Arizona State-Cincinnati Football Game to Stream Exclusively on ESPN+

The upcoming football match between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Cincinnati Bearcats will be available exclusively via streaming on ESPN+ this Saturday. This marks the first instance this season wherein an Arizona State University (ASU) football game is not broadcast on traditional television but instead requires a subscription to a streaming service. Local viewers in the Phoenix area will need an ESPN+ subscription to watch the game, as it is not available on standard cable networks.

ASU’s transition to using ESPN+ reflects the team’s recent move from the Pac-12 Conference, along with its self-produced network, to the Big 12 Conference. The game against Cincinnati is set to begin at 9 a.m. MST at the Nippert Stadium. ESPN+ offers a monthly subscription for $10.99 or an annual plan at $109.99, with a bundled package available that includes Disney+ and Hulu for $14.99 per month.

Fans can also keep track of the game via traditional radio outlets, such as on 98.7 FM and the Arizona Sports mobile app. The move to a streaming platform represents a significant shift in how university games are distributed and consumed, aligning with broader trends in sports broadcasting.

Arizona State will face this match without starting quarterback Sam Leavitt, who is sidelined due to a rib injury. Head Coach Kenny Dillingham stated there is no definitive timeline for Leavitt’s return, leaving backup quarterback Jeff Sims to take the field. Sims has an extensive football background, with a record of starting games at both Nebraska and Georgia Tech. Dillingham emphasized that the team remains confident in Sims’ abilities, noting his past experience and talent.

“We brought him in to compete for the starting position,” Dillingham remarked regarding Sims. “Sam’s a really good player, and though he bested Jeff in the competition, it was close. Jeff had a good camp. Now, Jeff, who has started many games, gets to start again. To me, there’s not much drama.”

Following this matchup against Cincinnati, Arizona State will have a bye week before facing Oklahoma State on November 2.