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Best Sports Streaming Services 2026: Watch Live Games Without Cable
Compare the top sports streaming services for NFL, NBA, MLB, soccer, and UFC. Find the best way to watch live sports without cable in 2026.
Cutting the cord used to mean missing the big game. That is no longer true. The sports streaming landscape has matured into a legitimate alternative to cable, with every major league now available through some combination of streaming services. The catch: figuring out which services you actually need requires navigating a maze of broadcast rights, regional blackouts, and overlapping coverage.
We analyzed the current sports streaming market to help you build the right package for your viewing habits. Whether you follow one sport religiously or want access to everything, there is a cost-effective way to watch without a cable subscription.
Quick Comparison: Sports Streaming Services
| Service | Starting Price | Best For | Key Sports |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $82.99/mo | Complete coverage | NFL, NBA, MLB, college sports |
| ESPN Unlimited | $29.99/mo | ESPN content | College sports, UFC, NFL, NBA |
| Fubo | $84.99/mo | Soccer fans | International soccer, NFL, NBA |
| Peacock | $7.99/mo | Budget option | NFL Sunday Night, Premier League, WWE |
| Amazon Prime | $14.99/mo | Thursday games | Thursday Night Football, NBA |
| Paramount+ | $7.99/mo | Soccer + NFL | Champions League, NFL on CBS |
Detailed Service Reviews
YouTube TV
Price: $82.99/month ($72.99 for first 3 months) Best for: Cord-cutters who want a true cable replacement
YouTube TV comes closest to replicating the traditional cable sports experience. The service includes ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, NFL Network, NBA TV, and MLB Network in its base package. For most sports fans, that covers 90% of what you need.
The real selling point is NFL Sunday Ticket availability. YouTube holds exclusive streaming rights to the out-of-market package, which costs $276 for the season (or can be bundled with your subscription for four monthly payments of $159). If you follow a team outside your local market, this is the only legal way to watch every game.
YouTube TV includes unlimited cloud DVR with nine months of storage, which proves invaluable during busy sports weekends. Record multiple games simultaneously and catch up when schedules conflict. The multiview feature lets you watch up to four streams at once on supported devices.
The service lacks some regional sports networks that DirecTV Stream carries. If your local NBA, NHL, or MLB team airs on a FanDuel Sports Network (formerly Bally Sports), check availability in your area before subscribing.
Pros:
- Most comprehensive channel lineup for sports
- Unlimited DVR with nine-month storage
- Exclusive home of NFL Sunday Ticket
- Multiview for watching multiple games
- Works on virtually all devices
Cons:
- Price has increased significantly (was $65 in 2022)
- Limited regional sports network coverage
- NFL Sunday Ticket adds substantial cost
- No 4K sports content in base package
Try YouTube TV free for 7 days
ESPN Unlimited (formerly ESPN+)
Price: $29.99/month or $299.99/year Best for: College sports fans and UFC viewers
ESPN overhauled its streaming strategy in August 2026, launching ESPN Unlimited as a direct-to-consumer option that includes all ESPN linear channels plus the ESPN+ library. You get ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPNews, and ESPN Deportes streamed live, plus access to 47,000+ live events annually through ESPN+.
For college sports fans, this represents tremendous value. The SEC Network and ACC Network alone cover most major college football and basketball games. Add the ESPN+ exclusives (including thousands of college games across all divisions), and you have more content than any single viewer could consume.
UFC coverage is a major draw. Fight Nights are included in the subscription, though Pay-Per-View events still cost $79.99 each on top of your subscription. The PPV model changes in 2026 when UFC moves to Paramount+, so enjoy the current arrangement while it lasts.
ESPN Unlimited also carries some MLB, NHL, and MLS games, though these are typically not the marquee matchups. The service works best as a complement to a live TV service rather than a standalone solution.
The Disney Bundle offers ESPN Unlimited with Disney+ and Hulu for $29.99/month for the first year (then $35.99 with ads or $49.99 ad-free), making it effectively free if you already subscribe to those services.
Pros:
- All ESPN linear channels included
- Unmatched college sports coverage
- UFC Fight Nights included
- Extensive on-demand sports content
- Disney Bundle adds significant value
Cons:
- UFC PPV events cost extra ($79.99)
- Limited live Big Four pro sports
- No local channels included
- College football playoff games on ABC require separate access
Fubo
Price: $84.99/month (Pro) | $55.99/month (Fubo Sports) Best for: Soccer fans and international sports viewers
Fubo built its reputation on soccer coverage and maintains that strength today. The service carries beIN Sports, GolTV, TUDN, and numerous international sports channels that competitors lack. If you follow La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1, or leagues beyond the Premier League and Champions League, Fubo offers the most comprehensive package.
