Best Streaming Service for Sports 2021

Check out our best live TV streaming services to find the best live sports services for your interests. Now you’ll be able to watch your favorite teams whenever and wherever you might be in the country so you can stay up to date on your team.

Whether you like professional football, basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, or college sports, one of these services has you covered. Let’s kickoff, jump ball, and serve into this!

What to look for in a streaming service for sports

When it comes to sports streaming services, the “best” one will be different for each fan. But to find the best one for you, you’ll want to consider how much you can spend, which sports channels are the most important, and if you want add-ons like NHL CENTER ICE.

Sports streaming services that work best for consumers:

• Lots of sports channels
• A fair price for the number of channels you receive
• Has sports add-ons and subscriptions
• A sufficient DVR storage space
• Includes channels for the family

Our top 5 streaming services for sports range from four to over 50 sports channels, and most include the basics like: ESPN, FOX Sports, and CBS Sports Network.

All of these services have decent pricing for the channels they offer. In some cases, you might need to upgrade to the second or third-tier plan to get the most sports channels possible.

Most of the services here also have some type of sports add-on and subscriptions, like NBA LEAGUE PASS or the NFL RedZone Channel.

You’ll need a sufficient DVR storage for recording games while you’re working, at your kid’s soccer game, or running errands.

These services are for sports fans and your movie-loving family or roommates who love entertainment and lifestyle channels.

Want to read more?

• Best Live TV Streaming Service Providers 2021
• Best Sports Packages from Cable and Streaming TV Providers
• How to Get the NBA on TV

fuboTV has the best sports coverage

fuboTV is the best option for national and international sports fans

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If you want the most sports channels you can possibly get, fuboTV gives you a sports experience you won’t get anywhere else.

What we like about fuboTV

• fuboTV gives you all the sports coverage you need with 50 sports channels
• You can get even more sports channels with the Sports Plus add-on

fuboTV is the best streaming service for sports

fuboTV is perfect for the Real Madrid CF, Kansas City Chiefs, and Rafael Nadal fans. fuboTV’s Elite plan gives you 50 sports channels that include national and international sports coverage. (That’s more than any other live TV streaming service on the market.)

This service gives you MLB, college football, MMA, soccer, golf, and hockey all in one. Doesn’t that sound dreamy?

Some of fuboTV’s national sports channels include the following:

fuboTV’s international sports channels include the following:

fuboTV has a Sports Plus add-on for more sports entertainment

fuboTV’s Sports Plus add-on gives you 19 more sports channels for $11 per month.

But this add-on is mostly recommended for those who get the Starter package because you might see some overlap with the Elite channel lineup.

You’ll get channels such as NFL RedZone, NBA TV, NHL Network, Tennis Channel, PAC-12 channels, and Zona Fútbol.

If you want to see all of the exciting plays live during the Sunday football games, the $11 per month will be worth it just for the NFL RedZone Channel during the NFL season.

What we don’t like about fuboTV

• No more Turner Network channels on fuboTV

No TNT, TBS, or CNN

fubo TV no longer has Turner Network channels, however this only affects your ability to watch the NBA. You won’t be able to watch the NBA games airing on TNT, but if you get the Elite plan, you’ll have NBA TV.

NBA TV broadcasts exhibition, regular, and playoff games. If you stick around after the games, you’ll get post-game coverage and commentary, as well as exclusive NBA programming.

But we just hope you or your spouse don’t absolutely love TBS or CNN. If this is the case, this service won’t be for you.

View Plans | Read Full fuboTV Review

YouTube TV is best for major sports networks

YouTube TV is the cheapest streaming service with NFL Network, NBA TV, and MLB Network

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YouTube TV is well-rounded with an excellent dollar-to-channel ratio, major sports channels, channels for everyone in the family, and the best DVR in the industry.

• YouTube TV has a decent number of live sports channels in its lineup
• This live TV streaming service has sports and premium channel add-ons
• YouTube TV has a solid Cloud DVR

YouTube TV has sufficient national sports coverage

YouTube TV is the second-best option for sports fanatics because it’s the only live TV streaming service with the three major sports networks for $65 per month.

Not only can you watch NFL Network, NBA TV, and MLB Network with YouTube TV, but it’s the best live TV option for most people (including those with families).

