SEC announces Dish, Sling no longer offer SEC Network, ESPN; Here’s some free solutions for games
The SEC announced Saturday that customers of Dish Network and Sling will not be able to access SEC Network or ESPN.
This will prove problematic for college football fans on Saturday.
There are a few solutions. Here’s what you need to know about fuboTV and DirecTV Stream, both of which offer free trials, and ESPN Plus offers select games.
FuboTV
Games on the ESPN family of channels – including SEC Network – will be live streamed on fuboTV, which offers a free trial. The most basic of plans is the “fubo standard” package, which comprises 121-plus channels for $69.99 per month. Like all cord-cutting alternatives, there are plenty of options, especially for sports. It comes with more than 1,000 hours of cloud-based DVR, and up to 10 screens at once.
DirectTV Stream
DirecTV Stream also offers a free trial.
There are four options of DirecTV Stream. However, it should be noted that SEC Network is not available in the Entertainment Package. ESPN, however, is available.
The Entertainment Package, which consists of 65+ channels, is $54.99 until the promotion runs out April 30. It’s the basic package for can’t-miss entertainment – including ESPN, TNT, Nickelodeon and HGTV.
The Choice Package has more than 90 channels and is $74.99 during the promotion. The channels in ENTERTAINMENT, plus MLB Network, NBA TV, college sports networks, and more. Enjoy Regional Sports Networks with no additional fees.
The Ultimate Package has more than 130 channels and is $89.99 during the promotion. Everything in CHOICE, plus Oxygen, Golf Channel, NHL Network, Universal Kids and more.
The Premier Package has more than 140 channels and is $134.99 during the promotion. Everything in ULTIMATE, plus HBO Max, SHOWTIME, STARZ, Cinemax and more.
DirecTV Stream offers a free trial that doesn’t require much effort.
To sign up, enter a phone number, email address and credit card, and you’ll receive five days of the service without charge.
In addition, enhance your experience with the DirectTV Stream device. While it doesn’t include a free trial, it gives you access to thousands of apps like Netflix and more on Google Play. You can search using the voice remote with Google Assistant, and you can enjoy a traditional live TV channel guide. It is sold separately.
ESPN Plus
More and more Power 5 games are popping up on ESPN Plus. However, not all games are found here. You can steam subscribe to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) through the ESPN App, (on mobile and connected devices), ESPN.com or ESPN+. It is also available as part of a bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu (ad-supported), and ESPN+ — all for just $13.99/month.
Here is the SEC schedule for the day:
- (7) Kentucky vs. (14) Ole Miss, 11 am, ESPN
- E Washington vs. Florida, 11 am SEC Network+ | ESPN+
- (2) Alabama vs. (20) Arkansas, 2:30 pm, CBS
- (17) Texas A&M-Miss. State, 3 pm SEC Network
- LSU vs. Auburn, 6 pm, ESPN
- (1) Georgia vs. Missouri, 6:30 pm, SEC Network
Mark Heim is a sports reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim.