The right package depends on your sport. Here’s how to choose.
Best Sports Packages in 2026: I Tested and Ranked the Top Picks
4 min read
Edited ByBrenna EliesonIdentifying the best sports packages in 2026 can be daunting — I have NBA, NFL, and college sports fans in my home. And I’m not alone, as 88% of Americans watch live sports, per a recent Reviews.org survey.
In our review of the top cable sports packages, Xfinity TV, Spectrum TV, Optimum TV, and Verizon Fios rose above the rest. The Reviews.org team personally tested Xfinity TV and Optimum TV and researched Spectrum TV, and Verizon Fios.
We analyzed channel lineups, costs, and available perks to find the best option for every type of sports fan.
Best sports packages at a glance:
- Best overall: Xfinity TV ↓
- Best for included streaming apps: Spectrum TV ↓
- Best for college sports fans: Optimum TV ↓
- Best for NFL RedZone: Verizon Fios TV ↓
Why you can trust us
At Reviews.org, our team takes its editorial independence seriously. We may earn money when readers click affiliate links, but we don't work for our brand partners, and they don’t approve our pieces before publication. To learn more, visit our About us page.
Meet the expert
My name is John Schmoll, and I have tested streaming apps and cable packages for over a decade. Not only that, I’m also an avid sports fan. I follow the NFL and various college sports, and we have NBA fans in our home. I know what it feels like to select a cable plan, only to learn it doesn’t carry enough of the team or sport I want. I’ve used numerous platforms to watch the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Chargers, San Diego Padres, and Kansas State Wildcats to assess content quality and ease of use. The Reviews.org team has personally tested Xfinity TV and Optimum TV, and extensively researched Spectrum, and Verizon Fios.
Is a sports package or a sports streaming service better for you?
A cable sports package is often better for fans who want access to regional sports networks (RSNs) or 4K quality without lag. Sports packages often include local broadcast networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS as well. Consult our guide on the best sports streaming services if you value flexibility and lower costs.
Find reliable internet options for streaming sports.
Best overall: Xfinity Sports & News TV
Xfinity Sports & News TV starts at $90/mo. and includes Peacock Premium, a 4K TV Box with Voice Remote, and DVR. Image courtesy of Xfinity
Our rating: 4.7/5
Xfinity Sports & News TV is perfect for fans who want a skinny bundle that includes only sports and news networks.
Pros
Peacock Premium subscription
300 hours of DVR
Cable box includes voice remote 
Cons
Doesn’t include RSNs
Only includes sports and news
Limited league options Editor's verdict and quick specs
Xfinity Sports and News is an excellent choice for sports fans who don't want a bloated package. Instead, users receive the channels that most sports fans enjoy: ESPN, ESPN2, and FS1/2, plus you get the Golf and Tennis networks. Xfinity also throws in Peacock Premium, giving fans access to some NBA, MLB, and EPL games, as well as horse racing and the Olympics.
There are two key drawbacks with Xfinity Sports and News. First, the platform doesn’t include RSN access. Additionally, Xfinity doesn’t include the networks for the major sports leagues. Other platforms include them, but for an extra cost. Still, if you’re a college fan, Xfinity offers ACCN, BTN, and SEC networks. If you don’t need a lot of frills and just want major sports, Xfinity is worth trying, given its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Popular channels: ESPN, FS1, BTN
Best for included streaming apps: Spectrum Stream TV Pro
Our rating: 3.9/5
Spectrum TV is a good choice for fans who want lots of included streaming apps.
Pros
No contracts
Regional Sports Networks
11 Streaming app subscriptions Cons
Must bundle internet with TV
Rate is promotional
Doesn’t include NFL RedZone Editor's verdict and quick specs
Spectrum Stream TV Pro is a solid choice for sports fans who want a broad range of sports content without a contract. Customers receive the core networks, such as ESPN and FS1, but also the full suite of professional and college sports networks. Subscribers who want RSNs will be happy, too, as the FanDuel networks are included. Plus, Spectrum throws in 10 different streaming apps:
- Disney+
- Hulu
- ESPN
- HBO Max
- Paramount+
- Peacock
- AMC+
- Discovery+
- FOX One
- ViX
- Tennis Channel
Spectrum requires customers to bundle internet with a cable TV subscription. While there are no contracts, the rate is promotional for one year. If you don’t mind bundling and want a healthy channel package, Spectrum TV can be worth a try.
Popular channels: SECN, NBA TV, NFL Network
Best for college sports fans: Optimum Everything TV
Optimum offers 3 TV tiers starting at $30/mo. — add any plan to a 300 Mbps+ internet package and save $5/mo., according to Optimum. Image courtesy of Optimum
Our rating: 4.7/5
Optimum Everything TV is a strong pick for college sports fans who value watching their favorite school.
Pros
Regional Sports Networks
All major college networks
No contracts Cons
Must bundle internet with TV
Expensive for the offering
Too many channels for sports fans Editor's verdict and quick specs
Live sports aren't just about the pros — college sports matter too, and Optimum Everything TV is a quality choice for that college action. Subscribers get access to all of the major college sports networks, plus ESPNU, which isn’t a given for other base sports packages. Fans also get access to CBS Sports Network and RSNs.
