The US market is currently flooded with over 200 TV streaming services. This can be overwhelming when deciding where to invest your money. Fortunately, not all streaming services cater to live sports, making it easier to differentiate the good from the bad.
However, the market for live sports streaming remains competitive, and to make matters worse, broadcasting rights for desired events can change between channels each year. Therefore, finding the right “live sports package” and making the payment is not as straightforward as it seems.
In this article, we have curated a list of the best sports streaming services that cater to various budgets. This way, fans of watch sports without cable can easily find the coverage they need without getting lost in the noise.
Top Live Sports Streaming Services
#1 DirecTV
DirectTV offers an extensive selection of live sports streaming options that cater to a variety of interests. With a subscription to Choice, DirectTV’s sports package, you gain access to CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, multiple ESPN channels, and Golf Channel. Not only that, but you also get networks dedicated to NHL, NBA, MLB, NFL, and MLS, along with college sports and international soccer leagues like Premier, Champions, and Europa.
Impressively, DirectTV boasts over 200 channels across its packages, giving you a wide range of choices. You can further customize your viewing experience with extra features and add-ons. Moreover, DirectTV takes pride in its comprehensive regional service networks. Discover what’s available in your area by simply entering your ZIP code to access Local Regional Sports Network Information.
#2 ESPN+
ESPN+ is available as a separate service, but it should be noted that it differs from watching ESPN on TV. Although its live sports options are somewhat limited, it serves as a convenient supplement or a cost-effective add-on for avid hockey fans, rather than a comprehensive live-streaming platform. Nevertheless, considering its price, ESPN+ offers a significant lineup, featuring popular soccer, hockey, tennis, golf, cricket, lacrosse, and college sports leagues. Additionally, it showcases ESPN’s original documentaries, including the entire 30 for 30 series.
Leagues accessible on ESPN+ include NHL and various other hockey leagues, over 180 MLB games, college football and basketball, international soccer leagues such as Bundesliga and La Liga, lacrosse, multiple cricket leagues, a wide range of combat sports, and more, according to ESPN+.
However, you should know how to stream sports using ESPN+. This also applies to many other streaming servers. Although you can stream ESPN3 online for free, this only applies to certain regions. If you are less fortunate, you will need to change your IP address. You can read more about how to watch ESPN3 on VeePN.com where you can also find the necessary tools for changing the IP address. Another question: where to watch ESPN3? While some ESPN channels are available on different streaming services, ESPN+ has the largest selection.
#3 Peacock
Peacock, the OTT internet streaming service owned by NBC, offers compatibility with a wide range of devices and is ideal for streaming on the go. It stands out as one of the most cost-effective and flexible options available, with plans starting at just $4.99/Mo and the convenience of easy cancellation.
NBC holds exclusive broadcasting rights to the English Premier League (EPL) and airs all the season’s matches on its NBC channels and Peacock Premium. Unlike other streaming services, Peacock guarantees comprehensive EPL coverage, making it a must-have for avid soccer fans.
Peacock allows simultaneous streaming on up to 3 devices and offers the ability to set up 6 profiles with kid-safety settings. It is compatible with mobile, tablet, television, and gaming console devices, making it an excellent choice for on-the-go streaming.
#4 YouTube TV
YouTube TV’s basic subscription covers major networks and popular sports, including the Super Bowl. You’ll have access to ESPN, FS1 and 2, CBS, NBC Sports, and proprietary channels for MLB, NBA, NFL, Tennis, Golf, SEC, and Big Ten. The standout feature is YouTube’s unmatched DVR, offering unlimited storage for up to nine months. This means you can record an entire 162-game MLB season, including playoffs.
Excitingly, YouTube is now the new home of NFL Sunday Ticket, streaming out-of-market games. The season package costs $299 for basic YouTube TV subscribers and $399 for non-subscribers. Students can grab a fantastic deal at only $109 for the entire year, making it an excellent first streaming service. Keep in mind that these prices are promotional and may increase soon.
#5 Sling TV
Sling TV, an internet streaming service, provides highly affordable monthly subscription packages compared to premium services like DirectTV. Similarly, Peacock and ESPN+ also offer flexible monthly membership options. There are three main subscription packages: Sling Orange ($40/Month), Sling Blue ($40/Month), and the combined Sling Orange + Sling Blue ($55/Month) package.
SlingTV boasts the best add-on package for live sports: ‘The Total TV Deal’. For only $21/month, ‘The Total TV Deal’ includes seven of Sling TV’s most popular extras, such as Sports Extra. Sports Extra features 14 additional channels, including Tennis Channel, ESPNU, and NBA TV, available for $11/month. Combined with other packages at $6/month each, subscribers can save over $20 on their subscription.
Conclusion
If you are a true sports fan and enjoy many different sports, you need a streaming service that can cater to your interests. There are many streaming services, but the ones that are suitable are enough to count on the fingers of one hand. The 5 best streaming services for sports have the most complete libraries and channel lists.
