video subscription from an affiliated provider. Click here for a list of the current affiliates.

I am a video subscriber to one of the affiliated providers. How do I authenticate?

Visit the Get Access page for an instructional video on how to authenticate.

What if my video subscription is not one of the affiliated providers for WatchESPN?

We are working diligently to sign additional agreements for more fans to access WatchESPN. Call your cable provider to request WatchESPN.

Which ISPs allow access to WatchESPN?

WatchESPN requires a video subscription from an affiliated provider.

When will WatchESPN be available on XBox?

WatchESPN is now available to Xbox LIVE Gold members. WatchESPN, available on Xbox LIVE, requires a video subscription from an affiliated provider as well as a Xbox LIVE Gold membership. Click here for a list of the current affiliates.

Back to top

Does WatchESPN offer Closed Captioning availability?

Yes, all WatchESPN programming offers closed captioning by selecting the "CC" option located at the bottom right-hand side of the live web player screen.

To activate closed captioning on iOS devices, select your device "Settings," "Videos," and turn closed captioning to "ON." If you experience issues with closed captioning on WatchESPN with an iOS device please make sure to upgrade to iOS6.

To activate Closed Captioning on Android devices, tap the "CC" icon on the player bar.

Back to top

General Questions

What is WatchESPN?

WatchESPN is your single online and mobile destination for ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNU, Goal Line and Buzzer Beater.

What networks are available thru WatchESPN?

Subscribers with an ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN Goal Line or ESPN Buzzer Beater TV subscription from a participating TV service provider will have access to watch a live stream of the same network online and via the WatchESPN app in addition to content on ESPN3, subject to certain rights and blackout restrictions. Subscribers of non-participating TV providers will have access solely online at WatchESPN.com or on WatchESPN on the XBox with a XBox LIVE Gold membership to ESPN3 programming as long as they subscribe to a participating high speed internet service provider.

How can I get access to all ESPN networks available on WatchESPN?

Online registration through your TV service provider is required in order to access content on all networks. Non-participating TV provider customers have access to ESPN3 programming online only at WatchESPN.com or on WatchESPN on the XBox with a XBox LIVE Gold membership, as long as they subscribe to a participating high speed internet service provider. Click here for a list of participating video providers. Click here for a list of high speed internet providers.

What are the compatible mobile and tablet devices?

WatchESPN is available for use on the following mobile devices: Apple iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (must have OS 4.0 or later) and Android Mobile and tablet devices, including the Kindle Fire (running version 2.3.3 and above).

What happens if I switch wireless providers?

The process is exactly the same as viewing WatchESPN on an initial device for the first time.

Is the content on WatchESPN different from ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN Goal Line and ESPN Buzzer Beater on my TV?

No, WatchESPN is a live stream of the ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN Goal Line and ESPN Buzzer Beater and now also ESPN3.

Will I be required to sign in every time I visit WatchESPN?

There is no need to re-enter any credentials, as long as you are accessing content from the same computer. For tablet and mobile devices, you will not need to re-enter credentials on a tablet or mobile device providing you don't logout of the application. Credentials for WatchESPN on the Xbox will stay active for at least one year unless the consumer manually logs out.

Can I access WatchESPN internationally?

At this time, WatchESPN is only available on U.S. domestic internet and wireless services.

Is there a cost to download the WatchESPN app?

WatchESPN is free. However, you must be a subscriber of a participating TV service provider in order to have access to the full range of networks.

Is there a wireless data charge to view WatchESPN on my mobile device or tablet?

Many wireless providers have specific data plans to support video consumption, please check with the provider to confirm you have the appropriate plan.

I subscribe to Verizon Broadband (but not Verizon FIOS), can I get full access to all the networks on WatchESPN?

You will be able to view ESPN3 only on WatchESPN.

I am an ESPN video subscriber with a participating TV provider but I am unable to access all the networks on WatchESPN?

Contact your TV service provider to ensure your online registration is complete and that your subscription is current.

I am an ESPN video subscriber with a participating TV provider, will I have access to all the networks on WatchESPN if I log in away from home?

