What Channel Is ESPN on DIRECTV?
ESPN is on DIRECTV channel 206. It's the same number on DIRECTV satellite and DIRECTV streaming, and it's included in every Signature package, starting with ENTERTAINMENT. With Monday Night Football, college football Saturdays and the new NBA season on the way, here's where to find ESPN and its sister networks, which package you need and how to stream it.
Quick answer
- ESPN on DIRECTV: channel 206
- ESPN2: channel 209
- Cheapest package with ESPN: ENTERTAINMENT (ESPN is also in CHOICE, ULTIMATE and PREMIER)
- ESPNU, ESPNEWS, SEC Network, ACC Network: start at CHOICE
- Streaming: eligible DIRECTV customers can activate ESPN Unlimited at no extra cost and watch in the ESPN app
ESPN channels on DIRECTV
| Network | DIRECTV channel | Lowest package that includes it |
|---|---|---|
| ESPN | 206 | ENTERTAINMENT |
| ESPN2 | 209 | ENTERTAINMENT |
| ESPNEWS | 207 | CHOICE |
| ESPNU | 208 | CHOICE |
| SEC Network | 611 | CHOICE |
| ACC Network | 612 | CHOICE |
| ESPN Deportes | 466 | Spanish-language packages |
| ESPN8: The Ocho | 4108 | Free in MyFree DIRECTV (streaming) |
Need the details on a sister network? See what channel ESPN2 is on DIRECTV, ESPNU on DIRECTV, SEC Network on DIRECTV and ACC Network on DIRECTV.
Which DIRECTV packages include ESPN?
| Signature package | ESPN (206) | ESPN2 (209) | ESPNEWS, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENTERTAINMENT | Yes | Yes | No |
| CHOICE | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ULTIMATE | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PREMIER | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Bottom line: if ESPN and ESPN2 are all you need, ENTERTAINMENT is the lowest-cost Signature package that has them. If you follow college sports closely, step up to CHOICE for ESPNU, SEC Network and ACC Network, plus your regional sports network where available.
Mostly here for sports? The DIRECTV MySports Genre Pack also includes ESPN, along with networks like FS1, NBA TV and NFL Network. Compare everything side by side in our DIRECTV package channel comparison, or call 1-855-690-9884 and we'll help you pick.
How to find ESPN on your DIRECTV guide
- Enter the number: press 2-0-6 on your remote to tune straight to ESPN.
- Use voice or search: say or type "ESPN" to see what's on now and what's coming up.
- Make it a favorite: add 206 and 209 to a favorites list so they show up at the top of your guide.
- Watch several games at once: channel 205 is DIRECTV's Sports Mix, which shows several sports channels on one screen.
- On the go: open the DIRECTV app, sign in and search "ESPN" to watch on your phone, tablet or streaming device.
Don't see ESPN on 206? Check that your package includes it, then restart your receiver or app. Some live events can also be subject to league blackout rules.
Stream ESPN with your DIRECTV login
ESPN's streaming service, ESPN Unlimited, is included for eligible DIRECTV customers whose package has ESPN. To turn it on:
- Sign in at directv.com and go to your TV package on the Account Overview page.
- Select Activate ESPN Unlimited (DIRECTV may also email you an activation link).
- Follow the prompts to create or sign in to your ESPN account.
- Open the ESPN app and sign in with that ESPN account to start streaming.
For background on the deal, read how DIRECTV customers get ESPN Unlimited.
Other ways to watch ESPN
- DIRECTV app: live ESPN on phones, tablets and streaming devices with your DIRECTV login.
- ESPN app: ESPN Unlimited through your DIRECTV activation, or sold directly by ESPN if you don't have pay TV.
- Free sports channels: ESPN8: The Ocho and other free sports channels are in MyFree DIRECTV, but they don't carry ESPN's live games.
Related DIRECTV sports channels
- What channel is FS1 on DIRECTV?
- What channel is CBS Sports Network on DIRECTV?
- What channel is NFL RedZone on DIRECTV?
- Full DIRECTV channel lineup guide
Want ESPN, ESPN2 and the college networks on one plan? See DIRECTV options near you or call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is ESPN on DIRECTV?
ESPN is channel 206 on DIRECTV. The number is the same on DIRECTV satellite and DIRECTV streaming, and it's the same nationwide.
Which DIRECTV package has ESPN?
Every Signature package includes ESPN: ENTERTAINMENT, CHOICE, ULTIMATE and PREMIER. ENTERTAINMENT is the lowest-priced package that has it. ESPN is also part of the MySports Genre Pack.
What channel is ESPN2 on DIRECTV?
ESPN2 is channel 209. Like ESPN, it's included starting with the ENTERTAINMENT package.
Do I need CHOICE to get ESPNU, ESPNEWS, SEC Network or ACC Network?
Yes. ESPNEWS (207), ESPNU (208), SEC Network (611) and ACC Network (612) start at the CHOICE package. ENTERTAINMENT includes ESPN and ESPN2 only.
Can I watch ESPN in the ESPN app with DIRECTV?
Yes. DIRECTV customers whose package includes ESPN can activate ESPN Unlimited at no extra cost. Sign in at directv.com, open your TV package and select Activate ESPN Unlimited, then sign in to the ESPN app with the ESPN account you create.
Is there a free ESPN channel on DIRECTV?
ESPN8: The Ocho, a free streaming channel, is on channel 4108 in MyFree DIRECTV. It is not a replacement for ESPN 206, which needs a paid package.
Questions about ESPN on your plan? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 1, 2026. Channel numbers and package contents reflect DIRECTV's current lineup and may change. Availability of some channels and live events varies by location and is subject to blackout rules. ESPN, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.