Finding the best streaming service for sports can feel overwhelming with so many options available. Whether you’re a die-hard NFL fan, a basketball enthusiast, or someone who loves watching multiple sports, choosing the right platform is essential for catching every game. This guide breaks down the top streaming services for sports, helping you decide which one fits your viewing habits and budget.
1. Best Streaming Services for Sports
1.1 ESPN+
ESPN+ is perfect for fans seeking diverse sports coverage at an affordable price. Starting at $10.99 per month, this service offers NHL games, MLB matchups, UFC fights, college sports, tennis, and international soccer leagues. While ESPN+ doesn’t include major network channels like ESPN or ESPN2, it provides exclusive content and pay-per-view access for UFC events. The platform also features original programming, documentaries, and fantasy sports tools.
1.2 FuboTV
FuboTV earns its reputation as one of the best streaming services for live sports. Starting at $85 monthly, it includes ESPN, NFL Network, and over 100 channels covering nearly every major sport. FuboTV particularly excels with soccer coverage, offering international leagues and tournaments. The service provides unlimited cloud DVR storage, making it easy to record games you can’t watch live. Regional sports networks are well-represented, though some markets may experience gaps.
1.3 YouTube TV
YouTube TV stands out as the best TV streaming service for sports due to its comprehensive channel lineup and exclusive NFL Sunday Ticket access. At $83 per month, subscribers get ESPN, NFL Network, NBA TV, MLB Network, and local broadcast channels. The unlimited DVR feature lets you record every game, and the interface makes finding content simple. Sunday Ticket costs extra ($479.99 per season) but provides access to all out-of-market NFL Sunday games.
1.4 Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV bundles live sports channels with an extensive on-demand library, including Disney+ and ESPN+ content. At $82.99 monthly, you get ESPN, CBS Sports Network, FS1, Golf Channel, and NFL Network. This combination makes Hulu one of the best streaming services for sports fans who also want entertainment options. The service includes unlimited DVR and supports multiple simultaneous streams, perfect for households with different viewing preferences.
1.5 Peacock
Peacock offers affordable sports streaming starting at $7.99 per month. The platform is essential for Premier League soccer fans and provides exclusive NFL games, including Sunday Night Football. Peacock also airs WWE events, golf tournaments, and Olympic coverage. While it doesn’t offer the breadth of channels found in comprehensive services, its low price makes it an excellent supplementary subscription for specific sports.
1.6 Paramount+
Paramount+ provides access to CBS Sports content for $11.99 monthly. This includes NFL games broadcast on CBS, Champions League soccer, PGA Tour golf, and NCAA basketball during March Madness. The service is particularly valuable during football season for fans of AFC teams whose games typically air on CBS. Paramount+ also offers original shows and movies beyond sports content.
1.7 Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video has become increasingly relevant for sports fans, offering exclusive Thursday Night Football broadcasts during the NFL season. Prime membership ($14.99 monthly or $139 annually) also includes NBA and WNBA games. Beyond sports, subscribers get access to Amazon’s vast entertainment library, free shipping, and other Prime benefits, making it excellent value for regular Amazon users.
1.8 Apple TV+
Apple TV+ entered sports streaming with exclusive MLS Season Pass coverage. Soccer fans can watch every MLS match through the Apple TV app for $14.99 monthly during the season. Apple TV+ also features Friday Night Baseball with MLB games. The service offers high-quality streams with minimal buffering and integrates seamlessly with Apple devices.
1.9 DAZN
DAZN specializes in combat sports and international soccer, making it ideal for boxing, MMA beyond UFC, and global football leagues. Pricing varies by region, typically around $19.99 monthly in the US. DAZN provides live and on-demand access to fights, European soccer leagues, and other niche sports not readily available on mainstream platforms.
2. Free or Cheaper Alternatives
Budget-conscious sports fans have several options. Pluto TV and Tubi offer free sports news channels, highlights, and classic games without subscriptions. Local channel apps like NBC Sports, CBS Sports, and Fox Sports provide free access to select regional games when you’re within broadcast areas.
League-specific mobile apps also offer free content. The NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL apps provide highlights, condensed games, and occasional live broadcasts. These options won’t replace comprehensive streaming services but can supplement your sports viewing without additional costs.
3. Best Downloader to Download Sports Games from All These Platforms Above
Sometimes you want to save games for offline viewing or preserve memorable matches permanently. CleverGet All-In-One provides a comprehensive solution for downloading sports content from multiple streaming platforms. This powerful tool supports ESPN+, YouTube TV, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and many other services, letting you save games in high quality.
For users seeking a free option, CleverGet Recorder offers screen recording capabilities that work with any streaming service. While recording takes longer than direct downloading, it’s a budget-friendly way to capture games for later viewing without subscription time limits.
Conclusion
Determining what’s the best streaming service for sport depends entirely on your specific needs. YouTube TV and FuboTV lead for comprehensive coverage across multiple sports, while ESPN+ and Peacock offer budget-friendly options for casual fans. Hulu + Live TV provides the best balance of sports and entertainment, perfect for mixed households.
Consider which sports and teams you follow most closely, then match that to the service offering the best coverage. Many platforms offer free trials, letting you test before committing. Remember that combining a major live TV service with a league-specific app or two often provides the most complete sports viewing experience at a reasonable total cost.
