HomeTech TipsTrending TechWhat Channel Is ESPN on DISH Network? (2026 Guide)

What Channel Is ESPN on DISH Network? (2026 Guide)

ESPN is on channel 140 on DISH Network. That’s true across all standard DISH packages in 2026. Whether you’re catching a Sunday night NFL game or watching College GameDay, channel 140 is where ESPN lives on DISH.

If you need more than just the main channel — ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, ESPN Deportes — all of those are on DISH too, on their own dedicated channel numbers. If you’re also subscribed to another provider, check out what channel ESPN is on Spectrum for a quick comparison.

ESPN logo alongside DISH Network branding representing channel 140
ESPN broadcasts live on DISH channel 140 — part of every America’s Top package.

Full ESPN Channel Lineup on DISH Network

Here are all the ESPN family channels currently available on DISH, with their channel numbers:

ChannelDISH Channel Number
ESPN140
ESPNU141
ESPNews142
ESPN2143
ESPN Alternate144
ESPN Deportes854
SEC Network404
Longhorn Network407

ESPN Deportes requires the DishLATINO Latino Bonus Pack. All other channels listed above are available in standard DISH packages.

ESPN Alternate (channel 144) isn’t a separate network — it’s used when ESPN broadcasts simultaneous events. During major sports weekends, DISH will air overflow coverage or alternate camera feeds on channel 144 so you don’t miss a second of the action.

Not sure if ESPN is available through another service you’re considering? Use the streaming service channel finder tool to check any channel across dozens of providers instantly.

Which DISH Packages Include ESPN?

ESPN is included in every America’s Top package DISH offers. Here’s the 2026 pricing breakdown:

PackageMonthly PriceChannelsIncludes ESPN
America’s Top 120$89.99/mo190+Yes
America’s Top 120+$99.99/mo190+Yes
America’s Top 200$109.99/mo240+Yes
America’s Top 250$119.99/mo290+Yes

All four packages require a 2-year commitment with eAutoPay. Early termination fees apply. Prices shown are for the guaranteed rate period.

The entry-level America’s Top 120 gets you ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, and ESPN Alternate. You don’t need to upgrade to access ESPN — it’s built into the base package.

Upgrading to America’s Top 120+ adds college sports networks like the Big Ten Network and SEC Network. Moving to America’s Top 200 brings in NBA TV, NHL Network, and the Golf Channel. For a full breakdown of everything DISH carries, see the complete DISH Network channels list.

If you’re weighing DISH against other options, the streaming service comparison tool lets you stack up packages side by side — including which ones carry ESPN.

DISH Network package tiers showing ESPN availability in all America’s Top plans
ESPN is included in all four DISH America’s Top packages starting at $89.99/month in 2026.

How to Find ESPN on DISH: Step-by-Step

Fastest method: Press the numbers 1 – 4 – 0 on your DISH remote. You’ll jump directly to ESPN without scrolling.

Using the on-screen Guide:

  1. Press the Guide button on your remote
  2. Press Channel Up / Channel Down to scroll through the list
  3. Navigate to channel 140
  4. Press Select to tune in

Using DISH Search:

  1. Press the Search button or select it from the main menu
  2. Type “ESPN”
  3. Filter results by Sports if needed
  4. Select ESPN from the results

Add ESPN to your Favorites:

  1. Tune to channel 140
  2. Press the FAV button on your remote
  3. ESPN is now in your Favorites list for one-press access

You can also press the Options button while on the channel guide, then choose Add to Favorites from the menu. If your remote buttons aren’t behaving as expected, the remote control button explainer tool can walk you through what each button does on common DISH remotes.

Watch ESPN on DISH Outside Your Home

DISH Anywhere lets you stream live ESPN and your recorded sports content from any device — phone, tablet, or laptop. Download the DISH Anywhere app, log in with your DISH account credentials, and you have access to your full channel lineup including ESPN wherever you have an internet connection.

You can also log into the ESPN app directly using your DISH Network credentials. This gives you access to ESPN’s live streams and on-demand content without navigating through DISH Anywhere. At the login screen, select “DISH” from the list of TV providers, enter your account info, and you’re in.

Note on ESPN+: ESPN+ is a separate streaming subscription ($11.99/month in 2026) and is not included with DISH. DISH carries the linear ESPN channels (140, 141, 142, 143), but ESPN+ content — including some exclusive UFC fights, MLS matches, and select college sports — requires a separate ESPN+ subscription purchased directly through ESPN or the Disney Bundle. If you’re considering cutting the cord and going streaming-only, the cord-cutting savings calculator can show you exactly how much you’d save compared to your current DISH bill.

