The Best Streaming Services For Watching Live Sports in 2025

Watching sports has become significantly more complex than simply turning on the TV. The landscape of sports streaming is now a tangled web of regional blackouts, additional fees, and exclusive rights, leaving fans confused and frustrated. Navigating this maze to find the games you want can be a real challenge.

With numerous streaming services broadcasting live sports, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. To simplify your search, we've compiled a list of the best sports streaming services, categorized to suit every fan's needs.

Hulu + Live TV

Best Streaming Bundle For Sports

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

$82.99 at Hulu

Hulu + Live TV boasts a comprehensive selection of popular sports across its 95+ channels, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, international soccer, UFC, and more. Beyond local channels, you'll find numerous events on ESPN, CBS Sports Network, NFL Network, and FS1. The bundled Disney+ and ESPN+ add even more exclusive content, including UFC and college sports, plus original programming.

Hulu + Live TV offers a three-day free trial, allowing you to test the service before committing. It's an excellent option for catching March Madness games in 2025.

Fubo

Best Variety

Save $30 off first month after free trial period.

$84.99 save 35% $54.99 at Fubo

While not as widely known, Fubo stands out for its extensive sports coverage, boasting over 55,000 events annually. This includes NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NCAA, NASCAR, golf, tennis, boxing, MMA, and a wide range of international soccer leagues (Premier League, LaLiga, UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, Liga MX, Serie A).

For even more, Fubo offers add-on packages with channels like NFL RedZone, MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, international sports channels, and NCAA conference-specific channels.

Peacock

Best For Premier League Soccer and WWE

Annual plan available for $79.99/year.

$7.99 at Peacock

As an NBCUniversal property, Peacock offers a strong sports lineup. Premier League soccer is a major draw, with extensive live coverage and exclusive matches. WWE fans will appreciate that Peacock is the exclusive streaming home for all premium live events, including WrestleMania. Additionally, Peacock streams 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.

$11.99 at ESPN

ESPN+ is the exclusive streaming home for UFC events, including PPV fights (requiring an additional $79.99), Fight Nights, and a vast archive of classic fights. It also features over 6,000 college sporting events across 26 conferences.

Important Note: ESPN+ does *not* include the main ESPN channels. For SportsCenter and other ESPN-exclusive broadcasts, a traditional cable or live TV streaming subscription is still needed.

DirecTV Stream

Best Cable Alternative

Includes $10 off for 24 months offer.

$79.99 at DirecTV

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 over 125 channels, including major nationwide and regional sporting events. A five-day free trial is available.

Paramount+

Best For PGA Golf

Annual plan available for $59.99/year.

$7.99 at Paramount

Paramount+ offers CBS Sports content, including NFL on CBS games and UEFA Champions League soccer. It also includes CBS Sports HQ, documentaries, and a library of sports movies and shows. For golf enthusiasts, the Paramount+ with Showtime plan adds access to major PGA Tour events.

Sports Streaming FAQs

Can You Watch Live Sports For Free?

Yes, but selection is limited. An over-the-air antenna provides access to local channels broadcasting many major sporting events. Services like Sling Freestream offer ad-supported access to some live sports.

Which Sports Streaming Services Have Free Trials?

Most services listed offer free trials (ranging from three days to a week): Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and Paramount+. Peacock and ESPN+ are exceptions, though ESPN+ is included in the Hulu + Live TV trial.

For broader streaming options beyond sports, see our list of the Best Streaming Services With Free Trials in 2025.