Top Sports Streaming Services for NFL, NBA, MLB, and Soccer Fans
Game on! Our TV experts break down the best sports streaming services and reveal our Best of the Best Award winner for ultimate sports fans.
What is the best streaming service for live sports?
The best streaming service for sports depends on which teams, leagues, and players you want to watch. But I’ll help you narrow down your options.
Whether you’re into the NFL, NBA, or something else, the CableTV.com crew and I have tested every service in this guide to help you tune in on game day.
DIRECTV is our Best of the Best pick for the highest quality, most comprehensive TV experience out there, offering essential sports channels and regional networks.
YouTube TV earns our Editor’s Choice award for those who don’t need every sports channel under the sun but still want a quality experience.
Meanwhile, ESPN Select is our Best Bang for Your Buck, delivering extensive league coverage at a low monthly cost. Read on to find out which sports streaming service is best for you and your home.
✦ Get an in-depth look at how we evaluate TV services on our Why You Can Trust CableTV.com page.
Compare sports streaming services at a glance
Streaming live sports requires more than just access to games—you need a service that’s compatible with your devices, offers the right channels for your favorite leagues, and works seamlessly with your internet setup.
Our comparison table below breaks down the key features of our favorite sports streaming services, including pricing, channel count, simultaneous streams, and DVR storage. For a more in-depth look at each service, be sure to check out our detailed reviews linked in the Details column.
| Streaming service | Price | Live channels | Streams | Cloud DVR | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
DIRECTV Best of the Best |
$89.99–$169.99/mo.* | 90–185+ | 3–unlimited | Unlimited (for 9 mos.) |
View Plans for DIRECTV STREAM Read DIRECTV review |
|
ESPN Select Best Bang for Your Buck |
$12.99/mo. | N/A | 5 | N/A |
View Plans for ESPN+ Read ESPN Select review |
| Fubo | $14.99–$94.99/mo. | 50–291+ | 3–10 | Unlimited (for 9 mos.) |
View Plans for FuboTV Read Fubo review |
|
Hulu + Live TV Best of the Best for College Sports |
$88.99–$99.99/mo. | 95+ | 2 | Unlimited (for 9 mos.) |
View Plans for Hulu Read Hulu + Live TV review |
| Paramount+ | $8.99–$13.99/mo. | 30+ | 3 | N/A |
View Plans for Paramount Plus Read Paramount+ review |
| Peacock Premium | $10.99–$16.99/mo. | 75+ | 3 | N/A |
View Plans for Peacock Read Peacock review |
| Sling TV | $19.99–$60.99/mo. | 10–48+ | 1–4 | 50 hrs. |
View Plans for Sling TV Read Sling TV review |
|
YouTube TV Editor's Choice |
$82.99/mo. | 100+ | 3 | Unlimited (for 9 mos.) |
View Plans for YouTube TV Read YouTube TV review |
Data effective as of post date. Compatible device and internet connection required. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. See full disclaimer for details.
Best of the Best: DIRECTV
Price: $89.99–$169.99/mo.* | Live channels: 90–185+ | DVR storage: Unlimited (for 9 mos.)
Pros: Wide RSN availability; large channel counts; user-friendly interface
Cons: Expensive plans; confusing branding
DIRECTV takes the trophy for the best sports streaming service, offering nearly everything fans could want. With 30+ sports channels, it boasts a robust lineup that includes national and in-market broadcasts. In fact, DIRECTV has the best local and regional coverage of any streaming service, making it ideal for fans who need access to local teams and niche competitions.
The CHOICE™ plan (regularly $94.99/mo.) is the sweet spot for sports lovers, providing access to regional sports networks (RSNs) and essential channels for NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL games. While super pricey compared to other services, DIRECTV is transparent about channel offerings, which makes it easier to choose the right plan for your interests.
It’s a customer favorite, too. In our 2026 Live TV Streaming Customer Satisfaction survey, 82% of subscribers were completely or very satisfied with the service, while a stunning 97% felt the same about the service’s live sports experience. As one customer shared, “I’m very satisfied because of its wide range of channels and user-friendly interface.”
Beyond its impressive content lineup, DIRECTV stands out with its sleek and straightforward interface. It’s a welcome change from some competitors, whose menus can feel like scrolling through a cluttered social media feed.
Having grown up on cable and satellite TV, I especially appreciate that DIRECTV still includes channel numbers. Plus, the ability to pause, rewind, and record live TV makes it an all-around winning experience. Judge for yourself by signing up for a DIRECTV free trial.