If you want to watch Undisputed, the San Antonio Spurs take on the OKC Thunder or the Oakland Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers matchup all in one day, then YouTube TV is for you.

YouTube TV has the following national and regional sports network channels:

YouTube TV has add-ons for fans of basketball, football, and soccer

YouTube TV offers NBA LEAGUE PASS for $40 per month. You’ll be able to watch every single out-of-market NBA game of the season.

This live TV streaming service also has a Sports Plus add-on ($11/mo.) with channels like the NFL RedZone Channel, Fox College Sports, GolTV, Fox Soccer Plus, and Stadium.

If you get the Sports Plus add-on, your monthly bill will be $76. This is worth it for those who like the idea of an unlimited DVR storage space. But if you want the most sports channels possible, fuboTV would only be $3 more per month.

YouTube TV has the best DVR among the rest

YouTube TV has the best DVR in the streaming world with unlimited storage space that will save for nine months in your Library.

You’ll have the ability to record all of the Sunday football games, NBA games of the week, MLB playoffs, and Pardon the Interruption every day to binge over the following weekend.

You’ll also be able to watch a great game you recorded in Week 1 of the NFL season or a 30 for 30 movie that aired on ESPN over the summer.

It is also the best sports streaming app because you and two of your Pittsburgh Steelers-loving family members can live stream the game simultaneously. And you can have a total of six accounts to tailor your individual sports streaming needs.

What we don’t like about YouTube TV

• YouTube TV doesn’t have as much international sports coverage

YouTube TV doesn’t have as great of global sports coverage as fuboTV does

While YouTube TV is the best option for national and regional sports, it does not have the international sports channel lineup that fuboTV does.

FuboTV will be your best option if you’re a diehard fan of FC Barcelona or if you like to watch your sports with Spanish-speaking announcers.

View Plan | Read Full YouTube TV Review

Hulu + Live TV is best for bundling sports and entertainment

Hulu Live gives you great sports channels while also giving you the option to add ESPN+ and Disney+ on one platform

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Hulu Live is for sports fans who want to stream live channels and watch on-demand content like Originals, Disney, and sports analysis.

What we like about Hulu + Live TV

• Hulu Live has 14 sports channels
• You can bundle Hulu Live with ESPN+ and Disney+

Watch between 14 sports channels with Hulu Live

Hulu Live is our third option for a few reasons: you won’t be bored with the channel variety, Hulu Live has the most on-demand content on this list, but you won’t find the major sports networks on its lineup.

But Hulu Live still gives you pretty decent sports coverage with favorites like ESPN and FS1.

It’s also one of the only services to have ESPN College Extra in its lineup.

Check which channels are available in your area, but Hulu includes the following sports channels:

Get the ultimate entertainment bundle

Not only can you bundle Hulu Live, ESPN+, and Disney+ together for a complete entertainment experience, but Hulu Live lets you enjoy First Take on ESPN and the PGA Tour on the Golf Channel.

This streaming service gives you the top sports channels for an avid sports watcher and the whole family.

And after you’re done watching the Ohio State Buckeyes game on the Big Ten Network channel, you can throw on The Sandlot with Disney+.

And the best part: the bundle is only about $6 more than if you were to get Hulu alone.

What we don’t like about Hulu + Live TV

• Hulu Live doesn’t have NFL Network, MLB Network, and NBA TV
• Only 50 hours of DVR storage

Hulu Live neglects professional football, baseball, and basketball coverage

If you’re a hardcore fan of the NFL, MLB, or NBA, Hulu Live may not be the answer to your sports-streaming prayers. But it does have TNT, CBS, and NBC, and of course, all the other channels mentioned above.

If you need the league-specific channels, it’ll be worth spending the extra $15 per month for fuboTV to have the three major sports channels along with about 50 other sports channels.

Or you could also pay the same price for YouTube TV to have the NFL Network, MLB Network, and NBA TV in your lineup.

Is 50 hours of DVR storage enough?

Hulu Live gives you 50 hours of DVR storage to record eight NFL and eight NBA games in two days if you so choose.

This might be enough hours if it’s just you and one other person using the service, but if three or more people are using your account, it might not be ideal.

