The little box that is known as Roku has its many legion of fans. Some have used it to cut the cord from cable and satellite. By connecting to the home wifi system, Roku users can gain access to Netflix, Hulu, MLB.TV, MLS, NBA Game Time, NHL Gamecenter and other channels.
But starting today, WatchESPN is being added to Roku. It means that Roku users will be able to watch the linear ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, ESPN Deportes and ESPN3 plus the seasonal Goal Line and Buzzer Beater services. There's a catch to watch the ESPN channels, you still need a cable subscription, so don't think you can cut the cord and keep watching ESPN. And it will only be available on the newer Roku boxes.
If you have a subscription to AT&T U-Verse, Bright House, Comcast's Xfinity, Cox, Time Warner Cable and other participating providers, you'll be able to see WatchESPN on Roku.
In addition to WatchESPN, Roku users will gain access to WatchDisney at the end of the month. So why won't ESPN allow you to access its app without a cable subscription? Well, it means that you would cut the cord and the cable providers don't want that.
So if you've cut the cord and are hoping to see the ESPN channels on Roku, you're really out of luck. But if you use Roku to compliment your cable subscription, then you will be able to see WatchESPN.
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About Ken Fang
Ken has been covering the sports media in earnest at his own site, Fang's Bites since May 2007 and at Awful Announcing since March 2013.
He provides a unique perspective having been an award-winning radio news reporter in Providence and having worked in local television.
Fang celebrates the four Boston Red Sox World Championships in the 21st Century, but continues to be a long-suffering Cleveland Browns fan.