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Top Streaming Platforms for Live Sports in 2025

By ThomasApr 10,2025

In the past, tuning into sports was straightforward; you'd simply switch on your TV and likely find the big game airing. However, the landscape of sports streaming has evolved into a complex puzzle. Today's fans are met with challenges like regional blackouts, additional paywalls, and the task of identifying which service has exclusive rights to their desired games. It's a labyrinth that can leave even the most dedicated sports enthusiast feeling overwhelmed.

With numerous streaming platforms now offering live sports, selecting the right service to subscribe to can be daunting. We've simplified this process for you by curating a list of the top sports streaming services that cater to various types of sports fans, ensuring you can watch your favorite games, matches, and fights with ease.

Hulu + Live TV

Best Streaming Bundle For Sports

Disney Bundle Included

Hulu + Live TV

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

$82.99 at Hulu

Hulu + Live TV stands out with its comprehensive selection of popular sports across over 95 channels, covering everything from NFL and NBA to MLB, NHL, NCAA, international soccer, UFC, and beyond. In addition to local channel broadcasts, you can enjoy regular sports programming on networks like ESPN, CBS Sports Network, NFL Network, and FS1. The added bonus of the Disney Bundle in the monthly subscription gives you access to ESPN+, which includes exclusive sports events like UFC and college sports, along with original content. Plus, you can try Hulu + Live TV with a three-day free trial, making it an excellent choice for catching the March Madness games in 2025.

Fubo

Best Variety

$30 Off First Month

Fubo (Pro)

Save $30 off first month after free trial period.

$84.99 save 35% $54.99 at Fubo

Fubo might not be as well-known as some other services, but it's our top pick for the sheer variety of sports events it offers, streaming over 55,000 events annually. This includes major leagues like NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NCAA college sports, NASCAR, golf, tennis, boxing, MMA, and more. Soccer fans will appreciate the coverage of international leagues such as 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, including channels like NFL Redzone, MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, and numerous NCAA conference-specific channels.

Peacock

Best For Premier League Soccer and WWE

Annual Plan Available

NBC Peacock (Premium)

Annual plan available for $79.99/year.

$7.99 at Peacock

As a subsidiary of NBC Universal, Peacock provides an extensive array of sports streaming options. It's the go-to service for Premier League soccer enthusiasts, offering season-long live coverage and exclusive matches featuring top clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal. WWE fans will find Peacock indispensable, as it's the exclusive streaming home for every WWE premium event, including Wrestlemania. Additionally, Peacock streams every NFL Sunday Night Football game and Big Ten college basketball, making it a versatile choice for sports lovers.

ESPN+

Best For UFC and College Sports

Annual Plan Available

ESPN+

Annual plan available for $119.99/year.

$11.99 at ESPN

ESPN+ is the exclusive platform for streaming UFC events, including Pay-Per-View (PPV) fights, Fight Nights, and more. While UFC PPV events require an additional $79.99 on top of your ESPN+ subscription, Fight Nights and other events are included at no extra cost. You'll also have access to an extensive archive of classic UFC fights. ESPN+ is a treasure trove for college sports fans, offering over 6,000 men's and women's events across 26 conferences, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, lacrosse, wrestling, and more. However, it's crucial to note that ESPN+ does not include access to the traditional ESPN network channels like ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNEWS. For those, you'll need a separate cable or live TV streaming subscription.

DirecTV Stream

Best Cable Alternative

Limited-Time Offer

DirecTV Stream (Choice)

Includes $10 off for 24 months offer.

$79.99 at DirecTV

DirecTV Stream offers a cable-free experience that's accessible to everyone. It includes local networks and a robust lineup of 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 to sports fans, providing over 125 channels, including major national games and a variety of regional sports events tailored to your location. New subscribers can take advantage of a five-day free trial to test the service.

Paramount Plus

Best For PGA Golf

Annual Plan Available

Paramount+ (Essential)

Annual plan available for $59.99/year.

$7.99 at Paramount

Paramount+ delivers all the sports content you'd expect from CBS Sports, including NFL on CBS games and every UEFA Champions League soccer match. Alongside a rich library of sports movies and TV shows, you'll find daily programming from CBS Sports HQ and various sports documentaries. Golf enthusiasts will find the Paramount+ with Showtime plan particularly appealing, as it includes access to major PGA Tour events like the Farmers Insurance Open and the Wyndham Championship, in addition to the Essential tier's offerings.

Sports Streaming FAQs

Can You Watch Live Sports For Free?

Yes, you can watch select live sports for free, though the availability and frequency vary. Using a TV antenna, you can access local channels and watch popular sporting events like NFL, MLB, and NBA games. Streaming services like Sling Freestream also provide ad-supported access to certain live sports.

Which Sports Streaming Services Have Free Trials?

Most of the sports streaming services listed above offer free trials, ranging from three days to a week. Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and Paramount+ all provide trial periods. You might even catch multiple live sporting events during these trials. Peacock and ESPN+ currently do not offer free trials on their own, but 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.

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