The Best Streaming Services For Watching Live Sports in 2025

Remember the simple days of flipping on the TV to catch the game? Today's sports viewing landscape is a complex web of streaming services, regional blackouts, and exclusive rights. Navigating it can feel overwhelming. But don't worry, we've broken down the best options for live sports streaming, catering to every fan's needs.

With numerous streaming services broadcasting live sports, choosing the right one can be tricky. This guide simplifies the process, highlighting top contenders for live games, matches, and fights.

Hulu + Live TV

Best Streaming Bundle For Sports

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

Hulu + Live TV boasts a comprehensive lineup of major sports across its 95+ channels, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, international soccer, UFC, and more. Beyond local channels, you'll find extensive coverage on ESPN, CBS Sports Network, NFL Network, and FS1. The bundled Disney+ and ESPN+ add even more exclusive events, original programming, and college sports. A three-day free trial lets you explore before committing.

Fubo

Best Variety

Save $30 off first month after free trial period.

Fubo might be a newer name, but it delivers a massive variety of sporting events—over 55,000 annually! This includes NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NCAA, NASCAR, golf, tennis, boxing, MMA, and a wealth of international soccer leagues like the Premier League, LaLiga, UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, Liga MX, and Serie A. Need even more? Fubo offers add-on packages with NFL RedZone, MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, and numerous international and NCAA conference channels.

Peacock

Best For Premier League Soccer and WWE

Annual plan available for $79.99/year.

As an NBCUniversal property, Peacock offers a strong sports selection. Premier League soccer fans will appreciate its extensive live coverage and exclusive matches. WWE enthusiasts will find Peacock the exclusive streaming home for all premium live events, including WrestleMania. Plus, catch 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.

ESPN+ is the exclusive streaming home for UFC events, including PPV fights (PPV requires an additional fee), Fight Nights, and an extensive archive. It also boasts a massive library of college sports, covering over 6,000 men's and women's events across 26 conferences. Note: ESPN+ does *not* include the main ESPN channels; a separate cable or streaming subscription is needed for those.

DirecTV Stream

Best Cable Alternative

Includes $10 off for 24 months offer.

DirecTV Stream is a cable-free alternative offering local networks and popular sports channels like ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN U, NBC Golf, FS1, NBA TV, MLB Network, and the Tennis Channel. The Choice package provides the best value for sports fans, with over 125 channels and strong regional sports coverage. A five-day free trial is available.

Paramount+

Best For PGA Golf

Annual plan available for $59.99/year.

Paramount+ delivers CBS Sports content, including NFL on CBS games and UEFA Champions League soccer. It also offers a library of sports movies and shows, plus 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 via an antenna provide access to some local sporting events. Streaming services like Sling Freestream offer ad-supported live sports, though the variety is smaller.

Which Sports Streaming Services Have Free Trials?

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