Take advantage of these free options so you don’t have to splurge on a cable package.
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DirecTV has entered its third day of a Disney blackout after the entertainment company pulled its channels from the live streamer on Sunday (Sept. 1). Around 11 million subscribers lost access to channels including ABC and ESPN, according to CNN, and while DirecTV grapples to prevent subscribers from leaving, there are other ways you can watch ABC online for free that won’t require waiting for the DirecTV and Disney dispute to find a resolution.
Besides airing the NFL, Big Ten college matches and NBA games, ABC is home to hit reality shows and favorites such as The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, Abbott Elementary, Dancing With the Stars and Grey’s Anatomy. If you’ve recently cut the cord, there are affordable streaming options to livestream the basketball games and more ABC originals online without cable.
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Live TV streamers are an affordable option to replace your cable, with most options offering packages for less than $100 a month. Most of the streaming platforms that include ABC have free trials and promos going on, which means you could watch the NFL games on ABC for free. You’ll also be able to watch dozens of TV channels, giving you instant access to live sports, drama, comedies and reality series from home.
Below ShopBillboard breaks down the current deals and offers available to watch ABC online without cable.
How to Watch ABC Without a TV Provider
Don’t have cable? You can watch ABC through an HD antenna like one of these options here from Amazon. Another option that’ll give you access to watch ABC without cable is Hulu + Live TV. A subscription gets you more than 95 live TV channels, such as ABC, to watch live sports, TV series and specials whenever you want. You also get access to the entire Hulu on-demand library (including select ABC content available to watch the day after it airs).
Don’t have a Hulu + Live TV subscription? Right now, the streamer is offering a rare free trial that’ll get you your first three days free. Once the free trial is over, you’ll be charged the regular subscription fee of $77 a month.
For even more content options, Hulu + Live TV includes a subscription both Disney+ and ESPN+, which will give you access to more sports coverage and ESPN exclusive content.
How to Watch ABC Online Without Cable for Free
There are a couple more live TV streamers that will let you watch ABC online for free or for a discounted price. Check below to find the right option for your viewing needs.
Sling TV
Sling TV is offering new half off off their first month with any of its three packages, which cuts the cost down to as low as $20 (reg. $40). You can choose from: the Orange, Blue or Orange + Blue Package. ABC is only offered on the Blue Package, but you can watch simulcasted games on ESPN3 (which is only offered on Sling’s Orange Package). Rather than choose between the two, you can combine the two for $45 (reg. $55) with the Orange + Blue Package, which will give you access to all 68 channels, DVR storage and the ability to stream on up to three devices.
Fubo TV
FuboTV is another affordable live TV streamer as it comes with a seven-day free trial for new users who sign up. You’ll have access to at least 100 channels (including ABC) as well as 1,000 hours of DVR and the option to stream on 10 devices at once. For 4K definition, you can upgrade to the Premium Plan, which also includes free Paramount+ with Showtime.
Once the free trial is over, you’ll be charged $80 for the Pro Plan (the cheapest option), $90 for the Elite Plan and $100 for the Premium Plan.
2024 NFL Game Schedule
Monday Night Football will take place on ABC and ESPN for the 2024-25 NFL season and you can find upcoming games below.
- Monday (Sept. 9): New York Jets vs. San Francisco 49ers at 8:20 p.m. ET/5:20 p.m. PT on ABC and ESPN.
- Monday (Sept. 23): Washington Commanders vs. Cincinnati Bengals at 8:15 p.m. ET/5:15 p.m. PT on ABC.
- Monday (Sept. 30): Seattle Seahawks vs. Detroit Lions at 8:15 p.m. ET/5:15 p.m. PT on ABC.
- Monday (Oct. 28): NY Giants vs. Pittsburgh Steelers at 8:15 p.m. ET/5:15 p.m. PT on ABC and ESPN.
- Monday (Dec. 9): Bengals vs. Dallas Cowboys at 8:15 p.m. ET/5:15 p.m. PT on ABC and ESPN.
- Monday (Dec. 16): Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on ABC.
- Monday (Dec. 30): Lions vs. 49ers 8:15 p.m. ET/5:15 p.m. PT on ABC and ESPN.
