When you think of online streaming platforms, the likes of Amazon Prime, Netflix and YouTube are probably the first that springs to mind when it comes to viewing an online series, movie or sporting event.
Today, not only have we seen the continued growth of YouTube but also, since 2017, YTTV (Youtube TV), where subscription-based television can be bought. By comparison, Sling TV has been around a little longer, having just celebrated its tenth birthday in February 2025.
Sling TV is a streaming platform that not only offers direct rivalry to YTTV, but in many ways surpasses the otherwise globally popular streamer - especially when it comes to signing up to watch season-long sports across all the top US leagues.
Here at GOAL, we’ve taken a closer look at Sling TV and YTTV to see which comes out on top when it comes to watching live sports, such as that all-important NFL season, and how they compare to each other and competitors.
Sling TV: Pros and cons
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YouTube TV: Pros and cons
YTTVWhile YTTV might have eight million people in its subscriber list, it somehow managed to lose around 150,000 members in the first quarter of 2024. It was the first time in its seven-year history that it lost subscribers rather than gained any.
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Comparing the competition
Here’s a look at channels and price points for what’s on the market right now, with Sling TV's full package proving the most cost effective plan out there.
Channel | Sling TV | YTTV | fubo |
|---|---|---|---|
FOX | ✓ (40%) | ✓ | ✓ |
NBC | ✓ (30%) | ✓ | ✓ |
ESPN (ABC) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
CBS | ✘ | ✓ | ✓ |
Prime Video | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
Cost per month | $65.99 | $82.99 | $84.99 |
Sling TV's NCAA bowl game and playoff prices and availability
Sling TVThroughout 2024 and into 2025, Sling TV showed us that not only could it compete with the top streaming platforms, but it was able to provide strong and comprehensive NCAA coverage at the most affordable prices.
Select coverage of NCAA College Football is accessible via either the Orange or Blue package, which are priced at $45.99 per month and $50.99, respectively.
If you want even more access to coverage, including more games, you will need to opt for the Orange & Blue deal for $65.99 per month and also add the Sports Extra add-on, for $11 per month for complete coverage. Even with the full package and add-on, it still works out cheaper than YouTube TV, at just under $77 per month compared to YTTV's $82.99 per month.
Here is the package breakdown for what each offers in terms of college football.
Channel | Orange | Blue | Sports Extra |
|---|---|---|---|
ESPN/2/3 | ✓ | ||
ACC Network | ✓ | ✓ | |
ACC Network Extra | ✓ | ✓ | |
SEC Network | ✓ | ✓ | |
SEC Network+ | ✓ | ✓ | |
ESPNU | ✓ | ✓ | |
ESPNEWS | ✓ | ✓ | |
NBC (Selected markets) | ✓ | ||
FOX (Selected markets) | ✓ | ||
Big Ten Network | ✓ | ✓ | |
ABC (Selected markets) | ✓ | ||
FS1 | ✓ | ||
FS2 | ✓ | ✓ |
Compared to its competition, Sling TV is easily the kindest on subscribers' wallets. So whether you are following the excitement of the NCAA during the regular season or into the playoffs, at each stage Sling TV is comparatively cheaper than any of its rivals.
Sling TV subscription options
Signing up to Sling TV couldn’t be easier, with three different colour coded combo packages available. Sling TV also offers 50% off your first month of subscription, making them an even more attractive option when compared to their rivals.
Package | Monthly cost | First month cost | What's included | USP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Orange | $45.99 | $23 | 34 channels, excluding selected exclusive and local channels | Sports & family |
Blue | $50.99 | $25.50 | 47 channels, excluding selected exclusive and local channels | News & entertainment |
Orange & Blue | $65.99 | $33 | 54 channels, including all exclusive and local channels | Best of both |
Why should I pick Sling TV?
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Sling TVAt the end of the day the choice is yours, but if you’re looking for the most cost-friendly option that offers plenty of sporting coverage for your dollar, as well as a service that is the most viable option compared to a more expensive rival in YouTube TV, then Sling TV is the most flexible and best value for money sports streaming provider. It gives users an exceptional amount of content for their money and offers extensive coverage of the NFL too.