Don’t panic, Alabama and Auburn fans, we got you.
Just like a good RPO, we have three options for you:
A day after Walt Disney Co. pulled ABC stations and ESPN from Charter Spectrum’s pay-TV service over a distribution fee dispute, college football fans are scrambling to find a way to watch Alabama’s season opener against Middle Tennessee and Hugh Freeze’s Auburn debut against UMass.
There are a number of streaming services with free trials to get you through the weekend. Ultimately, after the free trial, you might find the chord-cutting route is one you want to stay on.
As Thursday’s Utah-Florida game kicked off on ESPN, Spectrum displayed this notice on the screen: “The Walt Disney Company has removed their programming from Spectrum which creates hardship for our customers. We apologize for the inconvenience and are continuing to negotiate in good faith in order to reach a fair agreement.”
Auburn hosts UMass on ESPN at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN, while Alabama-Middle Tennessee kicks off on the SEC Network at 6:30 p.m. from Bryant-Denny Stadium. Since both networks are affiliated with Disney, both games may be missing for Spectrum customers.
Here’s what you need to know about each of them:
FuboTV
FuboTV offers a free trial. The most basic of plans is the “fubo pro” package, which comprises 146-plus channels for $74.99 per month. Like all cord-cutting alternatives, there are plenty of options, especially for sports. It comes with more than 1,000 hours of cloud-based DVR, and up to 10 screens at once.
There is also the “fubo elite” package, which comprises 205-plus channels for $84.99 per month. It comes with fuboExtra (48 more channels) and News Plus (11 more channels). Plus, more than 1,000 hours of cloud-based DVR, and up to 10 screens at once.
The “fubo premiere” package is “fubo elite” with the addition of Showtime for $94.99 per month.
FuboTV gives you access to ABC, NBC, CBS, SEC Network, ACC Network, The Big Ten Network, ESPN, Pac-12 Network and more.
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream offers a free trial, but you have to get a specific package if you want the SEC Network packages. They are listed below.
There are four options of DirecTV Stream. Price guaranteed for first two years.
The Entertainment Package, which consists of 65+ channels, is $64.99 until the promotion runs out April 30. It’s the basic package for can’t-miss entertainment - including ESPN and ESPN2.
The Choice Package has more than 90 channels and is $84.99 during the promotion. The channels in ENTERTAINMENT, plus ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN News, ESPNU and more.
The Ultimate Package has more than 130 channels and is $109.99 during the promotion. Everything in CHOICE, plus CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2 and SEC Network.
The Premier Package has more than 140 channels and is $154.99 during the promotion. Everything in ULTIMATE, plus HBO Max, SHOWTIME, STARZ, Cinemax and more.
DirecTV Stream offers a free trial that doesn’t require much effort.
To sign up, enter a phone number, email address and credit card, and you’ll receive five days of the service without charge.
In addition, enhance your experience with the DirecTV Stream device. While it doesn’t include a free trial, it give you access to thousands of apps like Netflix and more on Google Play. You can search using the voice remote with Google Assistant, and you can enjoy a traditional live TV channel guide. It is sold separately.
Sling
Sling Orange is $40 a month and offers ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN3.
SlingTV is offering some special season-long football packages. Starting at $274 (a savings of $76), you can get five months of Orange & Blue + Sports Extra. The packages includes NFL Redzone, ESPN, NFL, SEC, ACC, PAC 12, Big10, and Longhorn Networks.
You can also get a college football specific offer. Get 5 months of Sling Orange + Sports Extra, starting at $199, a savings of $56, which Includes ESPN, SEC, ACC, PAC 12, and Longhorn Networks. Catch every game on ABC with ESPN3 simulcast.
Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.
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