If this is the case, you’ll have to pay an extra $10 for 200 hours of DVR space.

View Plans | Read Full Hulu + Live TV Review

Sling TV is the best budget pick

With a few plans to choose from, this is the best option for average sports fans for a reasonable price

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Sling TV makes it possible for you to live stream a few sports channels for a low price.

What we like about Sling TV

• Sling TV has different plans for different levels of sports fans
• This live TV streaming service offers NBA LEAGUE PASS and premium channels

Plans for the low-to-medium level sports fans

Sling TV has three plans plus a Sports Extra add-on. For those who just need their ESPN, the Orange package for $35 per month might be perfect for you. It includes just four sports channels for a low price:

• ESPN
• ESPN2
• ESPN3
• Stadium

The Blue package includes the following channels:

But the best option for sports fans is to get the Sling Orange + Blue package along with the Sports Extra add-on for a total of $50 per month. That way, you’ll have access to not only everything both packages include, but you’ll also get access to these on your streaming device:

Check the Sling TV channel availability in your area.

Sling TV offers a Sports Extra add-on and NBA LEAGUE PASS

For some, 4-11 sports channels isn’t close to enough. So why not add 17 more sports channels to your lineup?

For an extra $15 per month, you can get the following channels added to your service:

Sling TV also keeps NBA fans in mind. It offers NBA LEAGUE PASS for $29 per month ($11 less than YouTube TV). There’s also Team Pass for $18 per month if you are loyal to just one team.

What we don’t like about Sling TV

• The upgraded DVR is an add-on option for an extra cost
• Sling TV has fewer channels than the rest

The upgraded Cloud DVR is an additional cost

Like Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV gives you 50 hours of DVR storage and requires you to pay a fee for extra storage space. But at least Sling TV’s fee is only $5 for 200 hours.

So if you choose the $50 per month package, select the upgraded DVR, and get the Sports Extra add-on, you’ll have to budget for $70 per month.

Sling TV has the lowest number of total channels

With just 32 to 52 channels in its plans, this streaming service offers the lowest number of channels of the bunch. But it’s the only streaming service that gives you a cheap option for a few channels if you don’t need 65+.

Besides Sling TV, most live TV streaming services offer at least 65+ channels for no less than $65 per month.

This is why Sling TV is the best for money-savers, cord-cutters, and people who just want a few of their favorite channels.

View Plans | Read Full Sling TV Review

DIRECTV STREAM is best for fans of sports and premium channels

DIRECTV STREAM is on the pricier side, but HBO Max is included for the fans of Westworld and Euphoria

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What we like about DIRECTV STREAM

• DIRECTV STREAM includes premium channels in most of its plans
• You can get up to 18 sports channels

It’s for the sports watchers who need their HBO

DIRECTV STREAM has plans for the crowd who are not only sports-watchers but who also love a good variety of entertainment and lifestyle shows.

Check out the complete channel lineup to see which plan is best for you, but the biggest plus is the inclusion of an HBO Max subscription for one year, and a free three-month subscription to CINEMAX, SHOWTIME, STARZ, and EPIX.

But if you want to think long-term, you’ll get STARZ channels in your lineup with the ULTIMATE package. And with the PREMIER package, you can watch the HBO Max, CINEMAX, SHOWTIME, and STARZ channels after a long day of work for as long as you keep this TV plan.

DIRECTV STREAM nets you some good sports channels

With DIRECTV STREAM, you can get up to 18 sports channels, which include NBA TV and MLB Network.

But there is an absence of one channel that could be a deal-breaker for some: DIRECTV STREAM doesn’t have NFL Network in any of its packages.

DIRECTV STREAM is our last choice for most sports fans because this live TV streaming service requires you to at least get the ULTIMATE package for $95 per month to get access to all 18 of those sports channels (that’s a lot of dough compared to fuboTV or YouTube TV).

For some, the CHOICE package will be sufficient enough. So make sure those final six sports channels are worth the $10 upgrade for you from CHOICE to ULTIMATE.

