Top Streaming Platforms for Live Sports in 2025

Gone are the days when tuning into a sports event was as simple as turning on your TV. Today, the landscape of sports streaming has become a complex web of regional blackouts, paywalls, and exclusive rights agreements, leaving fans to navigate a daunting maze just to catch their favorite games. But fear not, we've done the legwork to help you find the best streaming services for live sports, tailored to meet every fan's needs.

Hulu + Live TV

Best Streaming Bundle For Sports

Hulu + Live TV offers a robust selection of sports across more than 95 channels, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, international soccer, UFC, and more. With access to games on local channels and popular sports networks like ESPN, CBS Sports Network, NFL Network, and FS1, it's a comprehensive choice for sports enthusiasts. Plus, the included Disney Bundle gives you ESPN+, unlocking additional exclusive sports events, original programming, and more. Hulu + Live TV even offers a three-day free trial, making it an excellent option for watching March Madness games in 2025.

Fubo

Best Variety

Fubo stands out for its extensive variety, streaming over 55,000 sporting events annually. From NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NCAA college sports, NASCAR, golf, tennis, boxing, and MMA to international soccer leagues like the Premier League, LaLiga, UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, Liga MX, and Serie A, Fubo has you covered. With additional sports add-on packages available, including NFL Redzone, MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, and numerous NCAA conference-specific channels, you can customize your sports viewing experience.

Peacock

Best For Premier League Soccer and WWE

As part of NBC Universal, Peacock offers extensive sports coverage, particularly for Premier League soccer fans, with season-long live coverage and exclusive matches featuring top teams like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal. Additionally, Peacock is the go-to platform for WWE fans, streaming every premium event, including Wrestlemania. It also includes every NFL Sunday Night Football game and Big Ten college basketball, making it a versatile choice for sports viewers.

ESPN+

Best For UFC and College Sports

ESPN+ is the exclusive streaming home for UFC events, including Pay-Per-View fights, Fight Nights, and access to the UFC archive. While UFC PPV events require an additional $79.99, Fight Nights are included with your subscription. ESPN+ also offers over 6,000 college sports events across 26 conferences, covering football, basketball, baseball, hockey, lacrosse, wrestling, and more. Note that ESPN+ does not include access to traditional ESPN network channels, so you'll need a cable or Live TV subscription for those.

DirecTV Stream

Best Cable Alternative

DirecTV Stream provides a cable-like experience without the satellite, offering local networks and popular sports channels like ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN U, NBC Golf, FS1, NBA TV, MLB Network, and the Tennis Channel. The DirecTV Choice package offers over 125 channels, including major nationwide and regional sports events. New subscribers can enjoy a five-day free trial to test 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. It also offers daily programming from CBS Sports HQ, documentaries, and a library of sports movies and TV shows. For golf fans, the Paramount+ with Showtime plan includes 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 select live sports for free, though the variety and frequency can vary. Using a TV antenna, you can access local channels and watch 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 sports streaming services listed here offer free trials. Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and Paramount+ provide trials ranging from three days to a week, allowing you to watch multiple live sports events during the trial period. Peacock and ESPN+ currently do not offer free trials on their own, but ESPN+ is included in the Hulu + Live TV free trial. For more on streaming services, check out our list of the Best Streaming Services With Free Trials in 2025.