In today’s fast-paced world, sports enthusiasts no longer have to rely solely on traditional cable packages to catch their favorite games. With the rise of sports streaming platforms, watching live sports has become more accessible, affordable, and convenient than ever. Whether you’re into football, basketball, baseball, soccer, or any other sport, there’s a streaming service that offers extensive coverage. Explore the best sports streaming platforms available in the US, their features, and the types of sports they cover.
1. ESPN+
ESPN+ is one of the most popular and well-established sports streaming platforms, providing access to a variety of live sporting events, documentaries, and original content. With ESPN+ you can stream sports like UFC, Major League Soccer (MLS), NHL, college sports, and more. ESPN+ is also home to exclusive content like “30 for 30” documentaries, which feature in-depth storytelling about athletes and sporting events.
Key Features:
- Access to exclusive live events and original programming.
- Coverage of major sports leagues including NFL, NHL, MLB, and UFC.
- Affordable pricing: ESPN+ has plans starting at $11.99 per month, or you can bundle it with Disney+ and Hulu for $13.99 per month.
2. Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV is another excellent option for sports streaming, offering a comprehensive package that combines live TV channels and on-demand content. With Hulu + Live TV, you get access to major sports channels like ESPN, NBC Sports, Fox Sports, and CBS Sports, which means you can watch NFL games, NBA basketball, MLB games, and much more.
Key Features:
- Access to more than 75 live TV channels, including sports networks like ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports.
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage (with the ability to pause, rewind, and record live events).
- Costs about $82.99 per month with a 7-day free trial.
3. FuboTV
FuboTV is widely known as one of the top streaming platforms for sports lovers. It offers extensive coverage of live sports across a wide range of networks. FuboTV includes channels like ESPN, Fox Sports, CBS Sports, and NBC Sports, making it perfect for fans of NFL, NBA, MLB, and soccer. It’s also one of the few services that offers coverage of international sports like European soccer leagues and international soccer competitions.
Key Features:
- Access to over 100 live TV channels, including top sports networks and regional channels.
- Coverage of a wide range of sports including football, basketball, soccer, baseball, and more.
- Offers up to 1,000 hours of cloud DVR storage.
- Subscription starts at $79.99 per month, with a 7-day free trial available.
4. Sling TV
Sling TV is a budget-friendly sports streaming platform that provides access to many sports channels at a lower price point compared to other streaming services. Sling TV offers two main packages: Sling Orange and Sling Blue. Sling Orange provides access to ESPN and ESPN2, while Sling Blue includes channels like FS1 and NBC Sports Network. You can also combine the two packages for the best of both worlds.
Key Features:
- Customizable channel lineup based on preferences, with packages starting as low as $46 per month.
- Includes access to ESPN, FS1, NBC Sports, and other major sports networks.
- Offers add-ons like NBA League Pass and NFL RedZone for more in-depth sports coverage.
5. YouTube TV
YouTube TV is a solid choice for sports streaming, offering a well-rounded service that includes coverage of nearly every major sport. With YouTube TV, you get access to channels like ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, and CBS Sports, as well as regional sports networks, which makes it ideal for fans of local teams.
Key Features:
- Includes over 85 channels, with a strong lineup of sports channels.
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage, which is perfect for sports fans who want to record multiple games.
- Available for $74.99 per month with a 14-day free trial.
6. DAZN
For boxing and MMA fans, DAZN is an essential streaming service. It specializes in providing coverage for live boxing events, mixed martial arts (MMA), and other combat sports. DAZN is a great option if you’re primarily interested in watching live fights from organizations like the UFC, Bellator, and major boxing events.
Key Features:
- Exclusive access to premium boxing and MMA events.
- Includes major fight promotions and pay-per-view events at no extra charge.
- Subscription is priced at $24.99 per month, with annual plans available for a discounted price.
7. Peacock TV
Peacock TV, NBC’s streaming platform, is a great option for sports fans who enjoy the Olympics, NFL, Premier League soccer, and more. While it doesn’t offer as broad a range of sports as some other platforms, Peacock is still a solid choice for fans of the sports it does cover.
Key Features:
- Access to the NFL, Premier League, WWE, and more.
- Offers live sports coverage as well as on-demand content, including highlights and replays.
- Free access to limited content, with premium plans starting at $139.99 per year.
Choose the Best Sports Streaming Platform to Suit Your Needs and Preferences
With so many sports streaming platforms available, fans in the US have plenty of options to enjoy their favorite games, teams, and sports. Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive service like FuboTV or Hulu + Live TV, or specialized platforms like DAZN for combat sports, there’s something for everyone. When selecting a platform, be sure to consider your favorite sports, channels, and whether you’re willing to pay a premium for exclusive content. Ultimately, the best sports streaming platform for you will depend on the specific sports you enjoy watching and your budget.