The sports channels in the ENTERTAINMENT package includes the following:

• ESPN
• ESPN2
• Bally Sports 1 (FS1)
• NBC Sports Network

Along with the above four, these are the sports channels CHOICE includes:

And the ULTIMATE and PREMIER packages include the above sports channels and the following six:

What we don’t like about DIRECTV STREAM

• Some plans get pretty pricey

The dollar-to-channel ratio is just OK

We’ll be honest in saying that DIRECTV STREAM has one of the highest dollar-to-channel ratios in the TV industry.

We don’t recommend getting the PREMIER package, because, for $60 less, you can get more channels with fuboTV (that’s a huge price difference).

The CHOICE package is $5 more expensive than fuboTV’s Elite package at $85/month, but CHOICE still has about 60 fewer channels.

DIRECTV STREAM needs to step up their game if they want to be competitive.

But we recommend you check out the full channel lineup to see if it’s suitable for you and your streaming needs.

View Plans | Read Full DIRECTV STREAM Review

Recap: Which is the best streaming service for sports?

• fuboTV: Perfect for all sports fans, fuboTV gives you 50 national and international sports channels for $80/month. It used to be known as a sports streaming service, but fuboTV has created a new name for itself by including loads of family-favorite channels like Disney Channel and HGTV. Its Starter plan also includes a great variety of channels for $65/month.
• YouTube TV: You can get NBA TV, MLB Network, and NFL Network with YouTube TV for $65 per month (which is the best price you’re going to find for a service that includes all three major sports networks). YouTube TV is also a great pick with a total of 16 sports channels, a channel variety for every mood, and an unlimited DVR storage space.
• Hulu + Live TV: Hulu Live gives you the option to have a fantastic entertainment bundle with ESPN+ and Disney+. You can get 14 of your popular sports channels with Hulu Live, and with ESPN+, you’ll get even more sports coverage (not NFL or NBA coverage, though).
• Sling TV: If you’re a money saver but want to be up to date on sports, Sling TV is for you. For $35–$50 per month, you’ll get a few sports channels while saving money for that car you’ve had your eye on.
• DIRECTV STREAM: DIRECTV STREAM will give you access to 18 sports channels as well as a free 1-year membership to HBO Max and a free three-month subscription to CINEMAX, SHOWTIME, STARZ, and EPIX. Although, it’s the priciest option on our list, so make sure the included premium channels are worth your money.

Methodology

We compare and rank sports streaming services based on five key factors:

1. Number of sports channels
2. Price
3. Sports add-ons
4. Channel variety for the family
5. DVR storage space

For a streaming service to be named “the best for sports,” it’s got to have a sufficient number of sports channels for a fair price.

Most live TV streaming services don’t have all of the sports channels in their lineup, so they give you the option to add more sports channels (yes, please). So we have to evaluate how many channels are offered in the add-on and at what price.

There can come the point when you want to watch something other than sports, so you need a variety of channels to keep you entertained. Who doesn’t like to watch some movie, local, and lifestyle channels?

And lastly, you need a decent DVR for recording all of those games, right? No one wants to come home to a half-recorded game because their storage was full.

FAQs

How can I stream live sports for free?

There’s no way to stream live sports for free legally, but you can certainly take advantage of the free trials that live TV streaming services offer.

You’ll find the most sports channels with these services: fuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV STREAM, and Sling TV.

What is the cheapest way to watch live sports?

Sling TV will be your cheapest option when it comes to watching live sports. But you get what you pay for, because for $35 per month, you’ll only get 4-9 sports channels in your lineup.

Those channels include ESPN, FS1, NBC Sports Network, and NFL Network.

Is Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV better for sports?

Off the bat, we can already tell you YouTube TV will be the best for sports-watching in comparison to Hulu Live.

YouTube TV has all major sports networks (NFL Network, NBA TV, and MLB Network), while Hulu Live has none.

YouTube TV has two more sports channels in total, including the Tennis Channel. But if you need your ESPN College Extra, you’ll want to go with Hulu Live.

Related articles

• Best Live TV Streaming Service Providers 2021
• Best Sports Packages from Cable and Streaming TV Providers
• How to Get the NBA on TV
• NFL RedZone Channel Review 2021
• The Best Internet for Streaming 2021

What do you think?

Did we miss something? Which streaming service do you think is the best for sports? Tell us what you think in the comments!