Ranking the best streaming services for sports fans: Fubo, ESPN, DIRECTV and More

Ranking the best streaming services for sports fans: Fubo, ESPN, DIRECTV and More originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Sports fans have more ways than ever to watch live games without a traditional cable package. From national broadcasts and regional sports networks to league-specific coverage, premium events and on-demand shows, the best streaming services now give cord-cutters plenty of options to follow their favorite teams all year long.

The challenge is figuring out which service actually fits your viewing habits. Some platforms are better for NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and college sports, while others stand out because of price, channel selection, local coverage, DVR options or add-ons. The right choice depends on what you watch most, where you live and how much you want to spend each month.

That is where this guide can help. Whether you are looking for the most complete live TV streaming package, the best budget option or a service built around one specific sport, there are plenty of ways to find the right fit.

Here is everything sports fans need to know about the best streaming services, including top options, key features, prices and which platforms make the most sense for different types of viewers.

Ranking the best streaming services for sports fans

1. Fubo

Fubo is one of the best streaming services for sports fans because it is built around live games. While many live TV streaming platforms treat sports as one part of a larger entertainment package, Fubo puts sports at the center with access to major national networks, local channels in many markets, regional sports networks and sports-focused add-ons.

That makes Fubo a strong option for fans who want to watch the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college football, college basketball, soccer, golf, racing and more without a traditional cable subscription. It is especially useful for viewers who still need regional sports networks to watch local NBA, NHL and MLB teams, though RSN availability depends on your location.

Fubo also has the kind of features sports fans need during a busy season. Plans include Unlimited Cloud DVR, the ability to stream on multiple screens at once and access to live and on-demand programming. Select plans also include ESPN Unlimited, 4K events and add-ons such as Sports Plus with NFL RedZone.

Here is a breakdown of Fubo’s main plan options:

Fubo Sports + News — starts at $45.99 for the first month, then $55.99 per month

• 25-plus sports-focused channels
• Includes ESPN Unlimited
• Access to ABC, CBS and FOX in select markets
• Covers MLB, NBA, NHL, college sports and more
• Unlimited Cloud DVR
• Stream on up to 10 screens at once

Fubo Pro — starts at $48.99 for the first month, then $73.99 per month

• 185-plus channels
• Regional sports networks in select markets
• ESPN Unlimited included
• Unlimited Cloud DVR
• Watch on up to 10 screens at once
• Strong fit for fans who want a full cable-style streaming package

Fubo Elite — starts at $53.99 for the first month, then $83.99 per month

• 260-plus channels
• Regional sports networks in select markets
• ESPN Unlimited included
• Additional sports and entertainment channels
• Unlimited Cloud DVR
• Watch on up to 10 screens at once
• Select 4K programming included

Fubo Deluxe — starts at $73.99 for the first month, then $103.99 per month

• Includes everything in Elite
• Sports Plus with NFL RedZone
• MGM+
• International Sports Plus
• Unlimited Cloud DVR
• Watch on up to 10 screens at once
• Best fit for fans who want the deepest sports lineup available through Fubo

Fubo Latino — starts at $9.99 for the first two months, then $14.99 per month

• 50-plus Spanish-language channels
• Live soccer and other sports
• Includes channels such as ESPN Deportes, FOX Deportes and beIN Sports
• Unlimited Cloud DVR
• Watch on up to two screens at once

Fubo’s biggest selling point is flexibility. Fans who want a lower-cost sports-first package can look at Fubo Sports + News, while viewers who want a more complete cable replacement can move up to Pro, Elite or Deluxe. The Deluxe plan is the most sports-heavy option because it bundles in premium sports add-ons, including NFL RedZone.

The main thing to check before signing up is local availability. Regional sports networks, local broadcast channels and some live events can vary by market, so fans should confirm that Fubo carries the specific teams, leagues and channels they watch most before choosing a plan.

2. ESPN

ESPN is one of the most recognizable names in sports, and its streaming service gives fans a more direct way to follow live games, studio shows, highlights, replays and original programming in one place.

The service is split into two main plans: ESPN Select and ESPN Unlimited. The right choice depends on how much ESPN coverage you want. ESPN Select is essentially the ESPN+ option, while ESPN Unlimited is the more complete package for fans who want access to ESPN’s full lineup of networks and live events.

That makes ESPN a strong streaming option for fans who watch college football, college basketball, the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, tennis, golf, soccer and more. It is also a good fit for viewers who regularly watch ESPN studio programming, including “SportsCenter,” “First Take,” “College GameDay,” and other daily shows.