Yes. Once you log in to WatchESPN, click on any event with a blue "watch now" link and simply enter your credentials used for your TV service provider.

How is my location determined if the event is blacked out?

If you receive a message that states, "This content is subject to blackout." this is because the event that you requested is not available on WatchESPN in your location

Blackouts apply to telecasts that have been sold regionally or locally per league, conference and local rights holder agreements. Regional and local rights holders are usually broadcast stations or regional sports networks. Blackouts are implemented to protect the primary rights holder, as defined by the professional and college sports leagues or teams in a given market.

Why am I unable to watch Monday Night Football from my mobile device?

Due to rights differences, Monday Night Football is only available on WatchESPN on a desktop, WatchESPN on XBox with a XBox Live GOLD membership, or on the WatchESPN application on iPads. Android devices will not have access to Monday Night Football programming.

Why are ESPN Goal Line and ESPN Buzzer Beater sometimes unavailable for viewing?

ESPN Goal Line and ESPN Buzzer Beater are not 24 hour channels.

ESPN Buzzer Beater features live cut-ins and highlights from numerous top college basketball games during each Wednesday and Saturday of the college basketball season.

ESPN Goal Line features live cut-ins and highlights from numerous top college football games during each Saturday of the college football season

On occasion, the content on my computer screen differs slightly from that on my TV screen, why is that?

In rare circumstances, ESPN does not have the same rights to show content online as on TV. If that is the case, we may substitute a relevant image on the screen.

Why am I seeing an error message displaying in a screen overlay on WatchESPN?

Error messages from your video service provider may appear on WatchESPN. Messages appear when there is an issue with your video service subscription. In this case, you should contact your local video service provider customer service department for further assistance.

Back to top

Technical Questions

What are the system requirements to run WatchESPN on the desktop?

We recommend the following for the best experience:

• Processor Speed: Single Core CPU @ 2.4GHz or Dual Core CPU
• Memory: 512 MB of RAM (minimum of 256 MB)
• Video Memory: 128 MB of Video RAM
• Operating System: Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7
• Recommended Browsers: Internet Explorer 7+, Mozilla Firefox 3.5+, Safari 4, Chrome 3
• Flash Player: Adobe Flash Player 10.2 or above
• Screen Resolution: 1024x768 or higher with 32-bit color
• Recommended Connection Speed: 2 Mbps or greater

• Processor Speed: 1.5 Ghz
• Memory: 512 MB of RAM
• Operating System: OS X 10.4+
• Recommended Browsers: Mozilla Firefox 3.5+, Safari 4.0+, Chrome 3
• Flash Player: Adobe Flash Player 10.2 or above
• Screen Resolution: 1024x768 or higher with 32-bit color
• Recommended Connection Speed: 2 Mbps or greater

Will WatchESPN also be available on WIFI?

WatchESPN will also work on WIFI, 3G and 4G service.

Why is my streaming quality poor or is always freezing?

If playback stalls, stops or plays slowly, try one or all of the following:

• Refresh your browser or close your browser and open it again
• Avoid internet congestion by waiting several minutes before viewing the programming again
• Close other computer applications that may be open at the same time
• Contact Customer Care by calling 888-549-ESPN

Why is my audio and video not in sync?

Make sure that you are not doing anything network intensive on the same connection, such as downloading or sharing large files, or playing online games. Next, try re-starting the video player to see if that resolves the issue. If the problem persists, contact ESPN Customer Care by calling 888-549-ESPN.

When I launch WatchESPN, I see a black screen, nothing happens or there is no audio/video. What is wrong?

Video can take several seconds display or you may be running a content filter, antivirus application or proxy accelerator that is preventing the streaming of video content. Please turn off these services and try again. If the problem persists, please contact us via the feedback page.

Why am I experiencing blurring of video and/or a loss in sound?

At times, viewers may witness a temporary loss in sound or blurring of video on espnnetworks.com. The blurring/muting is required to honor the digital rights ESPN has been granted for the content which - in rare cases - differs from those rights granted for traditional television usage. If this problem persists, please contact ESPN Customer Care at 888-549-ESPN.

Back to top