Sling TV's ESPN Package: A Cheater's Paradise for Sports Fans

Pricey ESPN, Cheaper Sling

As the fall sports season heats up, ESPN has announced a price hike that will make your wallet feel a little lighter. The standalone ESPN Unlimited plan is climbing from $29.99 to $31.99 per month, while the annual subscription jumps from $299.99 to $319.99.

"The sports world is becoming more expensive by the day, and with all the premium channels and exclusive content, it's easy to see why fans are looking for alternatives."

But fear not, dear sports enthusiasts! Sling TV has stepped in to save the day with its Sling Essentials package, a budget-friendly alternative that offers ESPN and ESPN2 alongside more than 10 other channels, including Disney Channel, Freeform, and Hallmark Mystery. Plus, it includes 50 hours of DVR storage—a bonus that's sure to please.

The Monday Night Football Effect

Let's talk about the elephant in the room—Monday Night Football. It's the kickoff to a season of big games, and ESPN is the home for this weekly spectacle. The New York Giants will take on the Los Angeles Rams on September 21 at 8:15 p.m. ET, followed by the Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears on September 28.

ESPN2 also carries the alternate ManningCast for select games, making it a must-have for fans who want the full picture. With all these highlights, Sling Essentials is a no-brainer if you're looking to stay in the game without overspending.

College Football and Beyond

College football is another major draw for ESPN's viewership, and it's easy to see why. ESPN's networks will carry more than 1,000 games throughout the 2026-27 season across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, and other platforms. Plus, there's the weekly College GameDay coverage that fans eagerly anticipate.

For those who want to dive deeper into college sports, Sling offers a Sling Select with Sports Extra package. This add-on brings SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPNU, and ESPNEWS into the mix, giving viewers substantially more access to SEC and ACC games throughout the season.

Ballgame Time: Baseball and Basketball

Baseball fans have plenty to watch as the MLB postseason race enters its final stretch. ESPN will exclusively televise a Sept. 23 doubleheader featuring the Cleveland Guardians against the Boston Red Sox at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the Houston Astros against the Seattle Mariners at 10 p.m. ET.

On the basketball front, ESPN remains one of the WNBA's national television partners. The league returns from its FIBA World Cup break this week before concluding the regular season Sept. 24, with the playoffs tipping off Sept. 27. Disney's ESPN and ABC networks will carry two first-round playoff series and one semifinal series.

The ESPN Studio Show

ESPN's appeal goes well beyond the games themselves. Its year-round studio slate includes SportsCenter, Get Up, First Take, NFL Live, The Pat McAfee Show, Pardon the Interruption, and College GameDay, offering pregame coverage, postgame reaction, highlights, interviews, and analysis throughout the week.

With all these perks, it's clear that Sling Essentials is more than just a budget-friendly option—it's a comprehensive solution for sports fans who don't want to sacrifice quality for cost. And with prices on the rise, it's high time we start appreciating what we're getting for our money.