Pro tip: RSNs let you watch in-market games not shown nationally. To avoid local blackouts, use DIRECTV’s free RSN lookup tool to see which RSNs are available in your area. That’ll help you decide if DIRECTV makes sense for you.
Editor’s Choice: YouTube TV
Price: $82.99/mo. | Live channels: 100+ | DVR storage: Unlimited (for 9 mos.)
Pros: Innovative features; consistent performance; multiview capabilities
Cons: No MLB Network or NHL Network; limited RSN coverage
If you want a solid blend of sports and entertainment, YouTube TV delivers the best of both worlds. It’s our Editor’s Choice because it combines reliable performance, innovative features, and a strong channel lineup for less than DIRECTV’s cheapest plan.
While DIRECTV is like a fully loaded sports car, YouTube TV is a dependable sedan—practical, efficient, and excellent for everyday use. But don’t mistake dependable for dull. YouTube TV’s multiview feature and real-time stats view make my game days all the more exciting.
YouTube TV includes 100+ live channels, including popular non-sport favorites like AMC, Discovery Channel, FX, and Syfy. With a sleek and familiar interface, YouTube TV is easy to navigate and provides a smooth viewing experience.
From a sports perspective, YouTube TV doesn’t have as many channels as DIRECTV or Fubo, but it includes the essentials and is home to the NFL Sunday Ticket add-on. That alone makes it the ultimate service for watching NFL games and a standout option for general sports fans.
Best Bang for Your Buck: ESPN Select
Price: $12.99/mo. | Live sports: NHL, Bundesliga, La Liga, PGA Tour, UFL, and more | Features: Full 30 for 30 library and exclusive UFC PPV events
Pros: Inexpensive pricing; rich on-demand sports library; plenty of live soccer, MMA, and college sports
Cons: Limited NFL and no NBA games; no traditional ESPN access; regional blackouts
If you’re looking for incredible value, ESPN Select is the way to go. To clarify: This is the new name for the standalone service formerly known as ESPN+. Despite the rebrand, you’ll still see the familiar “ESPN+” logo stamped on various documentaries, series, and event streams within the app. It’s the same great service, just with a different name on the sign-up page.
At just $12.99/mo., ESPN Select offers unmatched league coverage—making it a no-brainer for budget-conscious sports fans. ESPN Select streams events from nearly every major U.S. sports league except the NBA. It’s the exclusive home for out-of-market NHL games, UFC PPV fights, and expanded golf coverage via PGA Tour Live. And the buck doesn’t stop there—especially for soccer fans—as ESPN Select is the exclusive U.S. broadcast partner for the Bundesliga and La Liga.
I fire up ESPN Select several times a week and am always impressed by its amount of live content. That said, I wish the ESPN app had a more user-friendly interface and a watchlist feature. As one subscriber from our On-Demand Customer Satisfaction survey put it, “Sometimes it’s hard to navigate and find the game we want to watch.”
The biggest downside to ESPN Select is that it doesn’t include ESPN’s traditional TV channels. You’ll need the higher-tier ESPN Unlimited subscription for that, or you can easily bridge that content gap with a live TV streaming service. DIRECTV and Hulu + Live TV are ideal because both already include ESPN Select at no extra cost.
Best of the Best for College Sports: Hulu + Live TV
Price: $88.99–$99.99/mo. | Live channels: 95+ | DVR storage: Unlimited (for 9 mos.)
Pros: Disney+ and ESPN Select included; satisfying original programming; on-demand network shows
Cons: No NBA TV or NHL Network; frequent price hikes
Hulu + Live TV is a dream for college sports fans. It combines ESPN Select with ESPN, CBS Sports, FOX Sports, and NBC Sports networks, along with conference channels like Big Ten Network and SEC Network. With both national broadcasts and ESPN Select’s exclusive matchups, it’s the ultimate one-stop shop for college game day fanatics.
I’ve had my share of frustrations with the ESPN app, but Hulu + Live TV fixes that by letting you stream ESPN Select content directly in the Hulu app. Its user-friendly interface makes following your favorite teams a breeze, allowing you to add leagues and teams to your watchlist and enjoy unlimited DVR storage.
Throw in Disney+ and Hulu’s massive on-demand library, and you have one of the most versatile streaming services at your fingertips. It edges out DIRECTV and YouTube TV in the college sports department—especially for NCAA fans who appreciate endless entertainment options.
