Are you an Xfinity subscriber wondering how to access ESPN channels? As the largest cable provider in the country serving over 31 million customers, Xfinity (owned by Comcast) offers ESPN across multiple channel packages. However, ESPN‘s channel assignment varies by region and can be tricky to locate in your on-screen guide.
This comprehensive guide will show you exactly where to find ESPN on Xfinity. You‘ll get a breakdown of:
- ESPN‘s channel position across numerous US cities
- Descriptions of 15+ ESPN sister stations
- New streaming options like ESPN+
- Details on popular ESPN programming
- Recent controversies and changes
- Answers to frequently asked subscriber questions
So whether you want to catch SportsCenter, an NBA playoff game, or the latest 30 for 30 documentary, read on to get the full rundown on accessing ESPN through Xfinity.
Where Is ESPN Located in My Area?
ESPN is included with Xfinity‘s basic cable plans, but the channel number differs depending on your location. Below is a sampling of ESPN channel positions across major US cities.
| City | State | ESPN Channel | ESPN2 Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle | WA | 28 | 158 |
| Portland | OR | 35 | 69 |
| San Francisco | CA | 33 | 34 |
| Los Angeles | CA | 206 | 143 |
| Phoenix | AZ | 206 | 158 |
| Denver | CO | 204 | 143 |
| Dallas | TX | 24 | 147 |
| Chicago | IL | 202 | 32 |
| Detroit | MI | 206 | 158 |
| New York City | NY | 28 | 158 |
| Philadelphia | PA | 24 | 147 |
| Washington DC | DC | 24 | 147 |
| Atlanta | GA | 27 | 159 |
| Tampa | FL | 206 | 143 |
You can verify ESPN‘s channel assignment in your area by using Xfinity‘s channel lookup tool. Enter your zip code to view your exact lineup.
Now let‘s explore the many ESPN network options available through Xfinity.
ESPN Sister Channels Offering Expanded Sports Coverage
In addition to the main ESPN channel, Xfinity provides 15+ ESPN sister stations giving you more live events, commentary shows, and sports news coverage:
ESPN2: ESPNs secondary channel, usually adjacent to ESPN in channel lineup
ESPNU: 24/7 college sports channel with 300+ live events annually
ESPNews: Around-the-clock sports news network with tickers, highlights, analysis
ESPN Deportes: Spanish-language sports network with alternative SportsCenter edition
SEC Network: Dedicated channel for Southeastern Conference college sports
Longhorn Network: 24/7 coverage of University of Texas Austin athletics
ACC Network: Focused on Atlantic Coast Conference college sports
And more niche offerings like ESPN Classic, ESPN Goal Line, ESPN Bases Loaded, and ESPN PPV for one-off event purchases.
Whether you get any of these additional channels depends on your Xfinity TV package. For instance, ESPNU or SEC Network requires a mid-tier plan while ESPN Deportes needs a separate International TV add-on. Check Xfinity‘s website to see exactly what‘s included with your subscription.
Gaining Access to ESPN+ Through Xfinity
In April 2018, ESPN launched an over-the-top streaming platform called ESPN+ allowing cordcutters to view live sports and original programming without a cable package. For $9.99 a month or $99.99 annually, you get:
- Hundreds of exclusive live events (MLS games, PGA Tour, Grand Slam tennis, NHL action)
- On demand replays of various leagues/matches
- ESPN original series and studio shows not available on cable
- Behind-the-scenes interviews, analysis commentary
Xfinity customers can add ESPN+ by purchasing through Disney‘s streaming bundle or as a standalone service on Roku, Fire TV, Android/iOS devices and more. ESPN+, Hulu, and Disney+ can be bundled together from just $13.99 monthly.
Tracking ESPN‘s Changing Programming Landscape
For over 40 years, ESPN has provided Xfinity households with an abundance of live sports, highlights, debate shows, and documentaries. But the network has recently faced economic challenges, programming shifts, and talent layoffs.
In late 2022, parent company Disney directed ESPN to cut $500 million in costs over two years. This resulted in over 300 staff layoffs in November 2022 including prominent on-air personalities like Stephen A. Smith and Michael Wilbon. Multiple live studio shows like NFL Live, NBA Today, and KJZ were cancelled while remaining programming deals were renegotiated (like the 10-year MLB renewal finalized in December 2022).
While still home to flagship shows like SportsCenter, College GameDay, and championship events, ESPN programming continues to evolve amidst ownership pressure to control expenses in a shifting media landscape. Xfinity customers may notice on-air talent and production quality changes in 2023-2024.
Notable Current ESPN Shows to Watch
Even through turbulent times, ESPN provides Xfinity households with plenty of acclaimed original programming beyond live events. Here‘s a sampling of shows you can regularly watch:
SportsCenter – ESPN‘s long-running daily sports news program anchored by Sage Steele, Kevin Negandhi, and others
First Take – Stephen A. Smith leads heated morning debates around latest sports storylines
NBA Countdown – Pre/post-game NBA talk featuring analysts like Jalen Rose, Adrian Wojnarowski
College GameDay – Weekly collegiate football pregame show (during season) from Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit and crew
Pardon the Interruption – Tony Kornheiser & Michael Wilbon co-host this popular late afternoon commentary show
And critically acclaimed documentaries through the Peabody/Emmy-winning 30 for 30 series examining interesting sports stories (avail. on ESPN+ too).
So while television industry economics have altered programming, Xfinity customers still get quality ESPN shows worth watching.
Subscriber ESPN Access Questions Answered
Before wrapping up this guide, let‘s answer some common Xfinity subscriber questions around accessing ESPN programming:
Are ESPN channels available in HD?
Yes! Xfinity offers ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and most other sister stations in crystal clear high definition picture quality depending on your equipment.
Why does ESPN say I don‘t have authorization?
You likely need to upgrade your Xfinity channel package if getting an authorization notice. Higher tier plans unlock more ESPN networks.
Who do I contact for ESPN activation help?
You can call Xfinity customer support 24/7 at 1-800-XFINITY for troubleshooting assistance getting ESPN or any channel activated properly.
Can I watch ESPN through the Xfinity Stream app?
Absolutely! Download the Xfinity Stream app on mobile/streaming devices to take ESPN channels anywhere after signing in with your home Xfinity credentials.
I hope this complete walkthrough helps you access every available ESPN channel, show, and streaming feature through your Xfinity subscription. Let the games begin!