Disappointingly, Optimum requires customers to bundle internet to get the package. While there is a one-year price lock, Optimum says it has the right to increase prices by up to $25 after the first year. The company only offers a base 150-hour cloud DVR, which may not offer enough recording capacity for active sports fans. Still, if you enjoy college sports, it could be worth trying; if you don’t like it, you can take advantage of the 60-day money-back guarantee.
Popular channels: ESPNU, ACCN, BTN, SECN
Best for NFL RedZone: Verizon Fios The Most Fios TV
Verizon Fios TV plans start at $75/mo. The Most Fios TV tier at $149/mo. includes over 425 channels, multi-room DVR, and premium add-ons like MGM+ and Paramount+ with SHOWTIME and Starz. Image courtesy of Verizon.
Our rating: 3.5/5
For football fans who want NFL RedZone on Sundays, Verizon Fios's The Most Fios TV plan is a worthy contender.
Pros
Unlimited DVR
Various streaming subscriptions
NFL RedZone Cons
Only includes one set-top box
Many channels are music only
Too many non-sports channels Editor's verdict and quick specs
For NFL fans, Verizon Fios’s The Most Fios TV is the top choice. Verizon includes NFL RedZone at no extra cost — most cable competitors charge extra for it. You also get all major professional and college sports networks, plus overflow channels for ACC, BTN, and SECN. If you want a package like the one I grew up with — most sports networks all in one place — this plan is for you.
The Most Fios TV is an expensive plan. Many of the channels aren’t sports-related or are focused on music. Worse yet, Verizon requires a proprietary router for full functionality, which costs $399.99 or rents for $18/month. If you don’t mind the cost and are an avid NFL fan, Verizon Fios The Most Fios TV may be worth considering.
Popular channels: NFL RedZone, CBS SN, MASN RSNs
Comparison table for best sports packages
Service | Sports Package | Starting monthly price | Top sports channels | Contract | Details |
 Xfinity TV | Sports & News TV | $90/mo.* | ESPN FS1 BTN | No contract | View Plans |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Spectrum TV | Spectrum Stream TV® Pro | $110/mo. for 1 year† | SECN NBA TV FanDuel RSNs | No contract | View Plans |
 Optimum TV | Everything TV | $135/mo. for 1 year‡ | ESPNU ACCN SECN | No contract | View Plans |
 Verizon Fios TV | The Most Fios TV | $149/mo.^ | NFL RedZone CBS SN MASN RS | No contract | View Plans |
*
Includes $10/mo multi-product discount with Xfinity Internet. One X1 4K TV box Included. Each additional $14 per month.
†
Limited-time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days). Standard rates apply after promo period or service change. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. Activation fee additional; taxes may apply. SPECTRUM STREAM TV: Streaming apps included with qualifying residential Spectrum Stream TV plans. Equipment may be required; fees apply. Channel availability varies by package and location. Terms and conditions apply, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply.
‡
for 12 month term w/ $10/mo. elig. Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. Wired connection. WiFi speeds may vary. Not available in all areas. Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic avail. w/ 500 Mbps Internet and above. After promo period, plan auto-renews at $10.99/mo. Offer will not replace existing subscriptions. Add’l terms apply.
^
Prices reflect $10/mo. autopay discount. Only eligible new res. custs. Availability varies. $18/mo. router charge applies if not subscribed to Fios internet. $99 setup & taxes & terms may apply. Subject to credit approval. Auto Pay and paper-free billing req'd.
We reviewed and ranked the best sports packages based on four key factors:
- Channels
- Contracts
- Equipment
- Price
We also considered our testing and experience with the providers, plus reviewer ratings, to help direct our reviews.
For more information on how we test, check out our methodology.
What to look for in sports packages
Selecting a suitable cable sports package can be difficult. Companies often like to change pricing, so due diligence is necessary. Consider the following when comparing sports packages.
Rate locks
Pricing gets expensive with many cable plans. Companies may offer a price lock, but make sure you understand when it ends before signing up.
Channel lineups
It’s important for sports fans to get the channels they want. If you don’t pick the right plan, you may miss out on action.
Clear pricing
Cable is well-known for its murky pricing practices. Inquire about hidden fees so you can understand what you’ll pay each month.
Unnecessary channels
It’s not uncommon for cable companies to load other channels into sports packages. If you don’t want the excess networks, you risk overspending.
Streaming subscriptions
I know live sports are frustrating because more games are moving to different platforms, making it harder to find everything in one place. If a cable company offers access to some streaming platforms, that may save you money and give you access to more content.
How to save money on sports packages
Cutting costs is essential when selecting a sports package. Pricing can easily get out of hand. Use the following tips when trying to save money.
1
Negotiate a reduced rate
It never hurts to ask, especially if you have another service with the company.
2
Cancel when the season is over
If you’re a fan of just one sport, consider canceling when the season is over.
3
Cancel streaming subscriptions
Don’t double pay for streaming if your cable provider offers access to the same apps.
Best sports packages FAQ
Xfinity Sports and News TV is the best sports package to buy, thanks to lower pricing and access to major sports networks.
Verizon Fios’s The Most Fios TV plan is the most sports-friendly service with everything from college sports to the NFL RedZone.
The only legitimate way to watch sports without cable for free is to use an over-the-air antenna to access games on local networks.
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