Hear from real Hulu + Live TV customers
"I mainly use this to watch movies and sports channels, but it's good because it has some TV shows that I love."
Fubo
Price: $14.99–$94.99/mo. | Live channels: 50–291+ | DVR storage: Unlimited (for 9 mos.)
Pros: Excellent international sports coverage; large channel counts
Cons: Expensive plans; no NBC Sports or TNT Sports channels
The CableTV.com staff and I don’t like Fubo (formerly fuboTV) as much as we did a few years back. Price hikes and ongoing carriage disputes will do that. But if you’re willing to pay for it, Fubo can give you more sports channels than most live TV streaming services. This includes some channels you may have never heard of—unless you’re really into soccer and motorsports. While Fubo launched as a fútbol-centric streaming service, its channel offerings now include entertainment networks and custom add-on options.
Unfortunately, Fubo no longer carries any NBCUniversal, TelevisaUnivision, or Warner Bros. Discovery networks. You won’t see channels like NBC, TBS, TNT, truTV, TUDN, or USA Network on any Fubo plan. It’s a significant loss because those channels feature many nationally televised MLB, NBA, NHL, Premier League, and U.S. Soccer matchups. You can also say goodbye to watching most of March Madness.
Paramount+
Price: $8.99–$13.99/mo. | Live sports: NFL, UFC, Champions League, March Madness, and more | Features: Live access to your local CBS station in premium plan
Pros: Local CBS live TV stream (in higher-tier plan); large on-demand TV and movie library
Cons: Scarce sports league coverage; lackluster user interface
Paramount+ has grown into more than just a hub for streaming CBS hits like Tracker. It’s now a serious contender for live sports, headlined by its massive addition of UFC coverage. Subscribers now get Fight Nights and numbered events included without those hefty pay-per-view fees—a game-changer for combat sports fans. The service also remains a stronghold for soccer lovers, offering Serie A matches and every UEFA Champions League fixture.
Of course, the NFL on CBS remains the anchor across all plans. And if you upgrade to the Paramount+ Premium plan, you get your local CBS station live, which is crucial for college basketball and Big Ten football. Plus, when you need a break from the action, the on-demand library offers incredible value for fans of Star Trek or Taylor Sheridan’s TV empire (Landman, Tulsa King, etc.).
I signed up for Paramount+ back when it was called CBS All Access. It’s (thankfully) evolved a lot since then, upping its sports coverage and releasing quality shows like 1883 and Colin from Accounts. But it’s not the most frequently used service in my streaming lineup. Without its exclusive soccer coverage, I likely would’ve moved on by now due to its low frequency of intriguing content.
Peacock
Price: $10.99–$16.99/mo. | Live sports: NFL, NBA, Premier League, Olympics, and more | Features: Next-day access to current NBC shows
Pros: Inexpensive plans; exclusive NBCUniversal TV shows and movies
Cons: Clunky interface; no more sports content from USA Network
Being a sports fan can be expensive, but Peacock Premium lets you save money while catching some of the biggest events. I subscribed back in 2020 for the Premier League, but the service has evolved into a powerhouse for major American sports. It’s now my go-to for Sunday Night Football, the PGA Tour, and the Olympics, plus it recently added a stacked lineup of exclusive NBA games and Big Ten college basketball matchups.
On top of sports, Peacock Premium gives you next-day access to popular NBC shows and a strong collection of hit movies. Universal Pictures’ latest releases usually go to Peacock a few months after their theatrical debut. (I recently rewatched Jurassic World Rebirth on Peacock, and it was a blast.)
If you’re looking for a service that balances sports with a variety of entertainment, Peacock is a solid choice. I’m also happy to report that Peacock continues to expand its multiview feature, which illustrates the service’s commitment to innovating how we watch busy events like the Olympics and Premier League matchdays.
Sling TV
Price: $19.99–$60.99/mo. | Live channels: 10–48+ | DVR storage: 50 hrs. included
Pros: Budget-friendly plans; diverse sign-up deals; several add-on options
Cons: Weak local channel coverage; limited DVR storage
Whenever someone wants channels like ESPN, FS1, or TNT for cheap, I often recommend Sling TV because of its low cost and ease of use. At $45.99/mo., its base plans cover some mainstream sports, but serious fans will need the combined Sling Orange & Blue plan and Sports Extra add-on for better coverage. That bumps the price closer to YouTube TV, which has more robust features and programming.
Sling TV’s cost savings come with trade-offs: only 50 hours of included DVR storage and limited access to local channels. While it’s budget-friendly, it lacks the features and channels of pricier competitors. That’s why opinions on Sling TV vary—it’s ideal for some but too restrictive for others.
