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 subscription fees, and exclusive rights deals, leaving fans frustrated and confused about where to find their favorite games.

With numerous streaming services broadcasting live sports, choosing the right platform can be overwhelming. To simplify your search, we’ve compiled a list of the best sports streaming services for live games, matches, and fights, catering to diverse fan preferences.

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 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 extensive coverage on ESPN, CBS Sports Network, NFL Network, and FS1. The bundled Disney+ and ESPN+ access unlocks even more exclusive events, original programming, and college sports.

Hulu + Live TV offers a three-day free trial.

Fubo

Best Variety

Fubo (Pro)

Fubo stands out for its extensive sports library, featuring over 55,000 sporting events annually. This includes NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NCAA, NASCAR, golf, tennis, boxing, MMA, and a wide array of international soccer leagues like the Premier League, LaLiga, UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, Liga MX, and Serie A.

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

Peacock

Best For Premier League Soccer and WWE

NBC Peacock (Premium)

As an NBCUniversal property, Peacock provides substantial sports coverage. It's a prime destination for Premier League soccer, offering live matches and exclusive content featuring top teams. WWE fans will appreciate Peacock's exclusive streaming rights to 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

ESPN+

ESPN+ is the exclusive streaming home for UFC events, including PPV fights (requiring an additional fee), Fight Nights, and a vast archive of classic fights. It also boasts a massive selection of college sports, covering over 6,000 men's and women's events across 26 conferences.

Note: ESPN+ does *not* include access to ESPN's linear channels (ESPN, ESPN2, etc.). A separate cable or live TV streaming subscription is needed for those channels.

DirecTV Stream

Best Cable Alternative

DirecTV Stream (Choice)

DirecTV Stream offers a cable-free alternative with access to 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 access to over 125 channels, including major national and regional sporting events (depending on location).

A five-day free trial is available for new subscribers.

Paramount+

Best For PGA Golf

Paramount+ (Essential)

Paramount+ delivers CBS Sports content, including NFL on CBS games and UEFA Champions League soccer. It also features a library of sports movies and shows, and daily programming from CBS Sports HQ. For golf enthusiasts, the Paramount+ with Showtime bundle adds access to major PGA Tour events.

Sports Streaming FAQs

Can You Watch Live Sports For Free?

Yes, but with limitations. Over-the-air channels via an antenna provide access to some local sporting events. Streaming services like Sling Freestream offer free, ad-supported access to select live sports, but options are limited.

Which Sports Streaming Services Have Free Trials?

Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and Paramount+ all offer free trials (duration varies). Peacock and ESPN+ currently do not offer standalone free trials, though ESPN+ is included in the Hulu + Live TV trial.