What to Do If ESPN Is Missing from Your DISH Lineup

If you tune to channel 140 and get a blank screen or a “channel not available” message, try these steps:

1. Check your package. Log into your account at dish.com and confirm you’re on America’s Top 120 or higher. If you’re on a DishLATINO base tier without the right add-on, ESPN may not be included.

2. Refresh your receiver. Press and hold the red Reset button on the front of your Hopper or receiver for 3 seconds, or unplug the receiver for 10 seconds. After it reboots, tune to channel 140 again.

3. Check for signal issues. Go to Menu > Settings > Diagnostics on your DISH receiver to check your satellite signal strength. Heavy rain or snow can cause temporary signal drops — this usually resolves on its own.

4. Call DISH support. If the channel still doesn’t appear after a reset, call DISH at 1-877-621-0194. They can push a refresh signal to your receiver remotely.

DISH Network Hopper receiver and remote control for troubleshooting ESPN channel issues
A quick receiver reset fixes most missing channel issues on DISH Network.

Other Sports Channels on DISH Beyond ESPN

DISH carries a deep sports lineup beyond the ESPN family. Here are the main sports channels available depending on your package:

  • NFL Network — Channel 154 (America’s Top 120+). Also see what channel NFL Network is on Spectrum if you use multiple providers.
  • NFL RedZone — Available as an add-on
  • NBA TV — Channel 156 (America’s Top 200). Compare with what channel NBA TV is on Spectrum.
  • NHL Network — Channel 157 (America’s Top 200)
  • Golf Channel — Channel 401 (America’s Top 200)
  • FS1 (Fox Sports 1) — Channel 150 (America’s Top 120)
  • FS2 (Fox Sports 2) — Channel 149 (America’s Top 120)
  • CBS Sports Network — Channel 158 (America’s Top 120). See also what channel CBS Sports is on Spectrum.
  • Big Ten Network — Channel 440 (America’s Top 120+)
  • SEC Network — Channel 404 (America’s Top 120+). Check what channel SEC Network is on Spectrum for cross-provider reference.

For out-of-market games, DISH offers NBA League Pass, MLB Extra Innings, and NHL Center Ice as add-ons. NFL Sunday Ticket is no longer available through DISH as of 2024 — it moved exclusively to YouTube TV/YouTube Primetime Channels.

If you want to watch sports without a satellite subscription, check what’s available on YouTube TV’s channel list or Sling TV’s channel lineup — both carry ESPN as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What channel is ESPN on DISH Network? ESPN is on channel 140 on DISH Network.

What channel is ESPN2 on DISH? ESPN2 is on channel 143 on DISH Network.

What channel is ESPNU on DISH? ESPNU is on channel 141 on DISH Network.

What channel is ESPNews on DISH? ESPNews is on channel 142 on DISH Network.

What channel is ESPN Deportes on DISH? ESPN Deportes is on channel 854. It requires the DishLATINO Latino Bonus Pack.

Does every DISH package include ESPN? Yes. ESPN is included in all four America’s Top packages starting with America’s Top 120 at $89.99/month.

Does DISH carry ESPN+? No. DISH carries the linear ESPN channels (140–144), but ESPN+ is a separate streaming service. It is not bundled with any DISH package and must be subscribed to independently.

Can I watch ESPN on DISH if I travel? Yes, through the DISH Anywhere app or by logging into the ESPN app with your DISH credentials. You need an active internet connection.

What channel is PBS on DISH? PBS channel numbers vary by region on DISH. See the full guide on what channel PBS is on DISH Network for details.

What channel is CBS on DISH? CBS is available on DISH in most markets. Check the CBS on DISH Network channel guide for your local channel number.

Bottom Line

ESPN is on channel 140 on DISH Network in 2026. The full ESPN family — ESPN2 (143), ESPNU (141), ESPNews (142), ESPN Alternate (144), and ESPN Deportes (854) — is available on DISH across its standard and Latino packages.

Every America’s Top package includes ESPN starting at $89.99/month. You don’t need a premium upgrade to get ESPN. If you’re missing the channel, a quick receiver reset fixes the problem most of the time. For streaming on the go, the DISH Anywhere app and the ESPN app both work with your DISH login.


Pricing based on DISH Network published rates as of 2026. All packages require 2-year commitment with eAutoPay. Early termination fees apply. ESPN+ is a separate subscription not included with DISH.

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