Other top streaming services for sports
Amazon Prime Video
Price: $8.99–$17.98/mo. | Live sports: NBA, NFL, WNBA, NWSL, and more | Features: 25,000+ movies and TV shows included
Amazon Prime Video is quickly becoming a must-have streaming service for sports fans. Anchored by its exclusive Thursday Night Football and NBA coverage, it also has select WNBA games, NWSL matches, and ONE Championship bouts. I’ve admired Prime Video’s sports expansion for a while, but it officially won many over when it tipped off its 66-game NBA slate earlier this season, featuring marquee matchups on Thursday and Friday nights.
The service also offers select NASCAR coverage, including five exclusive Cup Series races in the summer and live practice and qualifying sessions throughout the first half of the season.
What really sets Prime Video apart is its add-on channels. You can tack on subscriptions like NBA League Pass, MLB.TV, and HBO Max to your plan, giving you even more options to watch your favorite games. While I typically prefer signing up for services individually, adding them through Prime Video is convenient if you’re already a fan of the app interface.
Apple TV
Price: $12.99/mo. | Live sports: F1, MLB, and MLS | Features: 100+ original movies and TV shows
Sports on Apple TV is a bit like Amazon Prime Video in its early days—not a huge selection, but it’s growing fast. Starting in 2026, the service has become a major player by including every MLS match and live Formula One races in its standard subscription plan. That means you no longer need a separate add-on to follow your favorite stateside soccer club or catch every Grand Prix.
Apple TV also continues to stream Friday Night Baseball doubleheaders, making it a solid option for fans of the diamond, pitch, and track. If those specific competitions aren’t your speed, Apple TV might not be your go-to for live sports just yet. But it remains a top-tier choice for entertainment, serving as the home of good-hearted original sports series like Ted Lasso and Stick.
DAZN
Price: $29.99/mo. or $224.99/yr. | Live sports: Boxing, European soccer, pool, and more | Features: Exclusive PPV events and 500+ classic fights
In terms of quantity, DAZN is one of the best streaming services for combat sports. It’s got fights from Golden Boy Promotions, Matchroom Boxing, and Most Valuable Promotions. It also carries select UEFA Champions League matches in Spanish alongside niche sports like pool, darts, chess, and snooker.
The biggest downside to DAZN is its price. At $29.99 a month, you’d expect the service to offer a deeper library of mainstream sports. The price is incredibly disappointing if you’re only interested in specific competitions. Plus, PPV fees still apply for select combat events.
HBO Max
Price: $16.99–$20.99/mo. | Live sports: NBA, NHL, MLB, U.S. Soccer | Features: Exclusive cycling and motorsports action and award-winning HBO originals
HBO Max delivers a powerhouse experience for sports fans on the Standard or Premium plans. These tiers automatically unlock the full TNT Sports catalog, streaming every event from TNT, TBS, and truTV directly to your device. That means seamless access to the NHL, MLB, and U.S. Soccer alongside exclusive extras you won’t find on cable. I’m a big fan of its NASCAR in-car driver cams and expanded coverage of the French Open and Giro d’Italia.
Beyond sports, the platform remains a haven for TV and movie lovers, boasting an unmatched library of prestige entertainment. But a potential shake-up looms. If the deal between Warner Bros. and Netflix proceeds—or if Discovery Global spins off its cable networks as planned—this sports lineup could face significant disruption. Enjoy the bundled value for now, but keep an eye on those corporate headlines, as the home of these rights might shift sooner rather than later.
Netflix
Price: $7.99–$24.99/mo. | Live sports: Boxing, NFL, WWE, and more | Features: Marquee live events and award-winning documentaries
Netflix steered clear of live sports for years but finally entered the arena in a big way. After launching with The Netflix Cup golf tournament in November 2023, the service made waves with the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight—a ratings juggernaut despite severe technical hiccups. Now, Netflix is home to annual NFL Christmas Day games, WWE Raw, select MLB matchups, and future FIFA Women’s World Cups.
Live sports on Netflix are still limited, but its sports documentaries remain the real MVP. As someone who loves a good behind-the-scenes story, I’m hooked on series like Formula 1: Drive to Survive, Tour de France: Unchained, and Quarterback.
