Cable subscribers are drawn to live sports coverage, but a dedicated streaming service can provide the same if not more, content. While some on-demand video streaming services offer occasional sports commentary shows, the ideal choices for sports enthusiasts are cable-replacement services that provide game streams from local, national, and international networks. If you’re considering cord-cutting, explore the sports streaming services that we have thoroughly tested.
Where Can I Watch Live Sports?
#1 DirecTV Stream
ith DIRECTV STREAM, you can watch sports without cable in huge quantities. The list of available broadcasts is the most extensive among streaming services. Enjoy sports channels like ABC, FOX, ESPN, NBC, CBS, TNT, TBS, FS1, Big 10 network, the Tennis Channel, the Golf Channel, the Sportsman Channel, and Fanduel TV. In addition, DIRECTV STREAM offers Regional Sports Networks such as the Longhorn Network and most league networks like the NHL Network and MLB network, as well as the NBA League Pass. Get live score updates, notifications for your favorite team’s games, and options to bypass blackout restrictions.
#2 FuboTV
The Pro plan, priced at $75 per month, offers more than 150 channels, including local stations in most markets, a variety of sports networks, and numerous cable channels. By upgrading to the Elite plan for $85 per month, you gain access to Fubo Extra, which provides additional lifestyle and sports channels, as well as over 130 events in 4K. For $95 per month, the Premier plan offers even more channels, along with the inclusion of Showtime.
Recently, Fubo started charging a fee for regional sports networks, ranging up to $14 per month depending on your location. Previously, these networks were offered for free on the Pro and higher plans.
A small caveat – most likely you will need a couple of streaming services and even separate platforms for off-market games abroad. In fact, you can watch out-of-market NFL games with a VPN from anywhere in the world. All you need for this is a VPN for NFL games from a reliable developer. Many people use VeePN and it works.
#3 Hulu
Sports enthusiasts will find Hulu to be an exceptional streaming service. It offers an extensive range of major broadcast networks and sports-specific cable channels like BTN, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, FS1, FS2, Golf Channel, and NBC Sports Network. However, a few league-specific channels, including MLB Network, NBA TV, and RSNs from AT&T and Sinclair, are not available (although NBC Sports RSNs are included). Nonetheless, Hulu’s upcoming additions of NFL Network and NFL RedZone before the next NFL season are noteworthy. , by adding the Español add-on ($4.99 per month), Moreover, you can access international sports coverage.
Hulu exceeds expectations as a cable replacement, offering a plethora of news and entertainment channels. It is an ideal option for cord-cutters. Additionally, a Hulu + Live TV subscription grants you access to an extensive library of on-demand shows and movies.
#4 fuboTV
fuboTV, a service dedicated to sports, delivers over 30,000 live sporting events each year, with some even presented in 4K. Starting at $64.99 per month, you gain access to CBS, FOX, and local networks, as well as regional sports networks from NBC, AT&T, MSG, NESN, SNY, and Marquee. The Starter package also includes well-known channels like FS1, along with professional channels such as NFL Network.
For the most extensive selection of sports channels, an upgrade to the Ultra plan at $85 per month is necessary. NBA TV, NHL Network, and MLB Network are among the premium extras included. Subscribers can also enjoy free recording of up to 250 hours of content and the ability to restart select live events, ensuring you never miss the beginning of a game. Currently, all plans come with a free trial.
#5 Peacock
Peacock offers a variety of entertainment options for viewers, with sports being just one aspect. The on-demand library boasts popular shows like The Office, 30 Rock, Cheers, and This Is Us. Additionally, Peacock-exclusive originals add to the diverse collection.
Although the service lacks 4K content and DVR features for live sports, it allows streaming on up to three devices simultaneously and provides parental controls for content filtering. However, the ability to download shows for offline playback is exclusive to Premium Plus subscribers.
#6 ESPN+
You can stream NHL games, UFC events, global soccer tournaments like La Liga, the FA Cup, and the Carabao Cup, golf tournaments including the Masters and the PGA Tour, tennis tournaments such as Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, select MLB games, college football, and basketball, as well as coverage of lacrosse and cricket leagues and the X Games.
#7 YouTube TV
YouTube TV provides a wide selection of live sports channels, including major networks, CBS Sports Network, multiple ESPN Channels, FS1, FS2, Golf Channel, MLB Network, NBA TV, Olympic Channel, and Tennis Channel. Note that YouTube TV does not offer international channels or NFL Network but does include NBC Sports RSNs while lacking AT&T and Sinclair RSNs. Moreover, YouTube TV has gained popularity as the new home for NFL Sunday Ticket.
Beyond sports, YouTube TV also offers a diverse range of news and entertainment channels along with a unique feature called Key Plays. Users can select a live or recorded NFL, MLB, NBA, NCAA Football, NCAA Basketball, or NHL game and access Stats, etc.
Conclusion
Sports fans are often faced with a difficult choice of streaming services that can replace cable TV. Well, you don’t have to review all the services yourself, just use the overview above. This way you will choose streaming services for your favorite sports in a convenient format and with a suitable tariff plan.