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If you’ve been following the ongoing dispute between Disney vs. DirecTV and AT&T, you know it’s getting uglier by the day.
Now, there’s a very real chance this weekend’s lineup of sports on the ESPN networks will get pulled, according to SEC commissioner Greg Sankey.
Attention @SEC fans! If you are a DirecTV, AT&T U-Verse or AT&T TVNow subscriber, you may not be able to view games on @SECNetwork (& other @ESPN and Disney networks) this weekend. Visit https://t.co/j0yzDYpouI for the latest info.
— Greg Sankey (@GregSankey) September 13, 2019
This means Saturday’s big SEC matchup between the Kentucky Wildcats and Florida Gators on ESPN could be unavailable to DirecTV and AT&T viewers.
Disney has issued the following statement:
“Unfortunately, so far AT&T has refused to reach a fair, market-based agreement with us, despite the fact that the terms we are seeking are in line with recent marketplace deals we have reached with other distributors. If a deal is not reached soon, DirecTV and AT&T video subscribers could lose access to ABC, ESPN and more,” the website said.
For more information, you can visit InstantAccessTV.
Now, like in most negotiations, deadlines make deals happen, so there’s still hope that some type of agreement can be reached in time so everyone can watch this weekend’s sporting events on the ESPN networks.
But if that does not happen, what can be done for those who need a backup option to watch sports on these networks this weekend?
Here are some alternative options to catch the game this weekend, most of which include a week-long free trial.
Hulu Sports
What began as essentially a NetFlix knockoff, Hulu has grown exponentially in recent years and now offers live sports, including the ESPN family of networks. If you’re not a previous subscriber, you can sign up for a free trial and watch this weekend’s games. Rates start at $45 per month.
YouTube TV
Everyone’s favorite highlight website (and home to being Rick Roll’d) now offers live sporting options with a free trial, but the location options are more limited than Hulu or fubo. The good news is it’s available in the Lexington market and has ESPN’s full lineup of channels. Rates start at $50 per month.
fuboTV
fuboTV is one of the more recent entrants to the online streaming game, but it does not include the ESPN networks. It has FOX and CBS channels in case you want to watch a game there. And yes, it offers a free trial. It is one of the more expensive options with rates starting at $55 per month. I myself had to use a free trial of this in 2017 when Kentucky played at Southern Mississippi on the CBS Sports Network, and it worked great.
PlayStation Vue
The gaming industry is starting to get into the online streaming game, and you can get a free trial. Monthly rates start at $50 per month. And while it’s under the PlayStation Network, there are non-PlayStation systems you can use the service on.
Sling TV
As of now, Sling TV does not offer a free trial on their website but will charge you just $15 for the first month, so at least you wouldn’t have to worry about the ongoing dispute if it lasts several weeks.
Hopefully, one of these five services can help you if you find yourself needing a backup plan this weekend.
For more information on finding alternative streaming options, check out CordCutters.com.