Gone are the days when you could simply turn on your TV and catch the big game without any fuss. Today, navigating the world of sports streaming has become a complex task, with regional blackouts, extra paywalls, and exclusive rights to games scattered across various services. It's a labyrinth that can leave fans frustrated and confused.
With an array of streaming platforms offering live sports, deciding where to watch and which subscriptions are worthwhile can be daunting. Fortunately, we've streamlined the process for you. Below, you'll discover the top sports streaming services for live games, matches, and fights, designed to cater to every sports enthusiast's needs.
Hulu + Live TV
Best Streaming Bundle For Sports
Hulu + Live TV
Includes Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads). $82.99 at Hulu
Hulu + Live TV offers a robust selection of popular sports across over 95 channels, encompassing NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, international soccer, UFC, and more. You can catch games on local channels and regular sporting events on ESPN, CBS Sports Network, NFL Network, FS1, among others.
As part of the monthly subscription, Hulu + Live TV includes the Disney Bundle, granting access to ESPN+, which provides exclusive sporting events such as UFC and college sports, along with original programming. Additionally, Hulu + Live TV offers a three-day free trial, allowing you to test the service before committing. It's also a prime choice for watching March Madness games in 2025.
Fubo
Best Variety
Fubo (Pro)
Save $30 off first month after free trial period. $84.99 save 35% $54.99 at Fubo
While Fubo may not be as widely recognized, it stands out for its extensive range of sports events, with over 55,000 events annually. This includes NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NCAA college sports, NASCAR, golf, tennis, boxing, MMA, and a plethora of international soccer leagues like the Premier League, LaLiga, UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, Liga MX, and Serie A.
For those craving even more sports content, Fubo offers various add-on packages that include channels such as NFL Redzone, MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, international sports channels, and numerous NCAA conference-specific channels.
Peacock
Best For Premier League Soccer and WWE
NBC Peacock (Premium)
Annual plan available for $79.99/year. $7.99 at Peacock
Owned by NBC Universal, Peacock provides a comprehensive array of sports for streaming. Premier League soccer fans can enjoy season-long live coverage and exclusive matches, featuring top teams like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal. WWE enthusiasts will find Peacock invaluable as it streams every WWE premium event, including Wrestlemania. Plus, you can watch every NFL Sunday Night Football game and Big Ten college basketball.
ESPN+
Best For UFC and College Sports
ESPN+
Annual plan available for $119.99/year. $11.99 at ESPN
ESPN+ is your go-to platform for streaming UFC events, including Pay-Per-View (PPV) fights, Fight Nights, and more. While UFC PPV events require an additional $79.99 fee, Fight Nights and other events are included in your subscription. You also gain access to a vast archive of classic UFC fights.
Moreover, ESPN+ offers an extensive selection of college sports, with over 6,000 events across 26 conferences, covering football, basketball, baseball, hockey, lacrosse, wrestling, and more. Keep in mind that ESPN+ does not include access to traditional ESPN network channels like ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNEWS; for those, you'll need a cable or live TV streaming subscription.
DirecTV Stream
Best Cable Alternative
DirecTV Stream (Choice)
Includes $10 off for 24 months offer. $79.99 at DirecTV
DirecTV Stream offers a cable-free alternative, providing access to local networks and popular sports channels such as ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN U, NBC Golf, FS1, NBA TV, MLB Network, and the Tennis Channel. The DirecTV Choice package is particularly appealing for sports fans, offering over 125 channels, including major national games and a selection of regional sporting events based on your location. New subscribers can enjoy a five-day free trial to test the service.
Paramount Plus
Best For PGA Golf
Paramount+ (Essential)
Annual plan available for $59.99/year. $7.99 at Paramount
Paramount+ provides access to all CBS Sports content, including NFL on CBS games and every UEFA Champions League soccer match. It also features daily programming from CBS Sports HQ, documentaries, and a library of sports movies and TV shows. For golf enthusiasts, upgrading to the Paramount+ with Showtime plan includes major PGA Tour events like the Farmers Insurance Open and the Wyndham Championship.
Sports Streaming FAQs
Can You Watch Live Sports For Free?
Yes, you can watch select live sports for free. While the variety and frequency of free sports content vary, you can access local channels with a TV antenna to watch popular events such as NFL, MLB, and NBA games. Streaming services like Sling Freestream also offer ad-supported access to certain live sports.
Which Sports Streaming Services Have Free Trials?
Most of the sports streaming services highlighted above offer free trials. Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and Paramount+ provide trials ranging from three days to a week. By timing it right, you can watch multiple live sporting events during the trial period. Notably, Peacock and ESPN+ do not currently offer free trials, though ESPN+ is included in the Hulu + Live TV free trial.
For those interested in more than just sports, explore our list of the Best Streaming Services With Free Trials in 2025.
