Semi-OT: free (legal) streaming via alternate feeds on ESPN3

Submitted by UMQuadz05 on

As a cord-cutter who is wary of off-shore (illegal) streaming sites, I thought I'd share this with the board.  ESPN3/Watch ESPN provides many free streams of their events, just without their normal on-air "talent".  In the last few weeks, I've watched MLS soccer in Spanish, the "International Feed" of the British Open (English, with Scottish accents), and the French Open without any PBP at all (fascinating and enjoyable).  I wasn't aware of how extensive this selection was; between this and watching the Gold Cup/Women's World Cup en espanol with an antenna it's been a good summer.

The big question, of course, is this:  Has anybody found a college football game this way?  I'm not holding my breath. 

OaklandInPlay

July 29th, 2015 at 1:20 PM ^

I have found many College Football streams on ESPN3, however they're usually the games that aren't popular. The big games will be broadcasted on a sky-cam without commentary. 

LSAClassOf2000

July 29th, 2015 at 2:07 PM ^

The single biggest disadvantage to ESPN3 might just be this. Although by contract in most cases ABC / ESPN gets the first cut, that seems like it is strictly for the main network, with the conference networks picking second. It probably falls off quickly from there in terms of game watchability most weeks, but of course this depends much on your own fandom. I've had the ESPN3 feed up during games - they do sometimes air the out-of-region stuff from the main telecast depending on your location. 

Flying Dutchman

July 29th, 2015 at 1:48 PM ^

I watched 3-4 Western Michigan games on ESPN3 last year, on my iPad.   Which is also typically the only way I can watch them, with some exceptions coming this fall on ESPN2, because the Broncos are making some noise.    Row the Boat.

CaptainSane

July 29th, 2015 at 2:41 PM ^

I really like the international feeds they have for events like the Tennis/Golf majors. Tennis especially, the ESPN team tends to over commentate I think, and the BBC team is very good at saying nothing for long stretches, which I prefer. I'm still holding out hope for a regular no play-by-play option for all sports, most of all hockey.

UMQuadz05

July 29th, 2015 at 3:08 PM ^

When you open the new "WatchESPN", it's divided into broadcast channels (ESPN, ESPN2, news, U, etc..) and a separate entity for ESPN3.  Usually it's weird stuff not on TV like cricket, pro ultimate frisbee and rugby, but I've been noticing more of the things I noted in the OP.

reshp1

July 29th, 2015 at 2:55 PM ^

I watched quite a few games last year on "spider cam." Not having the announcers actually made many games bearable that otherwise would not have been. I highly recommend it, whether you have cable or not.

M go Bru

July 29th, 2015 at 3:23 PM ^

about an hour after their conclusion. They are available for a couple of days (not sure exactly how long). Great way to catch games you missed or did not have initial access to.