Cable TV has been steadily losing its popularity to cord-cutting solutions in recent years, mainly due to the rise of on-demand streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. These platforms have made it challenging for traditional pay TV companies to convince viewers to stick with live TV, except in one area where it still reigns supreme: sports. As a result, many people who have cut the cord or are considering it are left wondering about alternative ways to watch sports without a cable subscription.
Popular Sports Streaming Services
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV has over 15 sports networks, including popular ones like ESPN, FS1, and national channels like CBS. This means you can enjoy live games from the NBA, NHL, MLB, and more. While regional sports networks, such as YES Network, are only available in certain areas, Hulu + Live TV offers extensive local coverage from ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC.
However, it’s important to note that the service lacks pro networks like NBA TV or NFL Network. Additionally, there are no sports add-ons, which means you might have difficulty keeping up with out-of-market teams. A Hulu + Live TV subscription costs $65 per month and includes a free trial. Apart from live TV, you’ll also have access to Hulu’s impressive on-demand catalog which can store up to 50 hours of recordings in the cloud DVR.
If you can’t or don’t want to watch local networks TV, then you need access to different streaming services. It happens that on some of them, there are fewer broadcasts of certain sports than on others. However, Hulu, FuboTV, and other services may not work in your area.
To fix the issue, simply install VeePN and connect to the remote service. You can use VPN for sports betting, protect your online anonymity, save money on booking airline tickets, etc. VeePN differs from its peers in high reliability and security, it implements all modern user protection methods.
Sling TV
Sling TV’s sports offerings may be limited when compared to local and regional sports networks. It currently only provides access to three regional channels, namely NBC Sports Bay Area, NBC Sports California, and NBC Sports Washington. Additionally, the local channel selection is limited to FOX and NBC. However, this doesn’t imply that Sling TV lacks sports entirely. The service offers a variety of major networks, albeit requiring a more expensive plan to access them all. For $35 per month, the Orange plan includes ESPN and TNT. On the other hand, the Blue plan, also priced at $35 per month, offers FOX, FS1, and NBC Sports Network. By combining both plans for $50 per month, users can enjoy a comprehensive range of professional networks, including MLB Network, NBA TV, and NHL Network. Moreover, subscribing to the Sports Extra add-on for an additional $10 per month enhances the sports content further. Although Sling TV typically does not provide free trials, there is currently a limited-time offer of a 14-day free trial. Additionally, both Sling Blue and Sling Orange plans offer 50 hours of DVR storage.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV is a top-notch streaming service that’s ideal for sports enthusiasts. With this service, you can access the four major local networks – ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC – as well as nationally recognized channels like ESPN, TBS, and TNT.
Not only that, but you also get networks such as CBS Sports Network and FS1 in the package. Additionally, you can enjoy league-specific channels like the NFL Network, the MLB Network, and NBA TV. While the NHL Network is not included, you have the option to add FOX Soccer Plus and NBA League Pass for a small additional fee each month. For those who love regional sports, you can easily catch broadcasts from FOX and NBC channels.
FuboTV
fuboTV is a service that’s all about sports! They broadcast over 30,000 live sporting events every year, and some of them are even shown in glorious 4K. For just $64.99 a month, you’ll get access to local networks such as CBS and FOX, as well as regional sports networks from NBC, AT&T, MSG, NESN, SNY, and Marquee. Not only that but popular channels like FS1 and professional sports networks like NFL Network are also included in the Starter package.
Final Words
If you’re looking for ways to stream sports without cable, there are numerous options to watch your favorite teams. Live TV streaming services enable you to enjoy various games without the need for long-term contracts, as often demanded by cable providers.