Navigating the landscape of sports channels in 2024 can feel like a complicated game. Finding the right way to watch your favorite teams without breaking the bank or getting tangled in cable contracts is a common challenge for sports enthusiasts. If you’re wondering “What are the best Live Sports Streaming Services?” you’re not alone. This guide breaks down the top options for streaming NFL, college football, NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer, and more, helping you cut the cord and catch every thrilling moment live.
Top Streaming Services for Live Sports: At a Glance
Choosing the right live sports streaming service depends on your priorities. Are you a die-hard fan of a specific league, or do you want a broad range of sports and entertainment? Here’s a quick look at some of the best contenders:
Hulu + Live TV: Best General Streaming Service with Sports
While not solely dedicated to sports, Hulu + Live TV stands out as a strong all-around live sports streaming service. It offers a comprehensive channel lineup that includes ESPN, FS1, NFL Network, and regional sports networks in many areas, covering major leagues like NFL, MLB, NBA, WNBA, and NHL. Beyond sports, you gain access to Hulu’s extensive on-demand library, including Hulu Originals, plus Disney+ and ESPN+ (ad-supported versions) are bundled in. Starting at $77 per month after a 3-day free trial, it’s a solid choice if you want a blend of sports and entertainment in one subscription.
Pros:
- Wide range of sports channels for NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more
- Access to ESPN+ and Disney+
- Unlimited DVR storage
- Hulu Originals and entertainment content
Cons:
- Higher cost compared to some purely sports-focused options
Young woman enthusiastically watching a tennis match on live sports streaming service on television, cheering with excitement.
Fubo TV: Best Overall Sports Streaming Service
For viewers whose primary focus is sports, Fubo TV emerges as a top contender. This live sports streaming service is built for fans, offering a wide array of channels including ESPN, NFL Network, Fox, CBS, NBC, and a host of specialty sports networks – over 100 channels in total. You’ll find coverage for NFL, NCAA football, WNBA, NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer (including Champions League and Premier League), and even niche sports. Starting at $80 per month, FuboTV includes 1000 hours of cloud DVR, making it a feature-rich option for dedicated sports fans. They often have free trial periods, letting you test drive the service during key sporting events.
Pros:
- Extensive sports channel selection covering major leagues and niche sports
- 1000 hours of cloud DVR storage
- Free trial available
- Covers NFL, NCAA, WNBA, NBA, MLB, NHL games
Cons:
- Pricier than some other live sports streaming services
- Lacks original entertainment content
Fubo TV user interface displayed on a smart TV, highlighting live sports streaming options such as soccer and football games.
YouTube TV + NFL Sunday Ticket: Best for the Ultimate Football Fan
For NFL devotees, YouTube TV combined with NFL Sunday Ticket is a powerhouse live sports streaming service. YouTube TV itself provides access to nearly all essential channels for the NFL season, including Fox, NBC, ABC, CBS, ESPN, and NFL Network. Adding NFL Sunday Ticket unlocks every Sunday out-of-market game – over 160 games per season. Bundling Sunday Ticket with YouTube TV can cost around $158.99 per month for four months, or you can purchase Sunday Ticket separately. Keep in mind that YouTube TV streams can have a slight delay compared to traditional broadcast.
Pros:
- Comprehensive NFL coverage with Sunday Ticket option
- Includes almost all channels needed for NFL games
- Also strong for NCAA, NHL, MLB, NBA
- Unlimited DVR
Cons:
- Significant cost, especially with Sunday Ticket
- NFL Sunday Ticket locks you in for the season
- Not ideal for WNBA fans
- Slight stream delay may bother some viewers
$158.99/month for four months at YouTube
YouTube TV and NFL Sunday Ticket promotion displayed on a laptop screen, advertising their live sports streaming bundle for football fans.
DirecTV Stream Choice: Best for NCAA and MLB Action
DirecTV Stream’s Choice plan is a strong contender for college sports and baseball enthusiasts seeking a live sports streaming service. It includes NFL Network, NBC, CBS, and Fox, along with CBSSN, FS1, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, SEC Network, and a wide range of regional sports networks (RSNs). This makes it excellent for catching NCAA football and a substantial number of MLB games, especially local broadcasts. Currently priced around $105.98 per month with fees, DirecTV Stream often offers free trials, allowing you to test its extensive channel list.
Pros:
- Excellent for NCAA football and MLB coverage
- Most comprehensive selection of local RSNs
- NFL and WNBA games included
- Free trial available
- Unlimited Cloud DVR
Cons:
- One of the more expensive live sports streaming services
- Cable-like fees may apply
- Channel retention issues reported recently
ESPN+: Stream UFC, Formula 1, Tennis, and NHL
ESPN+ is a different kind of live sports streaming service, operating as a complement to traditional ESPN channels rather than a replacement. It’s ideal for fans of specific sports like UFC, Formula 1 racing, select tennis matches, and NHL games. While it carries some content that also airs on ESPN, ESPN+ provides exclusive live events, plus on-demand replays, analysis, and premium articles. Subscriptions are budget-friendly at $10.99 per month, and it’s often bundled with Disney+ and Hulu.