The Pro plan includes over 219 channels with all major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC) plus ESPN, FS1, NFL Network, and regional sports networks. Fubo claims up to 35 RSNs depending on your location, though availability varies significantly by region (RSNs typically add $12-16/month to the base price).
Fubo launched a sports-focused tier in September 2026 called Fubo Sports at $55.99/month (after a $45.99 first month). It strips out entertainment channels but keeps the sports essentials: broadcast networks, ESPN channels (including ESPN Unlimited access), NFL Network, SEC Network, and Tennis Channel. This represents solid value for sports-only viewers.
A significant drawback: Fubo lost NBCUniversal channels including NBC, USA Network, and several regional sports networks due to a carriage dispute. Check whether your local NBC affiliate is available before subscribing. The service also lacks TNT and TBS, which carry some NBA and MLB playoff games.
Unlimited DVR storage and up to 10 simultaneous streams at home make Fubo family-friendly. The interface prioritizes sports with a dedicated sports hub and live scores integration.
Pros:
- Best international soccer coverage
- Strong regional sports network selection
- Unlimited DVR with 9-month storage
- Up to 10 streams at home
- Fubo Sports tier offers focused value
Cons:
- Missing NBCUniversal channels (NBC, USA Network)
- No TNT or TBS (NBA, MLB playoff gaps)
- RSN fees add to base price
- Price increases have been frequent
Peacock
Price: $7.99/month (with ads) | $13.99/month (ad-free) Best for: Budget-conscious fans who follow specific sports
Peacock delivers surprising sports value at its price point. The service streams Sunday Night Football (NFL’s marquee weekly game), exclusive Premier League matches (175 per season), and all WWE events including pay-per-views. For fans of those specific properties, Peacock costs less than a single month of cable sports packages.
The NBA returns to NBC for the 2026-26 season, giving Peacock exclusive Monday night doubleheaders plus playoff coverage. This adds significant value for basketball fans and marks the league’s return to NBC after a 23-year absence.
Premier League coverage is particularly strong. While select matches air on USA Network, most games stream exclusively on Peacock, including the less glamorous fixtures that never made cable TV. Every match is available on-demand after broadcast if you miss the live airing.
The limitation is obvious: Peacock works best as a supplement, not a primary sports service. You miss most NFL games (only Sunday Night and some playoff games), cannot watch ESPN content, and have no access to regional sports networks. The service shines for what it offers at the price, not as a comprehensive solution.
WWE fans get exceptional value. Every pay-per-view, including WrestleMania, streams live on Peacock at no additional cost beyond the subscription. Legacy content from WWE Network also migrated to the platform.
Pros:
- Lowest price for live sports access
- Exclusive Premier League matches
- Sunday Night Football included
- All WWE events including PPVs
- NBA returning to NBC coverage
Cons:
- Limited NFL coverage (Sunday Night only)
- No ESPN or Fox Sports channels
- Some EPL games only on USA Network (not Peacock)
- Ad-supported tier has frequent interruptions
Amazon Prime Video
Price: $14.99/month (Prime) | $8.99/month (Prime Video only) Best for: Existing Prime members who want Thursday games
Amazon Prime Video holds exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football, making it essential for NFL fans who want complete coverage. The 2026 season includes 17 games plus a Wild Card playoff game, with coverage beginning in September and running through January. The production quality rivals traditional broadcasts, with Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit calling games.
The NBA joined Amazon’s lineup for the 2026-26 season. Prime Video streams 66 regular-season games, the entire NBA Cup knockout rounds, and the Play-In Tournament. Thursday night NBA games begin after the NFL season concludes, giving Prime Video year-round sports relevance.
Black Friday Football has become a Prime Video tradition, and 2026 adds a Christmas Day game (Thursday falls on December 25). These exclusive windows mean Prime Video is no longer optional for completist NFL fans.
The service also carries some WNBA games, NWSL matches, and ONE Championship fights. International customers get additional content including Premier League (UK) and Ligue 1 (France), though US subscribers do not receive these.
Most households already have Amazon Prime for shipping benefits, making the sports content effectively free. If you are paying only for video, the $8.99/month option covers Thursday Night Football and NBA games.
