The Best Streaming Services For Watching Live Sports in 2025

Watching sports has become a complex endeavor. Gone are the days of simply turning on the TV; today's sports fan navigates a tangled web of streaming services, regional blackouts, and exclusive rights. This guide cuts through the confusion, highlighting the best streaming options for live sports, catering to every fan's needs.

With numerous streaming services broadcasting live sports, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. We've simplified the process, providing a curated list of top-tier options 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 offers a comprehensive selection of popular sports across its 95+ channels, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, international soccer, UFC, and more. Beyond local channels, enjoy regular sporting events on ESPN, CBS Sports Network, NFL Network, and FS1. The bundled Disney+ and ESPN+ access unlocks additional exclusive events (like UFC and college sports), original programming, and more. A three-day free trial lets you explore before committing.

Fubo

Best Variety

Save $30 off first month after free trial period.

Fubo isn't a household name, but it boasts an impressive variety of over 55,000 sporting events annually. This includes NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NCAA, NASCAR, golf, tennis, boxing, MMA, and extensive international soccer coverage (Premier League, LaLiga, UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, Liga MX, Serie A). Optional add-on packages provide even more channels, including NFL RedZone and other league passes.

Peacock

Best For Premier League Soccer and WWE

Annual plan available for $79.99/year.

As an NBCUniversal service, Peacock offers extensive sports streaming. Premier League soccer is a major draw, with live coverage and exclusive matches. WWE fans will appreciate Peacock's exclusive streaming rights to all premium 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.

ESPN+ is the exclusive streaming home for UFC events, including PPV fights (PPV requires an additional fee), Fight Nights, and a vast archive of classic fights. It also features over 6,000 college sporting events across 26 conferences. Note: ESPN+ does *not* include access to ESPN's main channels; a separate 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, FS1, NBA TV, MLB Network, and the Tennis Channel. The Choice package provides access to 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.

Paramount+ delivers CBS Sports content, including NFL on CBS games and UEFA Champions League soccer. It also offers sports documentaries and daily programming from CBS Sports HQ. 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, select live sports are available for free via over-the-air local channels (with a TV antenna) and ad-supported streaming services like Sling Freestream. However, options and frequency are limited.

Which Sports Streaming Services Have Free Trials?

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