directv disney espn DirecTV subscribers are currently facing a frustrating blackout of Disney-owned channels, including ACC Network, ESPN, and SEC Network, due to an ongoing contract dispute between DirecTV and Disney. With college football season in full swing, many fans are scrambling to find alternative ways to watch their favorite games without missing out. Fortunately, there are several free and low-cost options available to ensure you don’t miss any gridiron action this weekend.
Here’s a look at the best streaming services and solutions that offer ACC Network and other Disney-owned sports channels for free or at a discount.
Why Did DirecTV Drop ESPN and ACC Network?
The blackout began when DirecTV’s five-year contract with Disney expired on September 1, and the two companies failed to reach a new agreement. As a result, DirecTV customers lost access to popular Disney-owned channels such as ESPN, ESPN2, ACC Network, SEC Network, FX, and even local ABC affiliates. Disney argues that DirecTV undervalues its channels, while DirecTV accuses Disney of prioritizing profits over consumers.
This isn’t the first time Disney has been embroiled in a contract dispute at the start of football season. Last year, Disney and Spectrum faced a similar standoff, affecting millions of viewers during key games.
How to Watch ACC Network for Free
DirecTV customers aren’t completely out of luck. Several live TV streaming services offer ACC Network and other ESPN channels, many with free trials. Below are some top options to stream ACC Network and catch all the college football action without paying for a full cable subscription.
1. fuboTV – Best Overall Choice (Free Trial Available)
fuboTV is a comprehensive streaming service that offers more than 190 channels, including ACC Network, ESPN, ESPN2, and more. The service has a strong sports focus, making it ideal for college football fans. It offers a free trial, so you can watch the upcoming games at no cost. After the trial, fuboTV is $79.99 per month, but it’s currently offering a discounted first month at $49.99.
What You Get:
- ACC Network, SEC Network, ESPN, ESPN2
- 190+ channels
- Cloud DVR with unlimited storage
- Free trial available
2. Sling TV Orange + Sports Extra – Best Budget Option
Sling TV’s Orange package, combined with the Sports Extra add-on, gives you access to ACC Network for just $51 per month, making it one of the most affordable options available. Right now, Sling is offering $25 off your first month, bringing your total down to just $26 for the first 30 days. While Sling doesn’t include local channels, you can supplement it with an HD antenna.
What You Get:
- ACC Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU
- $25 off your first month
- Cloud DVR
- No local channels, but antenna options available
3. Hulu + Live TV – Best for Disney Fans
As a Disney-owned service, Hulu + Live TV includes all Disney channels in its $76.99 base package, including ACC Network, SEC Network, ESPN, FX, and more. On top of that, your subscription also comes with access to Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu’s on-demand library. Hulu + Live TV offers a three-day free trial, and with all the extra content included, it’s an attractive option for fans of Disney-owned channels.
What You Get:
- ACC Network, SEC Network, ESPN, ESPN2, and all Disney channels
- Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ included
- Free trial available
Can You Watch ACC Network on ESPN+?
Unfortunately, ESPN+ does not offer full access to ACC Network. While ESPN+ streams select college football games, it doesn’t guarantee access to all the ACC Network games. To get full ACC Network coverage, you’ll need to subscribe to one of the streaming services mentioned above.
Access ACC Network Extra for Even More Games
If you subscribe to a service that includes ACC Network, you also gain access to ACC Network Extra. This service streams additional games and events online, and you can watch them by logging into ESPN.com with your streaming credentials.
What About Other Cable Providers?
The current blackout only affects DirecTV customers. If you have another cable provider such as Verizon Fios, Xfinity, or Spectrum, you should still have access to ACC Network and other Disney channels. You can check your channel lineup with your cable provider to confirm availability.
Bottom Line
DirecTV customers don’t have to miss out on college football during the Disney blackout. With streaming services like fuboTV and Sling offering free trials and discounts, you can still enjoy the full slate of ACC Network games without spending a fortune. Whether you opt for a free trial or take advantage of a low-cost subscription, there are plenty of ways to catch all the action this season—even without DirecTV.
