TNT Sports v Sky Sports: Which is the best sports package?

Sky’s nearest rival in the UK is TNT Sports. Established in 2013 as BT Sport, it’s a youngster standing beside Sky’s decades of dominance. In 2023, its image was rebranded as TNT Sports, and has hit the ground running, making a significant dent in today's market.

Its huge selling point is its shared rights to show live Premier League football as well as a majority of the three major European competitions (UEFA Champions, Europa, and Conference leagues), not to mention exclusivity for sports like MotoGP and MMA (which centres around UFC).

But it’s not just football that’s the sole attraction to both Sky Sports and TNT Sports. There’s an ever-growing list of acquisitions improving each’s roster; making for some of the most complete sporting packages available. Other live options include F1, golf, rugby, tennis, and athletics, with a number of US-centric sports, such as MMA (UFC) and NFL also showcasing. 

But which one is better? The tried-and-tested Sky Sports or the new kid on the block, TNT Sports?

Football: The biggest selling point for Sky Sports is its extensive coverage of Premier League football. Because the company pays such a huge amount for the rights to air 128 live matches in the current 24/25 season, it’s what the advertising often prioritises and fundamentally what the service is known for. Besides plenty of weekend fixtures, they show live games in the week too.

Sky Sports is the only place you can watch coverage from Germany’s Bundesliga, the Carabao Cup, as well as live English Football League (EFL) matches.

F1: Sliding football to one side, Sky has exclusive rights to Formula 1, boasting a dedicated channel for the high speed racing, which includes practice and qualifying session coverage, as well as all the action from the Grand Prix races themselves.

Cricket: Sky has exclusivity when it comes to England’s home international matches, meaning if you want to watch these, then this is the only place you can catch it.

Golf: Exclusive coverage of the Ryder Cup takes place every two years, following the prestigious men's tournament between European and United States.

Football: TNT’s biggest coup has to be its European football coverage. For years, ITV had the rights to the UEFA Champions League, which was aired on terrestrial television. Over a decade ago, a then named BT Sport agreed on a deal with UEFA to broadcast its competitions, and have continued its comprehensive coverage ever since.

TNT Sports offers multiple Champions, Europa, and Conference league matches each game week, as well as Italy’s Serie A football.

They have the rights to show a select number of Premier League live fixtures too, 52 as of the 2025-26 season, boasting the Saturday lunchtime kick-offs as well as every game from two midweek rounds of the competition per season.

MMA (UFC): Ultimate Fighting Championship (or UFC as it is commonly referred to), promotes a sport that has grown massively in recent years. Every numbered live event and weekly Fight Night event is included for subscribers, with just a few PPV events costing extra.

Both providers have an array of sports for all tastes, with the spoils evenly divided, as noted below.

While both Sky Sports and TNT Sports offer a wide and exciting selection of sports from around the world, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you’re keen to watch the European football competitions, such as the Champions League, then TNT is perhaps tailored more to your liking. Similarly, if MMA (UFC) is on your radar then TNT seems ideal.

However, if more comprehensive Premier League coverage is what you're after, then Sky Sports might be the package for you. If F1 floats your boat too, then this feels like an obvious choice for racing fans.

Ultimately, both offer a strong lineup when it comes to football as well as various other sports; with cricket, golf, and olympic events all on show. It really comes down to which types of sports you’re most into and which, perhaps, you can live without.

*Please be aware that all prices were correct at time of print and are subject to change*