ESPN Select is a streaming option that lets you watch certain live sports events on your phone, tablet, or computer

ESPN Select is not a standalone subscription. It is an add-on feature available to people who already pay for cable or satellite TV through certain providers, or who subscribe to the ESPN+ streaming service. The service gives you access to live games and events that ESPN chooses to stream online, separate from what airs on the ESPN television channels.

What you can watch depends on which provider you use and which sports are in season. ESPN Select typically includes college football, college basketball, Major League Baseball, and other sports during their respective seasons. The exact games available change week to week based on ESPN's broadcast schedule.

You do not pay ESPN directly for Select. Instead, you use your existing cable login or ESPN+ account to sign in through the ESPN app or website, then stream the games that are marked as available to you.

Key Takeaways

  • ESPN Select is an add-on feature, not a separate subscription — you need either a cable TV package or an ESPN+ subscription to use it.
  • Which games you can watch depends on your provider and what ESPN has scheduled to stream that week.
  • You sign in using your cable provider login or ESPN+ account through the ESPN app or website.
  • ESPN Select is included at no extra cost if you already have cable or ESPN+, but not all cable providers offer it.

How to access ESPN Select with cable or satellite TV

If you have a cable or satellite TV subscription, check whether your provider supports ESPN Select. Major providers like Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, DirecTV, and Dish Network typically offer it, but regional providers may not. The fastest way to confirm is to call your provider's customer service line or check your account online.

Once you know your provider supports it, download the ESPN app on your phone, tablet, or computer. Open the app, select "Sign In," and choose your provider from the list. Enter your cable account username and password. After you sign in, you can browse the schedule and tap any game marked as available through ESPN Select to start watching.

Some providers let you sign in directly through their own app instead. Check whether your cable company has its own streaming app — if it does, ESPN Select games may be available there as well.

How to access ESPN Select with ESPN+ subscription

If you subscribe to ESPN+ (the standalone streaming service), ESPN Select is included at no additional cost. Open the ESPN app, sign in with your ESPN+ account email and password, and browse the schedule for games available through ESPN Select.

ESPN+ costs money each month, but it includes more than just ESPN Select — you also get access to thousands of live sports events, original shows, and on-demand content that ESPN+ produces. The monthly cost varies depending on whether you pay month-to-month or commit to an annual plan, and whether you bundle it with other Disney streaming services.

What sports and events ESPN Select typically shows

ESPN Select focuses on live sports during their regular seasons. College football and college basketball make up a large portion of the schedule, particularly games that would not otherwise air on ESPN's main television channels. You will also find Major League Baseball games, some college baseball, and occasional events from other sports depending on the time of year.

The specific games available to you depend on your provider and your location. Some cable providers have agreements that limit which games they can stream online. ESPN also reserves certain high-profile games for broadcast on the main ESPN channels rather than streaming through Select.

The schedule changes constantly during sports seasons. Check the ESPN app regularly or set notifications for games you want to watch, since availability can shift week to week.

Differences between ESPN Select, ESPN+, and cable ESPN channels

ESPN Select is the streaming option bundled with your existing service — either cable TV or ESPN+. You do not pay extra for it, but you can only watch games ESPN has chosen to stream online, and availability depends on your provider.

ESPN+ is a separate paid subscription that includes ESPN Select access plus thousands of additional events and original content. If you do not have cable, ESPN+ is the main way to stream ESPN sports online.

The main ESPN television channels (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU) air the biggest games and events. Some games air only on cable TV, some only on ESPN+, and some on both. ESPN Select fills the gap by streaming additional games that do not make it onto the main channels.

Troubleshooting common problems with ESPN Select

If you sign in but cannot see any games available, your provider may not support ESPN Select, or the games you want to watch may not be scheduled to stream. Call your cable provider to confirm they offer the service. If they do, restart the ESPN app and try signing in again.

If you see a message saying a game is "not available in your area," that usually means your provider's agreement with ESPN does not allow them to stream that particular game to your location. This is a regional restriction, not a problem with your account. You may still be able to watch the game on cable TV or through another service.

If the app keeps asking you to sign in even after you enter your credentials, clear the app's cache and try again. On most phones and tablets, you can do this in your device settings under Apps or Application Manager. If problems continue, contact your cable provider's technical support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay extra for ESPN Select?

No. If you have cable TV or ESPN+, ESPN Select is included at no additional cost. You only pay for the cable package or ESPN+ subscription itself.

Can I watch ESPN Select games on my TV?

Yes, if your TV has the ESPN app or if your cable provider's app supports it. You can also use a streaming device like Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire Stick to download the ESPN app and watch on your television.

What if my cable provider does not offer ESPN Select?

Some smaller or regional cable providers do not support ESPN Select. In that case, ESPN+ is your main option for streaming ESPN sports online. You can also watch games that air on the main ESPN channels through your cable login on the ESPN website.

Can I watch ESPN Select games on demand after they air live?

Not through ESPN Select itself. However, ESPN+ includes on-demand replays of many games. If a game is not available on demand, you may be able to find highlights or full replays on ESPN's website or YouTube channel.

Do I need ESPN+ if I already have cable with ESPN Select?

No. If your cable package includes ESPN channels and your provider supports ESPN Select, you have access to most ESPN sports content without paying for ESPN+. ESPN+ gives you additional games and content beyond what cable offers, but it is not required.