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The Best Streaming Services For Watching Live Sports in 2025

Author:Kristen Update:Apr 03,2025

In the past, watching sports was as simple as turning on your TV and tuning into the big game. However, the landscape of sports viewing has evolved into a complex maze of streaming services, regional blackouts, and exclusive rights. Navigating this new world can be daunting for fans who just want to catch their favorite games, matches, or fights. But fear not—we've done the legwork to help you find the best sports streaming services tailored to every type of fan.

Hulu + Live TV

Best Streaming Bundle For Sports

Disney Bundle Included### Hulu + Live TV

2Includes Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads).$82.99 at Hulu

Hulu + Live TV stands out as a comprehensive sports streaming solution, offering over 95 channels that cover a wide range of sports including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, international soccer, UFC, and more. Not only can you watch games on local channels, but you also have access to regular sporting events on ESPN, CBS Sports Network, NFL Network, and FS1, among others. A major perk is the inclusion of the Disney Bundle in the monthly subscription, granting you access to ESPN+, which features additional exclusive sports content like UFC and college sports, along with original programming. Plus, with a three-day free trial, you can test the service before committing, making it an excellent choice for watching March Madness games in 2025.

Fubo

Best Variety

$30 Off First Month### Fubo (Pro)

1Save $30 off first month after free trial period.$84.99 save 35%$54.99 at Fubo

While Fubo may not be as well-known, it offers an unparalleled variety of sports content, streaming over 55,000 events annually. This includes NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NCAA college sports, NASCAR, golf, tennis, boxing, MMA, and more. International soccer enthusiasts will appreciate access to leagues like the Premier League, LaLiga, UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, Liga MX, and Serie A. For those craving even more, Fubo provides various sports 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)

1Annual plan available for $79.99/year.$7.99 at Peacock

Peacock, owned by NBC Universal, is your go-to for streaming sports, especially if you're a fan of Premier League soccer and WWE. With season-long coverage and exclusive matches, you can enjoy games from top teams like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal. Peacock also streams every WWE premium event, including WrestleMania, making it an essential service for wrestling fans. Additionally, you can watch NFL Sunday Night Football and Big Ten college basketball, further enhancing its value for sports enthusiasts.

ESPN+

Best For UFC and College Sports

Annual Plan Available### ESPN+

2Annual plan available for $119.99/year.$11.99 at ESPN

ESPN+ is the premier destination for UFC and college sports fans. It's the exclusive streaming platform for UFC events, including Pay-Per-View (PPV) fights, Fight Nights, and more. While PPV events come with an additional $79.99 fee, other UFC content is included in your subscription. You'll also have access to hundreds of classic UFC fights. For college sports, ESPN+ offers over 6,000 men's and women's events across 26 conferences, covering sports like football, basketball, baseball, hockey, lacrosse, and wrestling. Note that ESPN+ does not include access to traditional ESPN channels like ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNEWS, so for those, you'll need a separate cable or Live TV streaming subscription.

DirecTV Stream

Best Cable Alternative

Limited-Time Offer### DirecTV Stream (Choice)

2Includes $10 off for 24 months offer.$79.99 at DirecTV

DirecTV Stream offers a cable-free alternative that 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 for sports fans, providing over 125 channels, including major national games and a variety of regional sports based on 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)

1Annual plan available for $59.99/year.$7.99 at Paramount

Paramount+ is your destination for sports content from CBS Sports, including NFL on CBS games and every UEFA Champions League soccer match. Beyond live sports, you'll find a rich library of sports movies, TV shows, and daily programming from CBS Sports HQ. Golf enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the Paramount+ with Showtime plan, which includes access to major PGA Tour events like the Farmers Insurance Open and the Wyndham Championship.

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 offer ad-supported access to certain live sports.

Which Sports Streaming Services Have Free Trials?

Most of the sports streaming services mentioned above offer free trials. Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and Paramount+ provide trials ranging from three days to a week, allowing you to watch multiple live sporting events during the trial period. Peacock and ESPN+ currently do not offer free trials, though ESPN+ is included in the Hulu + Live TV free trial. For those interested in more than just sports, check out our list of the Best Streaming Services With Free Trials in 2025.