Sports is the great pain of the cord-cutter -- networks force set-top box providers to verify a cable or satellite account to log into their channels, at least in many cases. The latest addition to Roku changes that somewhat, though not enough to satisfy most customers.
The manufacturer is introducing WatchESPN as a new channel on its product. You'll get everything -- right after you verify your subscription. Otherwise, you'll have access to news clips. Not terrible, and certainly better than nothing, but also not what we want to hear.
Roku spells it out pretty directly -- "WatchESPN on Roku TV provides a one-stop destination for sports fans with live access to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN3, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, Longhorn Network, SEC Network and much more for customers who receive ESPN’s networks as part of their subscription from an affiliated provider. Those without a cable subscription can access the latest news clips".
Roku also promises more on the way thanks to a new deal with Disney. Customers will soon have access to WATCH Disney Channel, WATCH Disney Junior and WATCH Disney XD.
You can head to the Roku store now and get started. Let us know what you think -- more importantly let Roku and ESPN know. Let's get rid of these restrictions if we can.