Sling TV offers budget-conscious viewers an affordable streaming option with its Sling Essentials plan, priced at $19.99 per month and featuring ESPN alongside family entertainment channels. Launched in April 2026, the package delivers a lean but well-rounded lineup for sports fans and households seeking classic TV without paying for bloated bundles.
Quick Facts
- Sling Essentials costs $19.99 per month and includes ESPN and ESPN2
- The plan features 10+ channels including Disney Channel, Freeform, and Game Show Network
- Classic TV networks like MeTV, GRIT, and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries round out the lineup
- Subscribers get 50 hours of free cloud DVR storage to record shows and games
The channel selection spans four categories. Sports programming centers on ESPN and ESPN2, making it the lowest-cost way to stream those networks. Family and kids content includes Disney Channel, Freeform, and Game Show Network. For classic TV enthusiasts, the plan adds MeTV, startTV, GRIT, and Heroes & Icons. Movies and drama come from Lifetime Movies, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and Bounce.
Sling Essentials is designed for viewers who want premium channels without expensive, bloated cable-style packages. According to EchoStar, the parent company of Sling TV, the plan delivers “top-tier sports, family programming, and classic TV favorites for just $19.99 per month.”
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For viewers wanting more content, Sling offers bundle options. Combining Sling Essentials with Sling Select—which includes FOX News, FS1, NFL Network, and National Geographic—costs $34.99 per month. Add-on packages like Sports Extra, News Extra, and Entertainment Extra let subscribers customize their lineup further. Cloud DVR storage can be expanded to unlimited for $5 per month.
Sources
- EchoStar Corporation — Official press release announcing Sling Essentials launch, channels, pricing, and bundle options
- Sling TV — Service page detailing plan features, channel lineup, and customization options
- Variety — Coverage of Sling Essentials as the cheapest way to stream ESPN
