ESPN’s Monday Night Football Viewership
ESPN recently celebrated the viewership numbers for the Cardinals-Cowboys game, claiming it was the “second-highest Week 9 viewership since 2011,” attracting 16.2 million viewers across various platforms, including ESPN and ABC.
However, many social media users and sports media experts quickly highlighted the lack of context in that claim. For instance, last year’s Week 9 matchup between the Buccaneers and Chiefs—bolstered by Taylor Swift’s presence cheering on her now-fiancé, Travis Kelce—drew an average of 20.6 million viewers. That’s roughly a 21% decrease compared to the previous year.
One might wonder how much of an impact the about 10 million subscribers of YouTube TV, currently unable to access Disney’s channels due to ongoing negotiations, will have.
Fans of football have felt the pinch, missing out on significant college games and crucial broadcasts like Monday Night Football.
On Wednesday, the Sports Business Journal noted that ESPN and YouTube TV “remain far apart on price.” Despite public appeals from ESPN insiders and on-air talent to reach an agreement, there are indications that some people are at their breaking point.
On a related note, during a discussion on ESPN’s Simulcast, McAfee expressed frustration over the social media requests from NFL figures, including Adam Schefter and hosts like Scott Van Pelt. “Stop telling people to go to a website to save a multi-billion dollar deal. Nobody cares,” he said, emphasizing the need for cooperation, especially in the current sports environment.
Ways to Watch ESPN and ABC Without YouTube TV
For those seeking alternatives, there are other live TV streaming services that offer appealing packages and channels not available to YouTube TV customers.
DirecTV is offering a 5-day free trial, with plans starting at about $49.99 for the first month. This includes access to NFL, NBA, NHL, and college football on ESPN and ABC, along with numerous regional sports networks.
If you’re not ready for a long-term commitment, Sling TV might be a suitable option. It provides great flexibility with plans, including day passes. For instance, a Sling Orange Day Pass, priced at $4.99, grants 24-hour access to Sling TV Orange, encompassing ESPN and ESPN2.
