Ever wonder does ESPN have EPL coverage in the U.S.? KottuGoal digs into the current rights, what you can watch on ESPN, and where to go for full Premier League action.
What Is ESPN Showing For The Premier League
To answer it straight: No, ESPN does not currently hold the rights to broadcast live Premier League matches in the United States. The exclusive media rights for EPL games are held by NBC Sports through at least the 2027–28 season.
That said, ESPN still features non-live EPL content:
- Highlights, fantasy coverage, statistical breakdowns, and match schedules.espn.com)
- News, previews, interviews and analysis around Premier League clubs and players.
So ESPN remains part of the conversation when you’re following the league — just not for live matches (in the U.S.).
Why ESPN Doesn’t Have Live EPL Matches (Right Now)
Several reasons explain why ESPN does not have EPL live rights in the U.S.:
- Exclusive deal with NBC Sports
- In 2022, NBC renewed a multi-year contract securing exclusive U.S. live broadcast and streaming rights for all Premier League matches through 2027–28.
- Strong bid competition
- ESPN did bid for the EPL rights but lost out to NBC, which offered what the Premier League found more favorable in terms of reach, money, and streaming infrastructure.
- Existing ESPN rights focus elsewhere
- ESPN holds rights to the English Football League (EFL), the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, and some domesticnglish competitions. Thus it continues to cover a lot of English soccer — just not live Premier League league games.
Where To Watch Live EPL Matches In The U.S.
If your goal is to catch every Premier League match live, here are your go-to options:
- NBC Sports
- The primary home of live Premier League coverage in the U.S.
- Peacock streaming service
- Offers a large portion of the EPL fixtures live.
- USA Network (part of NBC-owned channels)
- Some matches are aired here, depending on scheduling.
So for most fans wanting live EPL, NBC + Peacock + USA Network form the required package.
What ESPN Offers Fans Who Love EPL
Even without live EPL matches, ESPN does provide value to fans:
- Full schedule & fixtures
- On ESPN’s website/app you can find the upcoming EPL match calendar, kickoff times, stadiums, etc.
- In-depth stats, tables, squad & players info
- League standings, player performance metrics, head-to-head stats, etc. All available via ESPN’s soccer section.
- Related competitions
- As mentioned, ESPN has rights to many English competitions outside the main Premiership — EFL, Carabao Cup, FA Cup, etc.
What The Rights Look Like Globally (Outside U.S.)
Knowing that rights are territorial, ESPN does hold EPL rights in some other regions, such as:
- The Caribbean, where ESPN and Disney+ carry full EPL match coverage.
- Other countries where ESPN’s regional branches have negotiated contracts.
So if you’re outside the U.S., ESPN may well be your live EPL provider depending on your country.
Possible Changes To Look Out For
While does ESPN have EPL is a clear-cut no for live matches in the U.S. right now, that could change in future:
- Rights contracts expire in 2028 for the current EPL-NBC deal. At that point, ESPN might again bid.
- Streaming trends & audience pull could push rights holders to split rights, shared platforms, or sublicenses.
- New technology or legal/regulatory changes (e.g., streaming laws, antitrust) could shift how and where EPL matches are distributed.
Conclusion
Does ESPN have EPL live coverage in the United States? Not at present — NBC Sports (, and Peacock) owns the live rights. However, if you’re after match schedules, player stats, commentary, or domestic cup competitions involving Premier League clubs, ESPN remains a strong resource.
KottuGoal encourages you to check your local provider’s guide, stream services, or NBC’s offerings to ensure you don’t miss your favorite games. Want help finding the cheapest streaming bundle or a way to follow your club’s matches without breaking the bank? Just ask — happy to help.
