Top Streaming Platforms for Live Sports in 2025

Gone are the days when watching sports was as simple as turning on the TV and catching the big game. Today, navigating the world of sports streaming has become a complex puzzle, with regional blackouts, additional paywalls, and exclusive rights to games scattered across various platforms. This maze can be daunting for fans trying to find the best way to watch their favorite sports. But fear not—we've done the legwork for you. Below is a curated list of the top 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

Disney Bundle Included### Hulu + Live TV

2Includes Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads).$82.99 at HuluHulu + Live TV offers an extensive lineup of sports across over 95 channels, featuring everything from NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and NCAA to international soccer, UFC, and more. Not only can you catch games on local channels, but you'll also have access to regular sports events on ESPN, CBS Sports Network, NFL Network, and FS1, among others.

What's more, Hulu + Live TV includes the Disney Bundle in its monthly subscription, which means you'll also have access to ESPN+. This service offers additional exclusive sports content, such as UFC events and college sports, along with original programming.

New users can take advantage of a three-day free trial, making it an excellent option to test the waters before committing. It's also one of the best ways to watch March Madness games in 2025.

Fubo

Best Variety

$30 Off First Month### Fubo (Pro)

1Save $30 off first month after free trial period.$84.99 save 35%$54.99 at FuboFubo might not be as well-known, but it stands out for its diverse range of sports events, boasting over 55,000 events annually. This includes major leagues like NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NCAA college sports, NASCAR, golf, tennis, boxing, MMA, and a variety of international soccer leagues such as the Premier League, LaLiga, UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, Liga MX, and Serie A.

For those craving more sports content, Fubo offers various sports add-on packages that include channels like NFL Redzone, MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, international sports channels, and NCAA conference-specific channels.

Peacock

Best For Premier League Soccer and WWE

Annual Plan Available### NBC Peacock (Premium)

1Annual plan available for $79.99/year.$7.99 at PeacockAs a part of NBC Universal, Peacock is a treasure trove for sports lovers. It's your go-to for Premier League soccer, one of the world's most beloved sports, with live coverage and exclusive matches throughout the season. You'll be able to watch top teams like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal in action.

WWE fans will find Peacock invaluable as it streams every WWE premium event live, including Wrestlemania. Additionally, Peacock offers every NFL Sunday Night Football game and Big Ten college basketball, making it a versatile choice for sports fans.

ESPN+

Best For UFC and College Sports

Annual Plan Available### ESPN+

2Annual plan available for $119.99/year.$11.99 at ESPNESPN+ is the go-to platform for UFC enthusiasts, offering exclusive streaming of UFC events including Pay-Per-View (PPV) fights, Fight Nights, and more. While UFC PPV events come at an additional cost of $79.99 on top of your ESPN+ subscription, Fight Nights and other events are included without extra fees. You'll also have access to a vast archive of classic UFC fights.

College sports fans will appreciate ESPN+'s extensive coverage, with over 6,000 events spanning football, basketball, baseball, hockey, lacrosse, wrestling, and more across 26 conferences.

It's worth noting that ESPN+ does not include access to traditional ESPN network channels like ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, and others. To watch SportsCenter or other ESPN-exclusive televised sports events, you'll need a separate cable or live TV streaming subscription.

DirecTV Stream

Best Cable Alternative

Limited-Time Offer### DirecTV Stream (Choice)

2Includes $10 off for 24 months offer.$79.99 at DirecTVDirecTV Stream is the cable-free solution from DirecTV, available to anyone. It encompasses everything you'd expect from a cable alternative, including local networks and a robust selection of sports channels such as ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN U, NBC Golf, FS1, NBA TV, MLB Network, and the Tennis Channel.

For sports enthusiasts, the DirecTV Choice package offers the best value, giving you access to over 125 channels, including major nationwide games and a variety of regional sporting events tailored to your location.

New subscribers can enjoy a five-day free trial to explore the service before making a commitment.

Paramount Plus

Best For PGA Golf

Annual Plan Available### Paramount+ (Essential)

1Annual plan available for $59.99/year.$7.99 at ParamountParamount+ brings you all the sports you'd expect from CBS Sports, including NFL games on CBS and every UEFA Champions League soccer match. Alongside a rich library of sports movies and TV shows, you'll have access to daily programming from CBS Sports HQ and a variety of sports documentaries.

Golf aficionados might consider upgrading to the Paramount+ with Showtime plan, which includes everything in the Essential tier plus access to major PGA Tour events like the Farmers Insurance Open and the Wyndham Championship.

Sports Streaming FAQs

Can You Watch Live Sports For Free?

Yes, you can watch some live sports for free, though the options vary in terms of sport and frequency. A TV antenna can give you access to local channels broadcasting popular sports events like NFL, MLB, and NBA games. Streaming services like Sling Freestream also offer ad-supported access to certain live sports.

Which Sports Streaming Services Have Free Trials?

Most of the sports streaming services listed above offer free trials, ranging from three days to a week. Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and Paramount+ all provide trial periods. If you plan it right, you might be able to watch several live sporting events during these trials. Notably, Peacock and ESPN+ don't offer standalone free trials, but ESPN+ is included in the Hulu + Live TV trial.

For those interested in more than just sports, check out our list of the Best Streaming Services With Free Trials in 2025.