The Best Streaming Services For Watching Live Sports in 2025

Author: Simon Mar 19,2025

Watching sports has become a complex endeavor. Gone are the days of simply flipping on the TV; today's sports fan navigates a tangled web of streaming services, regional blackouts, and paywalls. Finding the right service to watch your favorite games can feel like solving a puzzle. But don't worry, we've simplified the process. Below, find our curated list of top sports streaming services, catering to every fan's needs.

With so many streaming options broadcasting live sports, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. We’ve done the research to help you find the perfect fit.

Hulu + Live TV

Best Streaming Bundle for Sports

Hulu + Live TV

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

Hulu + Live TV boasts a comprehensive sports lineup across its 95+ channels, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, international soccer, UFC, and more. Beyond local channels, enjoy regular coverage on ESPN, CBS Sports Network, NFL Network, and FS1. The bundled Disney+ and ESPN+ add even more exclusive events (like UFC and college sports), original programming, and more. A three-day free trial lets you test the waters before committing.

Fubo

Best Variety

Fubo (Pro)

Save $30 off first month after free trial period.

Fubo might be a newer name, but it delivers an unparalleled variety of sporting events—over 55,000 annually! This includes 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). Need even more? Fubo offers add-on packages with NFL RedZone, MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, and various international and NCAA conference channels.

Peacock

Best for Premier League Soccer and WWE

NBC Peacock (Premium)

Annual plan available for $79.99/year.

As an NBCUniversal property, Peacock offers a strong sports selection. Premier League soccer takes center stage, with extensive live coverage and exclusive matches. WWE fans rejoice—Peacock is the exclusive streaming home for all premium live events, including WrestleMania. You'll also find 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.

ESPN+ is the exclusive streaming home for UFC, including PPV fights (PPV requires an additional $79.99), Fight Nights, and a vast archive of classic fights. It also boasts a massive college sports library with over 6,000 events across 26 conferences. Note: ESPN+ does *not* include the main ESPN channels; a separate cable or live TV streaming subscription is needed for those.

DirecTV Stream

Best Cable Alternative

DirecTV Stream (Choice)

Includes $10 off for 24 months offer.

DirecTV Stream offers a cable-like experience without the satellite dish. The Choice package provides access to over 125 channels, including major networks and sports channels such as 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

Paramount+ (Essential)

Annual plan available for $59.99/year.

Paramount+ delivers CBS Sports content, including NFL on CBS games and UEFA Champions League soccer. Along with sports movies and shows, it features daily programming from CBS Sports HQ. Golf fans should consider the Paramount+ with Showtime plan for access to major PGA Tour events.

Sports Streaming FAQs

Can You Watch Live Sports for Free?

Yes, but selection is limited. Over-the-air channels (with an antenna) offer some local sporting events. Ad-supported streaming services like Sling Freestream also provide access to certain live sports.

Which Sports Streaming Services Have Free Trials?

Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and Paramount+ all offer free trials (ranging from three days to a week). Peacock and ESPN+ currently do not, though ESPN+ is included in the Hulu + Live TV trial.