Pros:
- Thursday Night Football exclusive
- NBA games including Cup and Play-In
- Included with Amazon Prime membership
- High production quality broadcasts
- X-Ray stats integration during games
Cons:
- Limited to specific game windows
- No channel lineup (not a cable replacement)
- Ad-free option costs extra ($2.99/month)
- International content not available in US
Paramount+
Price: $7.99/month (Essential) | $12.99/month (with Showtime) Best for: Soccer fans and CBS sports viewers
Paramount+ holds exclusive US streaming rights to UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League through 2030. Every match streams live on the service, with most available only on Paramount+ (limited games air on CBS broadcast). For European soccer fans, this alone justifies the subscription during the season.
NFL games on CBS stream live through Paramount+ with the Showtime tier ($12.99/month). This includes playoff games and the Super Bowl when CBS holds the rights. The Essential tier does not include live local CBS access, so verify which plan you need.
College sports coverage includes SEC football on CBS, March Madness games, and PGA Tour events including The Masters. The service also carries NWSL, Serie A, and various international soccer leagues.
Starting in 2026, Paramount+ becomes the exclusive home of UFC, eliminating the pay-per-view model entirely. The reported $7.7 billion deal includes every UFC event as part of the subscription. Current subscribers will see massive value increase when this takes effect.
The interface prioritizes sports discovery less than competitors, making it harder to find upcoming events. The live guide functionality exists but feels like an afterthought compared to dedicated sports services.
Pros:
- Exclusive Champions League coverage
- NFL on CBS with Showtime tier
- UFC moving here in 2026 (no PPV)
- Affordable entry price
- Strong international soccer selection
Cons:
- Essential tier lacks live local CBS
- Interface not optimized for sports
- No ESPN or Fox Sports content
- Limited non-soccer, non-NFL live sports
Sports-by-Sport Streaming Guide
Where to Watch NFL Games
The NFL spreads its games across more platforms than any other league. Here is where each game type airs:
Sunday Afternoon Games (1 PM and 4 PM ET):
- CBS and Fox broadcast regionally based on matchups
- Stream on YouTube TV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, or DirecTV Stream
- Paramount+ (with Showtime) streams CBS games
- NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube for out-of-market games
Sunday Night Football:
- NBC broadcast, streams on Peacock
- Also available on YouTube TV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV
Monday Night Football:
- ESPN broadcast, streams on ESPN Unlimited
- Also available on YouTube TV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV
Thursday Night Football:
- Amazon Prime Video exclusive
- Free on Twitch with Prime Gaming
Christmas Day Games (2026):
- One game on Netflix (first time)
- One game on Amazon Prime Video
Playoff Games:
- Spread across CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, and Amazon (Wild Card)
- Super Bowl LX on NBC/Peacock (February 2026)
Minimum cost for all NFL games: YouTube TV ($82.99) + Prime Video (included with Prime or $8.99) + NFL Sunday Ticket ($276/season for out-of-market). Total: approximately $1,500/year for complete access.
Budget option: Peacock ($7.99) for Sunday Night Football + Prime Video for Thursday games. Misses most content but catches two premium weekly games for under $25/month.
Where to Watch NBA Games
The NBA’s new media deal reshuffled broadcast partners for 2026-26:
National Games:
- ESPN/ABC: Wednesday doubleheaders, Friday expansion, Finals
- NBC/Peacock: Monday doubleheaders, Tuesday regionals, All-Star Weekend
- Amazon Prime: Thursday nights (post-NFL), NBA Cup, Play-In Tournament
- TNT: Select games (Inside the NBA production moves to ESPN)
Local Games:
- Regional sports networks (FanDuel Sports Network, NBC Sports RSNs)
- Availability varies by market and streaming service
- NBA League Pass for out-of-market games ($14.99/month or $99/season)
Streaming Access:
- YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV carry ESPN, ABC, TNT, and NBA TV
- Peacock adds Monday night exclusives
- Prime Video adds Thursday games and Cup/Play-In
- RSN coverage requires service verification by market
Budget tip: NBA TV is now available standalone for $7/month through NBA League Pass if your streaming service lacks the channel.
