Are you asking about programming from ESPN or ESPN+? Both are accessed through the ESPN channel app.
ESPN content requires a subscription to a "tv provider" account on a system that carries ESPN, typically cable or satellite. This is how you prove you are paying for ESPN. You must sign in with your tv provider credentials to authenticate this subcription. You may occasionally need to reauthenticate to prove your subscription is still active.
ESPN+ content is marked with an ESPN+ ribbon on a corner of the program selection tile and requires a separate paid ESPN+ subscription (stand alone or part of a Disney bundle). To view this content you must have logged into your ESPN+ account. You can then view ESPN+ content even if you have no ESPN tv provider account.
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