If you’re looking to watch live sports without the hassle of cable, streaming services are your best bet. With a wide variety of platforms available, you can easily find a service that suits your sports-watching needs. From football and basketball to niche sports like boxing and soccer, these streaming services offer extensive coverage for sports enthusiasts. Here’s a breakdown of the best streaming services for sports in 2024.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV is a great all-around option for sports fans, providing a solid balance of live sports and entertainment. Priced at $72.99 per month, YouTube TV offers 100+ channels, including 15+ dedicated sports channels like ESPN, FS1, and CBS Sports. It also boasts unlimited cloud DVR storage for up to 9 months, making it easy to record games and watch them later. With its user-friendly interface and reliable streaming, it’s a top choice for catching NFL games, especially now that it’s the home of NFL Sunday Ticket.
Pros:
- Unlimited cloud DVR
- Large channel selection
- Several add-on options
Cons:
- No MLB Network or NHL Network
- Limited regional sports coverage
ESPN+
If you’re looking for value, ESPN+ is an affordable sports streaming service at $11.99 per month. While it doesn’t include the main ESPN channels, ESPN+ offers a rich library of live sports, especially soccer, MMA, and college sports. It’s the exclusive U.S. home of Bundesliga and La Liga, making it a must-have for soccer fans. Additionally, you can access out-of-market NHL games and extensive golf coverage. ESPN+ also features on-demand content, including the full 30 for 30 libraries and UFC Pay-Per-View events.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Extensive on-demand sports library
- Great for soccer and MMA fans
Cons:
- Limited NFL and no NBA games
- Regional blackouts
Peacock
Peacock is a budget-friendly option for sports streaming, with plans starting at $7.99 per month. It offers live coverage of events like the Olympics, NFL Sunday Night Football, Premier League, and WWE. Though Peacock doesn’t have as many live sports as some competitors, it’s a good choice for fans of NBC Sports. Beyond sports, Peacock also provides access to popular NBC shows and a large movie library.
Pros:
- Inexpensive plans
- Access to top sporting events
- Includes NBCUniversal shows and movies
Cons:
- Limited live content
- Clunky interface
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV is an excellent option for those who want a mix of live sports and on-demand content. Priced at $81.99 per month, it comes with 95+ live channels, including ESPN, FOX Sports, and NBC Sports. In addition to live TV, you get access to Hulu’s on-demand library, Disney+, and ESPN+, which adds significant value. While its sports lineup isn’t as extensive as some other services, Hulu’s combination of live TV and streaming makes it a versatile option.
Pros:
- Includes Disney+ and ESPN+
- Satisfying original programming
- Strong on-demand library
Cons:
- Smaller sports channel lineup
- Inconsistent local channel availability
Sling TV
Sling TV is a highly customizable sports streaming service, offering different base plans and add-ons to suit your needs. Sling Orange ($40/month) focuses on ESPN channels, while Sling Blue ($40/month) offers FS1 and NFL Network. Combining both plans costs $55/month and gives you access to over 30 sports channels. With add-ons like Sports Extra, Sling is a flexible choice for sports fans on a budget, although its DVR storage is limited compared to other services.
Pros:
- Affordable plans
- Several add-on options
- Highly customizable
Cons:
- Limited DVR storage
- Poor local channel coverage
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream offers the most extensive sports coverage, especially for regional sports. Its CHOICE™ plan ($84.99/month) provides access to a wide range of sports channels, including ESPN, FS1, TNT, and local sports networks. DirecTV Stream is ideal for those who want local and national MLB, NBA, and NHL games. While the plans are on the pricier side, DirecTV Stream’s regional sports network (RSN) coverage makes it a go-to for die-hard fans.
Pros:
- Excellent regional sports coverage
- Large channel selection
- No contracts
Cons:
- Expensive plans
- Limited DVR storage
Fubo
Fubo is a top choice for soccer fans, offering a wide range of sports channels, including beIN SPORTS, TUDN, and GolTV. Starting at $32.99/month, Fubo’s higher-tier plans, like Elite with Sports Plus ($99.99/month), offer even more specialized sports coverage. While it lacks channels like TNT and TBS, Fubo shines when it comes to international soccer and regional sports networks.
Pros:
- Excellent soccer coverage
- Large channel lineup
- Picture-in-picture capabilities
Cons:
- No TBS or TNT
- Expensive higher-tier plans
Paramount+
Paramount+ offers great value for sports fans, with access to live NFL games, Champions League matches, and March Madness. For $12.99/month, the Premium plan includes live CBS streaming, giving you access to live NFL games and a variety of college sports. In addition to sports, Paramount+ offers an impressive on-demand library of TV shows and movies, making it a well-rounded option for entertainment as well.
Pros:
- Live CBS streaming
- Affordable pricing
- Extensive on-demand content
Cons:
- Limited sports coverage compared to competitors
- A small lineup of original content
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video offers select live sports events, including exclusive rights to NFL Thursday Night Football. For $8.99/month, you can also catch WNBA and NWSL games. While live sports aren’t the main attraction of Prime Video, it’s a great bonus for existing Amazon Prime members, especially with add-ons like NBA League Pass and MLB.TV available.
Pros:
- NFL Thursday Night Football exclusive
- Wide selection of add-on channels
- Included with Amazon Prime membership
Cons:
- Limited live sports lineup
- Additional fees for major sports packages
Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is making its mark in live sports with exclusive rights to MLS Season Pass and Friday Night Baseball. At $9.99/month, it’s a cost-effective option for soccer and baseball fans. While live sports on Apple TV+ are currently limited, the platform is expanding its offerings and also includes highly-rated original shows like Ted Lasso.
Pros:
- MLS Season Pass and Friday Night Baseball
- Affordable pricing
- High-quality original series
Cons:
- Limited live sports options
- Still building its sports library
Conclusion
From comprehensive sports coverage to budget-friendly options, these streaming services offer something for every type of sports fan. YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream provide the best overall coverage. At the same time, ESPN+ and Peacock are great value choices for niche sports and budget-conscious viewers. Whether you’re into soccer, football, or combat sports, these streaming platforms will keep you in the game without needing a cable subscription.