Where to Watch MLB Games
Baseball’s local blackout restrictions remain the most frustrating in sports:
National Games:
- Fox Saturday Baseball (YouTube TV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV)
- ESPN Sunday Night Baseball (ESPN Unlimited, YouTube TV, Fubo)
- Apple TV+ Friday Night Baseball (Apple TV+ subscription)
- Peacock Sunday morning games (select weeks)
Local Games:
- Regional sports networks carry most games
- MLB.TV ($149.99/season) for out-of-market games only
- Blackout rules prevent watching local team on MLB.TV
Key Blackout Information:
- Games unavailable on MLB.TV until 90 minutes after completion in blacked-out markets
- Some regions have multiple teams blacked out (Iowa has six, Las Vegas has six)
- Toronto Blue Jays have no US blackout territory
Streaming Service RSN Coverage:
- DirecTV Stream has best RSN coverage but highest price ($94.99+)
- Fubo carries many RSNs with additional fee ($12-16/month)
- YouTube TV RSN coverage varies significantly by market
- MLB.TV is essentially required for out-of-market fans
Where to Watch Soccer
Soccer streaming in the US has fragmented across multiple services:
Premier League:
- NBC/USA Network for select matches (YouTube TV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV)
- Peacock for 175+ exclusive matches
- All matches on-demand on Peacock after broadcast
UEFA Champions League / Europa League:
- Paramount+ exclusive (all matches)
- Limited games on CBS broadcast
La Liga:
- ESPN+ (now ESPN Unlimited)
Serie A:
- Paramount+ and CBS Sports Network
Bundesliga:
- ESPN+ (now ESPN Unlimited)
MLS:
- Apple TV MLS Season Pass ($99/season or $14.99/month)
- No blackouts, all matches included
Liga MX:
- TUDN, Univision (available on Fubo)
- Some matches on Peacock
Budget soccer package: Peacock ($7.99) for Premier League + Paramount+ ($7.99) for Champions League = $15.99/month covers the two most popular competitions in the US.
Comprehensive soccer package: Add ESPN Unlimited ($29.99) for La Liga, Bundesliga, and more leagues, plus Apple TV ($14.99) for MLS. Total around $60/month during season.
Where to Watch UFC and Boxing
UFC (Current - 2026):
- ESPN+ (now ESPN Unlimited) for Fight Nights
- ESPN+ PPV for numbered events ($79.99 each)
- UFC Fight Pass for early prelims and archive
UFC (Starting 2026):
- Paramount+ exclusive for ALL events
- No more pay-per-view model
- Subscription includes every fight card
Boxing:
- DAZN for most major non-PPV fights ($19.99/month)
- ESPN+ for Top Rank events
- Showtime for PBC events (via Paramount+ with Showtime)
- PPV events typically $79.99-$99.99 through cable providers
Best current value: Wait for 2026 UFC move to Paramount+ if UFC is your primary interest. The elimination of PPV represents $400+ annual savings for fans who buy several events.
Bundle Strategies: Building Your Sports Package
The Complete Coverage Bundle
For fans who want everything:
- YouTube TV ($82.99) - Base coverage
- ESPN Unlimited ($29.99) - College sports depth
- Peacock ($7.99) - Premier League, SNF backup
- Prime Video (included with Prime) - Thursday NFL, NBA
- NFL Sunday Ticket ($276/season) - Out-of-market NFL
Total: ~$155/month + $276 annually
This covers virtually every major sporting event except UFC PPVs and some international soccer. Compare to a cable sports package with RSN fees, often $150+/month plus equipment rentals, and the value becomes clear.
The Soccer Fan Bundle
- Peacock ($7.99) - Premier League
- Paramount+ ($7.99) - Champions League, Europa League
- ESPN Unlimited ($29.99) - La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A
- Apple TV MLS Season Pass ($99/season)
Total: ~$52/month + $99 annually
Comprehensive domestic and international soccer coverage. Add Fubo ($84.99) instead of individual services if you also want NFL, NBA, and MLB access.
The NFL-Only Bundle
- Peacock ($7.99) - Sunday Night Football
- Prime Video ($8.99) - Thursday Night Football
- Paramount+ ($12.99) - CBS Sunday games
- Antenna (one-time cost) - Fox and local CBS
Total: ~$30/month + antenna
Covers most NFL games without a full cable replacement. Misses ESPN Monday Night Football and out-of-market games, but hits the major weekly windows.
The Budget Sports Bundle
- Peacock ($7.99) - SNF, Premier League, NBA Monday, WWE
- Paramount+ Essential ($7.99) - Champions League
- Prime Video with Prime ($14.99) - Thursday NFL, NBA
Total: ~$31/month
Covers significant sports content at a fraction of cable cost. Best for fans who follow specific games rather than needing wall-to-wall coverage.
How We Evaluated These Services
Our evaluation criteria focused on practical sports viewing:
Content Coverage: Which leagues and events does each service carry? We verified current broadcast rights and upcoming changes affecting the 2026-26 and 2026-27 seasons.
Price-to-Value Ratio: Cost per major sports offering. A $100/month service with comprehensive coverage may offer better value than three $30 services with overlapping content.
Reliability: Stream quality, app stability, and DVR functionality during high-traffic events like playoff games. Services were tested during NFL and college football weekends.
Regional Availability: RSN coverage varies dramatically by location. We noted which services offer the best regional sports access without assuming universal availability.
