In a world where 80 percent of sports fans are at least occasionally consuming their beloved games online, the choice of a streaming service has never been more critical.
In 2023, the landscape of digital media has evolved dramatically. Sports streaming has become a battlefield where titans of technology are vying for dominance.
With the myriad of choices currently available, choosing the best streaming platform can feel as daunting as predicting the winner of the next Super Bowl.
To make things easier for you, we’ve written a guide that explains the best streaming service for sports. Keep reading if you’d like to find out more.
What Are Sports Streaming Services?
A sports streaming service is a platform that broadcasts live sports events over the internet. You don’t need a cable or satellite TV subscription to use them.
Instead, all you need is a device like a computer, smartphone, or smart TV and a stable internet connection.
There are two main types of sports streaming services. The first is a standalone service. These are platforms that specifically focus on sports content.
Standalone services usually provide a wide range of sports, from popular ones like football and basketball to less mainstream sports like surfing or badminton.
The second type is general streaming services. These platforms don’t just focus on sports.
They offer a wide variety of content, including movies, TV shows, and documentaries. But many of them also have a good selection of live sports.
The journey of sports streaming services to where they are today is fascinating. Before the internet, the only way to watch sports was through traditional TV or by going to the game.
However, the rise of the internet has changed everything. Streaming services first became popular in the mid-2010s and have grown rapidly ever since.
Nowadays, sports streaming services are on the rise because they offer more choice and flexibility than traditional TV. With a streaming service, you can watch a game wherever you are, even if you’re on the move.
Plus, with the ability to stream on multiple devices at once, you can share the thrill of a game with friends or family, no matter where they are.
Sling TV
Sling TV stands out as one of the best sports streaming services, especially for budget-conscious sports fans. It offers two base packages: Sling Orange and Sling Blue. Each of these plans is priced at a reasonable cost.
For sports fans, Sling Orange is a good choice as it includes channels like ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3. By adding the Sports Extra package, fans gain access to even more sports channels, including NBA TV and NHL Network.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV is another top-notch service for sports enthusiasts. It combines the extensive library of Hulu’s on-demand service with more than 65 live TV channels.
This includes big names in sports broadcasting like ESPN, NBC Sports, and CBS Sports Network. With Hulu’s user-friendly interface, fans can enjoy both live sports and sports-related TV shows and movies.
This platform is great for sports fans who also enjoy a variety of other entertainment content.
ESPN+
ESPN+ is a standalone sports streaming service that complements ESPN’s traditional TV channels but does not replace them. For a small monthly fee, ESPN+ offers a variety of live sports.
It also offers exclusive ESPN+ original shows and documentaries. ESPN+ is the best sports streaming service for die-hard sports fans looking for exclusive content and coverage of a wide range of sports.
WOW TV
In the world of sports streaming, WOW TV is quickly making its mark. It’s newer than some other services, and it offers a great variety of sports channels.
WOW TV also provides access to regional sports networks, which is a major plus for fans looking to follow their local teams. If you’re looking for a fresh platform with solid sports coverage, WOW TV streaming is worth checking out.
DirecTV Stream
Formerly known as AT&T TV, DirecTV Stream offers several packages with a variety of channels, including sports. The service provides a solid lineup of sports channels such as ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports.
Also, higher-tier packages offer regional sports networks and premium sports channels. DirecTV Stream is a good option for fans wanting a comprehensive sports package combined with robust non-sports offerings.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers live TV streaming that shines with an impressive lineup of sports channels.
YouTube TV’s strength lies in its simplicity. There’s only one plan, so you don’t have to worry about choosing among multiple confusing packages.
This makes it an ideal choice for sports fans looking for straightforward access to a variety of sports content.
Fubo TV
Fubo TV started as a soccer-focused streaming service but has since evolved into a comprehensive sports streaming platform.
It offers an impressive array of sports channels, including NFL Network, NBA TV, and several international sports channels. In addition, Fubo TV is one of the few streaming services that offer 4K streaming for selected events.
Despite being a bit pricier than its counterparts, Fubo TV’s extensive sports offerings.
Choosing the Best Streaming Service for Sports
If you want to watch your favorite sports games and matches, you should make sure to choose the best streaming service for sports.
Before subscribing to a service, you will need to take time to figure out what your needs are.
If you are looking for a standalone streaming service, consider choosing ESPN+. On the other hand, Hulu + is one of the top general streaming services.
Do you want to find out more about the best streaming services? If so, make sure to check out the Reviews section of our blog.