Gone are the days when you could simply flip on the TV and catch the big game. Today, navigating the world of sports streaming is a complex task, filled with regional blackouts, paywalls, and the challenge of finding which service has the rights to your favorite games. It's a maze that can leave even the most dedicated sports fans feeling overwhelmed.
Fortunately, we've done the hard work for you. Below, we've compiled a list of the best sports streaming services for live games, matches, and fights, designed to cater to every type of sports enthusiast.
Hulu + Live TV
Best Streaming Bundle For Sports
Hulu + Live TV is a powerhouse for sports lovers, offering more than 95 channels that cover a wide range of sports including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, international soccer, UFC, and more. This service not only provides access to games on local channels but also regular sporting events on ESPN, CBS Sports Network, NFL Network, and FS1, among others.
As part of its monthly subscription, Hulu + Live TV includes the Disney Bundle, which grants you access to ESPN+. This adds even more value with exclusive sporting events such as UFC and college sports, along with original programming. Plus, you can try it out with a three-day free trial, making it an excellent choice for watching events like March Madness in 2025.
Fubo
Best Variety
Fubo might not be as well-known, but it's our top pick for variety in sports streaming. With over 55,000 sporting events annually, you can watch NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NCAA college sports, NASCAR, golf, tennis, boxing, MMA, and more. International soccer fans will appreciate coverage of the Premier League, LaLiga, UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, Liga MX, and Serie A.
Fubo also offers various sports add-on packages that can enhance your viewing experience, including channels like NFL Redzone, MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, and numerous international sports and NCAA conference-specific channels.
Peacock
Best For Premier League Soccer and WWE
Peacock, owned by NBC Universal, is your go-to for streaming sports, particularly Premier League soccer and WWE. With extensive coverage and exclusive matches, you'll never miss a moment from teams like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal. Peacock also streams every WWE premium event, including WrestleMania, and every NFL Sunday Night Football game, along with Big Ten college basketball.
ESPN+
Best For UFC and College Sports
ESPN+ is the exclusive streaming platform for UFC events, including Pay-Per-View fights, Fight Nights, and more. While UFC PPV events come at an additional cost, Fight Nights and other events are included in your subscription. You'll also have access to a vast archive of classic UFC fights.
In addition to UFC, ESPN+ offers over 6,000 college sports events across 26 conferences, covering football, basketball, baseball, hockey, lacrosse, wrestling, and more. However, keep in mind that ESPN+ does not include access to ESPN network channels like ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNEWS, so for those, you'll need a separate cable or live TV subscription.
DirecTV Stream
Best Cable Alternative
DirecTV Stream offers a satellite-free, cable-like experience with access to local networks and popular sports channels such as ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, 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 regional sporting events based on your location.
New subscribers can take advantage of a five-day free trial to test out the service.
Paramount Plus
Best For PGA Golf
Paramount+ brings you all the sports content from CBS Sports, including NFL on CBS games and every UEFA Champions League soccer match. Along with sports movies and TV shows, you get daily programming from CBS Sports HQ and a range of documentaries.
Golf enthusiasts can upgrade to the Paramount+ with Showtime plan to enjoy major PGA Tour events like the Farmers Insurance Open and the Wyndham Championship.
Sports Streaming FAQs
Can You Watch Live Sports For Free?
Yes, it's possible to watch select live sports for free. You can use a TV antenna to access local channels and catch popular sporting events like NFL, MLB, and NBA games. Streaming services like Sling Freestream also offer ad-supported access to certain live sports, though the availability and frequency can vary.
Which Sports Streaming Services Have Free Trials?
Most of the sports streaming services listed above offer free trials. Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and Paramount+ provide trials ranging from three days to a week. This allows you to potentially watch multiple live sporting events during the trial period. Peacock and ESPN+ do not currently offer free trials, but ESPN+ is included in the Hulu + Live TV free trial.
If you're interested in more than just sports, check out our list of the Best Streaming Services With Free Trials in 2025.
