The Best Streaming Services For Watching Live Sports in 2025

Watching sports has become significantly more complex than simply turning on the TV. Navigating regional blackouts, extra fees, and exclusive rights across various streaming services presents a real challenge for fans. This guide simplifies the process, offering a curated list of the best sports streaming services for live games, matches, and fights.

With numerous streaming options broadcasting live sports, choosing the right service can be overwhelming. We've analyzed the options to help you find the perfect fit.

Hulu + Live TV

Best Streaming Bundle for Sports

Includes Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads).

$82.99 at Hulu

Hulu + Live TV boasts a comprehensive selection of popular sports across its 95+ channels, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, international soccer, UFC, and more. Beyond local channels, ESPN, CBS Sports Network, NFL Network, and FS1 offer regular sporting events. The included Disney Bundle grants access to ESPN+, unlocking additional exclusive events (like UFC and college sports), original programming, and more. A three-day free trial is available.

Fubo

Best Variety

Save $30 off first month after free trial period.

$84.99 save 35% $54.99 at Fubo

Fubo offers a vast array of sporting events—over 55,000 annually—including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NCAA, NASCAR, golf, tennis, boxing, MMA, and extensive international soccer coverage (Premier League, LaLiga, UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, Liga MX, Serie A). Additional sports add-on packages provide access to NFL Redzone, MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, international channels, and NCAA conference-specific channels.

Peacock

Best for Premier League Soccer and WWE

Annual plan available for $79.99/year.

$7.99 at Peacock

As an NBCUniversal property, Peacock offers extensive sports streaming, notably Premier League soccer (with live coverage and exclusive matches). It's also the exclusive streaming home for WWE premium live events, including WrestleMania. Additionally, Peacock broadcasts every NFL Sunday Night Football game and Big Ten college basketball.

ESPN+

Best for UFC and College Sports

Annual plan available for $119.99/year.

$11.99 at ESPN

ESPN+ exclusively streams UFC events, including PPV fights (requiring an additional $79.99), Fight Nights, and an extensive archive. It also offers over 6,000 college sporting events across 26 conferences. Note: ESPN+ does *not* include ESPN's main network channels; a separate subscription is needed for those.

DirecTV Stream

Best Cable Alternative

Includes $10 off for 24 months offer.

$79.99 at DirecTV

DirecTV Stream provides a cable-like experience without the satellite. The Choice package offers over 125 channels, including major nationwide and regional sporting events (based on location), with ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN U, NBC Golf, FS1, NBA TV, MLB Network, and the Tennis Channel. A five-day free trial is available.

Paramount+

Best for PGA Golf

Annual plan available for $59.99/year.

$7.99 at Paramount

Paramount+ offers CBS Sports content, including NFL on CBS games and UEFA Champions League matches, along with sports movies, TV shows, and daily programming from CBS Sports HQ. The Paramount+ with Showtime plan adds major PGA Tour events.

Sports Streaming FAQs

Can You Watch Live Sports for Free?

Yes, but selection is limited. Over-the-air channels via antenna offer some free access, and services like Sling Freestream provide ad-supported options.

Which Sports Streaming Services Have Free Trials?

Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and Paramount+ offer free trials (3-7 days). Peacock and ESPN+ currently do not offer trials independently, though ESPN+ is included in the Hulu + Live TV trial.