Feature Set: DVR storage, simultaneous streams, multiview capability, and device compatibility all affect daily usability.
We did not accept compensation from any streaming service. All subscriptions were purchased at retail prices for testing purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to watch sports without cable?
An antenna for local channels (free after one-time purchase) plus Peacock ($7.99/month) provides Sunday Night Football, some NFL games on local stations, Premier League soccer, and WWE. Adding Amazon Prime Video ($8.99/month if you do not have Prime) captures Thursday Night Football. Total cost: under $20/month for meaningful sports coverage, though you will miss most games.
Can I watch every NFL game with streaming?
Yes, but it requires multiple services. YouTube TV or Fubo provides Sunday afternoon games, Peacock covers Sunday Night, Prime Video has Thursday Night, and ESPN (via YouTube TV, Fubo, or ESPN Unlimited) broadcasts Monday Night. NFL Sunday Ticket through YouTube adds out-of-market Sunday games. Christmas Day 2026 games require Netflix and Prime Video.
Why are some games blacked out on MLB.TV?
MLB protects regional sports network broadcast rights by blacking out local team games on MLB.TV. If you live in a team’s designated territory (which often extends to neighboring states), you cannot watch that team’s games live through MLB.TV. The game becomes available 90 minutes after it ends. This policy has existed since MLB.TV launched and shows no signs of changing.
Is YouTube TV worth it for sports?
YouTube TV offers the most complete sports package among streaming services, including ESPN, Fox Sports, regional sports networks in many markets, and exclusive access to NFL Sunday Ticket. At $82.99/month, it costs less than most cable sports packages while providing unlimited DVR and multiview features. For serious sports fans who follow multiple leagues, the value proposition is strong.
What happens to UFC streaming in 2026?
UFC moves from ESPN+ to Paramount+ in 2026 under a $7.7 billion deal. The significant change: no more pay-per-view. Every UFC event, including numbered PPVs that currently cost $79.99, will be included in the Paramount+ subscription. This represents potential savings of hundreds of dollars annually for fans who purchase multiple PPV events.
Which streaming service has the best soccer coverage?
No single service covers all soccer. Peacock dominates Premier League (175+ exclusive matches). Paramount+ has Champions League and Europa League exclusively. ESPN Unlimited carries La Liga and Bundesliga. Fubo offers the widest variety including niche leagues through beIN Sports. Apple TV has MLS exclusively. A complete soccer package requires multiple subscriptions totaling $50-60/month.
Do streaming services have regional sports networks?
Coverage varies dramatically. DirecTV Stream has the best RSN coverage but costs $94.99+/month. Fubo carries many RSNs for an additional $12-16/month fee. YouTube TV has some RSNs but gaps in major markets. Many cord-cutters find RSNs the biggest pain point, as local NBA, NHL, and MLB games often require DirecTV Stream or the league’s own streaming package.
Can I share my sports streaming account?
Policies differ by service. YouTube TV allows family sharing within one household with the same home location. Fubo allows up to 10 screens at home. ESPN Unlimited follows Disney’s sharing restrictions. Most services use location verification and will limit out-of-home viewing. Account sharing outside your household technically violates terms of service and may result in account restrictions.
Final Verdict: Which Service Should You Choose?
Best Overall: YouTube TV - The closest thing to cable sports without the cable. Comprehensive channel lineup, unlimited DVR, and NFL Sunday Ticket access make it the default choice for serious sports fans. The $82.99 price tag stings, but you get more sports per dollar than any competitor.
Best Value: Peacock + Paramount+ - At $15.99/month combined, you get Sunday Night Football, Premier League, Champions League, and (starting 2026) all UFC events. This combination works for fans who follow specific sports rather than needing everything.
Best for Soccer: Fubo - The international sports channel selection is unmatched. If you follow leagues beyond Premier League and Champions League, Fubo’s beIN Sports and TUDN access matters. The Fubo Sports tier at $55.99 offers a focused alternative.
Best for College Sports: ESPN Unlimited - SEC Network, ACC Network, and thousands of ESPN+ events deliver more college content than you can watch. The $29.99/month price equals one month of cable sports packages for year-round college athletics.
Best for Existing Prime Members: Amazon Prime Video - If you already pay for Prime, Thursday Night Football and NBA games come at no additional cost. The sports content represents genuine added value to a subscription many households already have.
The optimal approach for most fans combines 2-3 services based on the sports you actually watch. Start with a free trial of YouTube TV to assess whether comprehensive coverage matches your viewing habits, then consider whether targeted services like ESPN Unlimited or Peacock better fit your needs at lower cost.