Access to regional sports networks may make or break your decision for sports streaming, so check with each provider to see if they offer the selection for the teams you want to watch.
On-demand streaming services cost less than live options, but they may be limited when it comes to live sports. However, a cheaper platform may meet your needs, depending on what you want to watch. Choose a subscription that aligns with your budget, and when considering costs, review the channel selection, RSN availability, cloud DVR, add-on prices and how many devices you can stream on simultaneously.
Live TV streaming services may offer different packages and sports add-ons for viewers, but you want to be sure you can watch your local channels along with major networks and on-demand videos. Not every service provides access to local programming (ABC or CBS) and channels you'd typically find on cable and satellite TV. Compare channel lineups before choosing for sports.
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Choosing the best streaming service for sports isn't easy. Not every service carries the regional sports networks needed to watch the games you might want to catch. Case in point: Boston-area hockey fans looking for the Bruins and Major League Baseball fans hoping to catch the Red Sox need NESN to view the majority of their games. That's even if they subscribe to a sport-specific, league-sponsored package like MLB TV, which doesn't cover in-market games.
Streaming services generally don't carry these RSNs, but DirecTV and Fubo are the exceptions. They're the only two services that offer the FanDuel Sports (formerly Ballys) channels. DirecTV stands out as a top choice for its mix of RSNs and other channels that show sports, but other services are less expensive and may be better for casual fans who are satisfied with just watching national broadcast networks.
Other sports such as the NFL don't use the RSN model. Watching the NFL requires a mix of streaming services that this season includes Prime Video, Peacock and Netflix if you want to watch every game, but YouTube TV is the best live TV streaming service for watching most games throughout the season, especially since it's the exclusive home to NFL Sunday Ticket.
Depending on location, diehard sports fans might ultimately save more money by getting a cable subscription, as your RSNs come bundled with ESPN, TBS, TNT and other local cable channels. This could especially make sense if the package is bundled with the home internet you'll likely be getting anyway. If you're a determined cord-cutter or know that you need only one or a few channels to get your sports fix, here are the best streaming services for you.
Best sports streaming services of 2025
DirecTV Photo Gallery 1/1 DirecTV Best for RSNs, ESPN, ABC, Fox, TBS DirecTV Pros Carries large selection of sports channels/networks
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