Here is a breakdown of ESPN’s main streaming plans:

ESPN Select — $12.99 per month or $129.99 per year

• Includes access to ESPN+ content
• Thousands of live sporting events
• On-demand replays, highlights and ESPN Originals
• Access to select studio shows and exclusive ESPN+ programming
• Best fit for fans who want ESPN+ content without paying for the full ESPN network lineup

ESPN Unlimited — $29.99 per month or $299.99 per year

• Includes access to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, SEC Network+ and ACC Network Extra
• More than 47,000 live sporting events each year
• Coverage across the NFL, NBA, WNBA, NHL, MLB, college football, college basketball, tennis, golf, soccer and more
• Studio shows, on-demand replays, highlights and original content
• Best fit for fans who want the full ESPN experience without a traditional cable subscription

ESPN’s biggest strength is depth. ESPN Select is a more affordable way to get ESPN+ events and on-demand content, but ESPN Unlimited is the better option for sports fans who want the full range of live ESPN programming. That includes the major linear networks, conference networks and ESPN+ all under one subscription.

For fans who already rely on ESPN during football season, college basketball season, the NBA and NHL playoffs or major tennis and golf tournaments, ESPN Unlimited is the more complete sports streaming package. ESPN Select still has value, but it is better suited for viewers who mainly want ESPN+ events, documentaries and supplemental coverage rather than the full live TV experience.

3. Paramount+

Paramount+ is one of the better-value streaming services for sports fans who want live games, soccer, UFC, CBS programming and a deep entertainment library in one package.

For sports, the biggest draws are NFL on CBS, UEFA Champions League and UFC. That makes Paramount+ especially useful for football fans who want to watch Sunday NFL games carried by CBS, soccer fans who follow Champions League matches throughout the year and combat sports fans looking for UFC events included with their subscription.

The service is also a strong all-around option because it includes thousands of episodes and movies from Paramount brands, along with news and entertainment programming. For fans who want more than just live sports, Paramount+ gives them a mix of games, shows, movies, documentaries and live TV in one subscription.

Here is a breakdown of Paramount+ plans:

Paramount+ Essential — $8.99 per month or $89.99 per year

• 40,000-plus episodes and movies
• NFL on CBS, UEFA Champions League and UFC
• Limited ads
• Stream on up to three devices at once
• Best fit for fans who want live sports and Paramount+ content at the lowest price

Paramount+ Premium — $13.99 per month or $139.99 per year

• Everything included with Paramount+ Essential
• NFL on CBS, UEFA Champions League and UFC
• Live access to your local CBS station
• Additional live CBS sports coverage through the local CBS feed
• Access to SHOWTIME
• Ability to download shows and movies
• No ads except for live TV and select programming
• Stream on up to three devices at once
• Best fit for fans who want the full Paramount+ experience with live CBS included

Paramount+ is a particularly good fit for NFL, soccer and UFC fans. The Essential plan is the cheapest option that includes UFC coverage, NFL on CBS and UEFA Champions League, but it does not include a live feed of your local CBS station. The Premium plan is the better choice for fans who want that local CBS stream, which can be important for live sports, local programming and CBS events.

For sports fans, the biggest reason to consider Paramount+ is value. It is not a full cable replacement like Fubo, but it gives viewers access to key live sports at a lower monthly price. That makes it a strong add-on service for fans who already have another streaming package, or a budget-friendly option for those who mainly want NFL on CBS, Champions League, UFC and select live events.

4. DIRECTV

DIRECTV is one of the stronger live TV streaming options for sports fans who still want the feel of a traditional cable package without needing a satellite dish. It gives subscribers access to national sports channels, local broadcast networks, regional sports networks on select plans, unlimited Cloud DVR and the ability to stream on unlimited screens at home.

That makes DIRECTV a good fit for fans who want to watch the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college football, college basketball, golf, soccer and more in one place. It is especially useful for fans who need regional sports networks to watch their local teams, though those channels are only available with CHOICE or higher and vary by ZIP code. DIRECTV also says RSN fees may apply depending on location.

DIRECTV’s streaming packages also now include ESPN Unlimited, along with the Disney+ and Hulu bundle with ads, which adds extra value for sports fans who already rely on ESPN coverage.

Here is a breakdown of DIRECTV’s main streaming plans:

DIRECTV Entertainment — starts at $84.99 per month for 24 months, plus taxes and fees

• 90-plus channels
• Local channels included, where available
• ESPN Unlimited included
• Disney+ and Hulu bundle with ads included
• 130-plus MyFree DIRECTV channels
• Unlimited Cloud DVR recording
• Unlimited streams at home
• Best fit for fans who want national sports channels and local broadcasts without regional sports networks

DIRECTV Choice — starts at $84.99 per month for 24 months, plus taxes and fees

• 125-plus channels
• Everything included in Entertainment
• Specialty sports channels, including ACC Network, Big Ten Network, MLB Network, NBA TV, SEC Network and more
• Regional sports networks for local teams, where available
• Best fit for sports fans who need RSNs for local NBA, NHL and MLB coverage

DIRECTV Ultimate — starts at $109.99 per month for 24 months, plus taxes and fees

• 160-plus channels
• Everything included in Choice
• More sports and movie channels, including CBS Sports Network and NHL Network
• Additional entertainment channels such as Discovery Family, FX Movie Channel and STARZ Encore
• Best fit for fans who want a deeper sports lineup along with more entertainment options

