WatchESPN App Free? One Website Makes Claim Amid Record Digital Viewership During World Cup

The WatchESPN app is one of those digital streaming apps for mobile and television boxes that have become insanely popular, especially during the World Cup and other sporting events. Now one website is claiming that the app is allowing viewers to watch the World Cup for free.

HD Report said WatchESPN was allowing users with a Roku digital streaming device to watch the World Cup with no authentication showing the user had a cable subscription that included ESPN.

“The 2014 FIFA World Cup is being streamed live on the WatchESPN app for Roku, and unexpectedly no TV service provider authentication is required. That means anyone with a Roku media player can download the WatchESPN channel app and stream the World Cup free-of-charge.”

The website went on to report that the streaming on Roku appeared to be exclusive to that device, though at this point it is unclear whether those who claim to have received the free streaming were just lucky due to a glitch or were actually getting the WatchESPN service as intended by the company.

As for users of other devices, like Apple TV or cell phones… well, you’re out of luck, the website said.

“The WatchESPN app is also available for phones and tablets, but it appears the app is requiring a TV provider login/password to access through other devices. WatchESPN is also available online, but the website requires authentication.”

Now if you do have a cable subscription that includes ESPN, Epoch Times reports that all the World Cup matches will be streamed and available to you, so all you have to do is remember that username and password for your cable provider that gets used like once or twice a year, right?

Apparently enough cable subscribers are remembering their usernames and passwords because digital streams of the World Cup matches are setting world records in digital streaming viewership, including desktop viewing, the Times reported.

“The opening match of the World Cup, Brazil vs Croatia, saw 1.1 million unique viewers tune in on the service and stream about 50 million minutes, becoming the most-watched event on the digital platform. The total minutes nearly set another record, second only to the 2014 BCS Championship game.

“Another 4.4 million viewers tuned in to the ESPN broadcast.”

If you want to watch one of the most anticipated matches of the World Cup so far, The Inquisitr reports that the Mexico vs. Brazil match will take place at 3 p.m. ET/2 p.m. CT.

[Image via Flickr Creative Commons]