ViX
Price: $5.99–$8.99/mo. | Live sports: Liga MX, Liga MX Femenil, UEFA Champions League, and more | Features: Live and on-demand TelevisaUnivision movies and TV shows
If you prefer sports en Español, ViX is the best streaming service to have in your corner. The TelevisaUnivision platform streams content from popular Spanish-language networks like Galavisión, TUDN, UniMás, and Univision. Plus, you’ll see exclusives that don’t appear anywhere else.
Sports fans will benefit the most from ViX’s daily dose of live events from Liga MX and UEFA competitions to Argentine Primera División and Liga Mexicana de Béisbol games. It also doesn’t hurt if you’re a telenovela aficionado because ViX comes packed with Spanish soap operas.
What to look for in a sports streaming service
Choosing a streaming service for sports can be overwhelming with so much coverage on different channels and platforms. As a Liverpool fan, I need Peacock, Paramount+, ESPN Select, and a live TV streaming service to watch the Reds across all competitions.
To help you cut through the confusion and build the perfect viewing lineup, here are a few key factors to guide your search.
Sports teams and leagues
Start with the basics: Does the service carry the teams and leagues you love? DIRECTV may offer the most channels, but that won’t matter if those channels don’t show your favorite teams.
I find shopping for sports streaming services easier when looking at my favorite leagues individually. Our CableTV.com Sports Hub makes this simple with league-specific How To Watch guides for the most popular leagues.
App availability
Make sure the service you choose is compatible with your preferred streaming device. Most apps work across major players like Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Roku, but it’s always wise to double-check your device’s app store before committing.
If you’re new to streaming and need a device, you can’t go wrong with a Roku for simplicity or an Apple TV 4K for the fastest, most premium experience.
DVR specs and on-demand content
Cloud DVRs are a lifesaver when you can’t catch events live, especially international competitions like the Chinese Grand Prix. While unlimited DVR space is now standard for live TV streaming services, most recordings expire after nine months.
On the other hand, on-demand platforms like ESPN Select, Paramount+, and Peacock don’t have DVRs. But they store live games for a short time. For example, Peacock keeps Premier League matches available to stream for 30 days after they air.
Best streaming services for live sports FAQ
Which streaming services have live sports?
Most streaming services carry live sports. DIRECTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and Sling TV are the most popular live TV streaming services for sports. On-demand streaming services like ESPN Select, Peacock, and Paramount+ also carry live sports.
What streaming service has NBA and NFL?
Live TV streaming services often carry national NBA and NFL coverage. Options like DIRECTV and YouTube TV offer both leagues' core channels, but regional coverage will depend on your location, and streaming exclusives appear on services like Amazon Prime Video and Peacock.
Is Hulu the best for sports?
Hulu + Live TV is a standout option for streaming sports, but it's not for everyone. After all, the live TV streaming service doesn't have NBA TV and NHL Network. But it includes ESPN Select at no extra cost, which has excellent college sports coverage.
What is the best free streaming service for sports?
Pluto TV and Tubi are stellar free streaming services that offer 24/7 sports content and occasional live events. But if you want free live access to marquee sports events, we recommend a one-time purchase of a digital antenna. That'll get you local channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC—all of which air a wide selection of sports.
Do regional sports blackouts apply to streaming?
Yes, regional sports blackouts apply to streaming, just like cable and satellite TV. Depending on your location, some games may be available only on specific regional or local channels. Not all TV plans include regional sports networks, but a VPN (virtual private network) can help bypass blackouts by masking your location.
Why you should trust us
CableTV.com Sports Editor Taylor Kujawa and our team of experts log thousands of hours year-round, testing streaming services to evaluate their specific value for sports fans. Taylor analyzes each platform’s channel lineups, league coverage, and technical performance to determine which services truly deliver. We also closely monitor the evolving landscape of broadcast rights and price increases to make sure this guide remains accurate and up to date.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
Disclaimer
*ENTERTAINMENT: ($99.99/mo. w/$10/mo. Gemini lease fee) Cancel anytime. CHOICE: ($124.98/mo. w/ req’d Regional Sports Fee of up to $19.99/mo. & $10/mo. Gemini lease fee). Cancel anytime. ULTIMATE: ($154.98/mo. w/ req’d Regional Sports Fee of up to $19.99/mo. & $10/mo. Gemini lease fee). Cancel anytime. PREMIER™: ($199.98/mo. w/ req’d Regional Sports Fee of up to $19.99/mo. & Gemini $10/mo. lease). Cancel anytime. OPTIMO MÁS: ($94.99/mo. w/ $10/mo. Gemini lease fee). Cancel anytime.
