https://www.techradar.com/news/cutting-cable-heres-when-espn-will-solve-your-lack-of-streaming-sports

If you want to survive in the post-cable world, you’re going to need a standalone streaming app - one that doesn’t require you to sign into your non-existent cable provider to watch content. 

It’s a move that cable networks like CBS, ABC, NBC, The CW and HBO have already made and others - like Disney-owned ESPN have announced but not yet launched.