How to Watch Give Me The Ball! on ESPN
Give Me The Ball!, ESPN Films' 30 for 30 documentary about Billie Jean King, premieres Sunday, November 22, 2026, at 8:30 PM ET on ESPN, which is DIRECTV channel 206. It also streams on the ESPN App at the same time.
The film is directed by two-time Academy Award nominee Liz Garbus and first-time feature director Elizabeth Wolff. It premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival and, according to ESPN, has since played more than 30 film festivals around the world and picked up multiple audience and jury awards.
Give Me The Ball! at a glance
| Premiere | Sunday, November 22, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Time | 8:30 PM ET |
| Network | ESPN and the ESPN App |
| DIRECTV channel | 206 (every Signature package, starting with ENTERTAINMENT) |
| Series | ESPN Films' 30 for 30 |
| Directors | Liz Garbus and Elizabeth Wolff |
| Production | Ridley Scott Associates and Story Syndicate, with Elton John's Rocket Sports |
What is Give Me The Ball! about?
The documentary follows King's life on and off the court, from a young player determined to compete at the top level to one of the most influential athletes and advocates of the modern era. It revisits her role in building professional opportunities for women in tennis, her 1973 "Battle of the Sexes" win over Bobby Riggs and her long fight for equal pay.
ESPN says the film uses never-before-seen archival footage, including newly transferred footage of women's tennis across seven decades and 1988 footage of King with a young Serena and Venus Williams. King speaks for herself throughout, and Serena Williams, Elton John and Chris Evert are among those interviewed.
How to watch Give Me The Ball! on DIRECTV
ESPN is channel 206 on DIRECTV and is included in every Signature package, so any DIRECTV customer can watch the premiere live.
- Live: tune to channel 206 on Sunday, November 22, at 8:30 PM ET.
- Recording: search "Give Me The Ball" in the DIRECTV guide or app and set a recording. It's a feature-length film, so consider padding the end time.
- ESPN App: sign in with your DIRECTV login to stream the premiere on your phone, tablet or streaming device.
Our guide to what channel ESPN is on DIRECTV lists every ESPN network number, and how DIRECTV customers get ESPN's streaming service explains the app access. To compare tiers, see DIRECTV packages.
Is there a theatrical release?
Yes. ESPN says the film will also get an awards-qualifying theatrical release in November. The TV premiere on ESPN is the main way most viewers will see it.
Frequently asked questions
When does Give Me The Ball! premiere on ESPN?
It premieres Sunday, November 22, 2026, at 8:30 PM ET on ESPN and the ESPN App.
What channel is ESPN on DIRECTV?
ESPN is DIRECTV channel 206, and it's included in every Signature package.
What is Give Me The Ball! about?
It's an ESPN Films 30 for 30 documentary about tennis icon Billie Jean King, covering her career, the 1973 Battle of the Sexes and her fight for equality in sports.
Who directed Give Me The Ball!?
Liz Garbus and Elizabeth Wolff directed the film.
Can I stream Give Me The Ball! with my DIRECTV login?
Yes. Sign in to the ESPN App with your DIRECTV login to stream it live.
Who appears in Give Me The Ball!?
Billie Jean King tells her own story, with Serena Williams, Elton John and Chris Evert among those interviewed.
Want ESPN and the rest of the DIRECTV lineup? Check DIRECTV packages at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 21, 2026. Air dates and times are set by ESPN and may change. DIRECTV availability, channels, packages and prices vary by address and are subject to change. Give Me The Ball!, 30 for 30, ESPN, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.