Fire TV ESPN app

I am a total novice but I was bought a Fire TV for Xmas. I read that I could download the ESPN app and run ESPN through my internet provider for free.

However when I try to play ESPN it says Unable to Play Video. This channel is not part of your TV package.&n(Edited per community guidelines)p; I do not have ESPN as part of my cable package.

I thought ESPN was offering their station as a free stream through AT & T? If I am meant to be paying for it through my normal cable then what the (Edited per community guidelines) do I need the app for?&n(Edited per community guidelines)p;&n(Edited per community guidelines)p;

Like I said I am a novice at all this technology nonsense but this really does seem like complete (Edited per community guidelines). Offering me a free service so long as I pay for it elsewhere? Laughable.