DIRECTV Premier — starts at $149.99 per month for 24 months, plus taxes and fees

• 185-plus channels
• Everything included in Ultimate
• Premium networks, including HBO Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ and Cinemax
• Best fit for viewers who want the most complete DIRECTV package with sports, movies, premium channels and entertainment in one plan

DIRECTV’s biggest selling point for sports fans is its combination of national sports coverage and regional sports networks. The Choice plan is the key tier for most serious sports fans because it unlocks RSNs, which are often needed to watch local NBA, NHL and MLB games. Entertainment is a more affordable starting point, but it may not be enough for fans who need local team coverage beyond national broadcasts.

The main thing to watch is pricing. DIRECTV often runs first-month or limited-time promotions, but its standard package prices, regional sports fees and device fees can vary. For an evergreen article, it is best to frame DIRECTV as a premium live TV streaming option and note that fans should check their ZIP code before subscribing to confirm local channels, RSNs and final monthly cost.

5. Peacock

Peacock is one of the best streaming services for sports fans who want NBC’s live sports coverage at a lower monthly price than a full live TV package.

The NBCUniversal-owned service includes live sports, TV shows, movies, Peacock Originals and next-day access to many NBC and Bravo shows. For sports fans, the biggest appeal is Peacock’s connection to NBC Sports, which gives subscribers access to events across the NFL, NBA, Premier League, Big Ten football and basketball, Notre Dame football, golf, NASCAR, horse racing, cycling, rugby, track and field, the Olympics and more.

Peacock is also a strong option for fans who do not need a full cable replacement. It will not give you every sports channel the way Fubo or DIRECTV can, but it does offer a deep live sports lineup for a much lower monthly cost.

Here is a breakdown of Peacock’s main plans:

Peacock Premium — $10.99 per month or $109.99 per year

• Stream movies, TV shows, Peacock Originals and live sports
• Includes live sports and events
• Access to current NBC and Bravo shows
• Includes ads
• Best fit for sports fans who want NBC Sports coverage at the lowest Peacock price

Peacock Premium Plus — $16.99 per month or $169.99 per year

• Everything included in Peacock Premium
• Downloads for select titles
• No ads for most on-demand content, with limited exclusions
• Live sports, live events and some channels still include ads
• Best fit for fans who want Peacock’s sports lineup plus fewer ads and offline viewing

Peacock’s biggest strength is value. For $10.99 per month, sports fans can get access to major NBC-connected events, including Sunday Night Football, Premier League, Big Ten sports, Notre Dame football, golf, NASCAR, horse racing and NBA coverage. Peacock’s sports library also lists WWE, though fans should note that WWE Premium Live Events moved to ESPN’s platforms in the U.S. starting in 2026.

The main difference between the two Peacock plans is not the sports lineup. Both Premium and Premium Plus include live sports and events. Premium Plus is more about the overall viewing experience, with downloads and fewer ads for on-demand movies and shows. For most sports fans, Peacock Premium is the better value because live games and events will still include ads on either plan.

Honorable mentions

• **Apple TV:**Apple TV is a solid honorable mention for sports fans who want select live events without paying for a full cable-style streaming package. The service is best known for Apple Originals, movies and shows, but it also includes live sports such as Friday Night Baseball during the MLB season. Beginning in 2026, MLS matches and exclusive MLS programming are included with an Apple TV subscription after the standalone MLS Season Pass ended. At $12.99 per month, Apple TV is not a complete sports streaming replacement like Fubo or DIRECTV, but it is a useful add-on for MLB and MLS fans or anyone who wants sports included with a broader entertainment service.
• **DAZN:**DAZN is a strong honorable mention for sports fans, especially those who follow boxing, MMA and international sports. The service is available in more than 200 markets and offers live events, on-demand replays, documentaries and fight programming in one place. In the U.S., DAZN currently lists its standard monthly plan at $30.99 per month, with an annual pay-monthly option at $20.99 per month for 12 months and an annual upfront option at $224.99 per year. DAZN also offers an Ultimate tier at $44.99 per month for 12 months, which includes select pay-per-view events at no extra cost. It is not a full cable replacement like Fubo or DIRECTV, but it is a useful add-on for fight fans and viewers who want access to DAZN’s global sports lineup.
• FloSports: FloSports is a solid honorable mention for sports fans who want access to college, niche and Olympic-style sports that are not always easy to find on traditional TV or larger streaming services. FloCollege streams thousands of live college sporting events, including football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, baseball, softball and lacrosse, while also offering event replays, highlights, news, athlete profiles and FloSports Originals. The service is partnered with nearly 20 conferences, including the CAA, South Atlantic Conference and Gulf South Conference, making it especially useful for fans who follow smaller college programs or specific schools. New subscribers can also get 15 percent off a FloCollege annual subscription through The Sporting News’ exclusive offer.