Pros:
- Affordable access to UFC, F1, select tennis, and NHL
- Some MLB and grand slam tennis coverage
- Fantasy sports tools and premium articles included
- Available on various devices
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer comprehensive coverage of major leagues like NFL or NBA
- Content may overlap with traditional ESPN channels
ESPN+ app interface displayed on a tablet, showcasing live streaming options for UFC fight night and other sports events.
Max + B/R Sports: Best Streaming Service for NBA Games
Max, known for its entertainment content, has entered the live sports streaming arena with the B/R Sports add-on. While the future of this add-on remains somewhat uncertain, for now, it provides access to live games airing on TBS, TNT, and TruTV, making it a notable option for NBA fans. If you’re already a Max subscriber for shows and movies, the B/R Sports inclusion is a bonus, especially while it’s offered without extra charge.
Pros:
- Currently free access to TBS, TNT, and TruTV for sports
- Strong original entertainment content library
Cons:
- Limited sports offerings compared to dedicated sports services
- Live TV sports options are restricted to specific channels
- Uncertainty about the long-term availability of the free B/R Sports add-on
Apple TV+: The Home for MLS Streaming
Apple TV+ has carved out a niche in live sports streaming by becoming the exclusive home of MLS games through the MLS Season Pass. This partnership delivers every MLS and Leagues Cup match live, with no blackouts. Subscribers get access to English and Spanish broadcasts, game replays, highlights, and original MLS programming. An MLS Season Pass subscription through Apple TV is available for $9.99 for the remainder of the current season and renews at full price for the following season. Note that Apple TV+ itself is a separate subscription at $9.99 per month, offering award-winning original series and films alongside its sports content.
Pros:
- Exclusive access to all MLS and Leagues Cup matches
- High-quality streaming experience
- Growing library of acclaimed original content and sports documentaries
Cons:
- Primarily focused on MLS for live sports
- Apple TV+ subscription is separate from MLS Season Pass
$9.99 for the remainder of the season at Apple TV
More Affordable Live Sports Streaming Options
If budget is a primary concern, several live sports streaming services offer more economical alternatives, though they may come with fewer channels or features:
Sling TV Orange & Blue: Low-Cost Overall Sports Streamer
Sling TV’s Orange & Blue plan is designed to be a budget-friendly live sports streaming service, starting at $30 for the first month. It includes channels like TNT, TBS, TruTV, ESPN, ESPN2, and USA, providing access to NFL, NCAA football, soccer, and WWE, among other sports. However, Sling TV lacks CBS, has limited DVR storage (50 hours), and doesn’t offer a free trial.
Pros:
- Lower monthly cost compared to many services
- Includes a variety of sports channels
Cons:
- No CBS
- Limited DVR storage
- No free trial currently
$35 for your first month at Sling
Sling TV interface displayed on a phone, advertising their Orange and Blue plan for live sports and entertainment streaming.
Peacock: Stream NFL on NBC, Premier League, and NCAA Games
Peacock starts at just $8 per month and offers a selection of live sports streaming, primarily focused on NFL games on NBC, select college football, Premier League soccer, and other events. It also provides a vast library of on-demand shows and movies. Upgrading to the ad-free plan ($14/month) unlocks live access to your local NBC affiliate and offline downloads.
Pros:
- Very affordable entry price
- Live NFL games on NBC and Premier League soccer
- Extensive on-demand entertainment library
Cons:
- Limited sports selection compared to sports-centric services
- Base plan includes ads
Paramount+: Stream NFL on CBS, Champions League, and More
Paramount+ starts at $7.99 per month and provides live sports streaming, including NFL games on CBS and UEFA Champions League soccer. It also boasts a solid library of on-demand content, including popular series and movies. Paramount+ still offers a one-week free trial for new subscribers.
Pros:
- Low starting price
- NFL on CBS and Champions League soccer
- Free trial available
Cons:
- Sports offerings are more limited compared to dedicated sports packages
Paramount+ app interface on a phone, displaying a variety of content including live sports like NFL and UEFA Champions League.
Choosing the Right Live Sports Streaming Service
The best live sports streaming service for you depends on your individual needs and viewing habits. If you want a broad range of sports and entertainment channels, Hulu + Live TV or Fubo TV are excellent choices. For the ultimate NFL fan, YouTube TV with NFL Sunday Ticket is unparalleled. Die-hard NCAA and MLB fans might lean towards DirecTV Stream Choice. If you follow specific sports like UFC or Formula 1, ESPN+ is a cost-effective add-on. Budget-conscious viewers can explore Sling TV, Peacock, or Paramount+ for more affordable options with a narrower sports focus. Consider what sports you watch most, your budget, and whether you value features like DVR or on-demand content to make the best decision for your live sports streaming needs.
