How to watch sports without cable: The best live streaming services of 2026

Best for: The traditional sports fan who wants it all. If your priority is watching your local MLB, NBA, or NHL team without blackout restrictions - and if you want a seamless, cable-like experience with the most national sports channels possible - this is your platform.

DirecTV Stream is designed for the cord-cutter who fears missing. It isn't trying to be the cheapest option; it's trying to be the most complete. If you want to replicate a high-tie cable or satellite package without the two-year contract or satellite dish, this is the undisputed champion of channel volume. 

READ MORE: DirecTV Review: Pricing, plans, subscriptions

Why DirecTV is the ultimate choice for sports fans

The King of Regional Sports Networks (RSNs)

Massive National Channel Lineup

League & College Specifics 

The Best "Traditional TV" Experience

Unlimited DVR & Screens

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Best for: The die-hard local fan who must have their home team's regular-season game, and the dedicated soccer enthusiast who wants the widest breadth of international leagues.

Fubo started as a soccer-only streaming service and has evolved into the most aggressively sports-focused cable replacement on the market. While competitors try to balance news, entertainment, and sports, Fubo goes all-in on live games. For millions of fans, it is the only streaming option that carries the specific channel broadcasting their local MLB, NHL, or NBA team.

READ MORE: Fubo Review: Pricing, plans, subscriptions

Why Fubo is powerhouse for sports fans

The Leader in Local Sports (RSNs)

Unrivaled International Soccer Coverage

Fantastic Features for Watching Games

Multiview: On supported devices (like Apple TV), you can watch up to four live sporting events simultaneously on one screen - a dream feature for fantasy sports players and bettors on busy Saturdays.

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Best for: The mainstream sports fan who wants the best balance of national channel coverage, industry-leading technology, and exclusive access to every out-of-market NFL game.

YouTube TV has established itself as the premier live TV streaming service for the average cord-cutter. It offers the most reliable streaming infrastructure, the cleanest user interface, and a channel lineup that covers the vast majority of nationally televised major sporting events without the bloated pricing of traditional cable.

Why YouTube TV is a powerhouse for sports fans

The Exclusive Home of NFL Sunday Ticket

The Complete National Sports Package: 

Superior Technology and Features

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Best for: The cord-cutter whose only hesitation about leaving cable was losing access to the live ESPN family of networks.

This is the service sports fans who have been waiting years for. For the first time, you will be able to subscribe directly to ESPN to get all of their linear TV channels without needing a separate cable or live streaming bundle (like Sling or Fubo).

READ MORE: ESPN's new streaming service: Everything you need to know

Why ESPN's new standalone app is a game-changer

• Everything in One Place: This service combines everything. You get the live, 24/7 linear streams of all ESPN networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN News, SEC Network, ACC Network) PLUS all the content currently included in the ESPN+ add-on service described above.
• Major Live Sports without Cable: This is the solution for watching Monday Night Football, the College Football Playoff, NBA regular season and playoffs, and Sunday Night Baseball without a large bundle subscription.
• Integrated Features: The new app is expected to integrate sports betting features (via ESPN BET), fantasy sports, and advanced live stats directly into the viewing experience.

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Why Peacock?

Owned by NBC, Peacock is an over-the-top (OTT) internet streaming service, designed to be compatible with most devices and suited to on-the-go streaming. It’s also one of the cheapest, most flexible streaming services on the market, with plans starting at $4.99/Mo and cancellable at any time. 

Peacock is a must for soccer fans wanting to watch the full English Premier League (EPL) season. NBC has exclusive broadcasting rights to EPL, airing every match of the season across NBC channels and Peacock Premium.

For a complete schedule and breakdown of upcoming fixtures, check out our full guide on how to watch and live stream the Premier League.

Aside from the excellent soccer coverage, Peacock is compatible with most smart devices as well as TVs and gaming consoles, so is great for on-the-go streaming. Supported devices include Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Google TV, Hisense VIDAA, LG Smart TVs, PlayStation 4 & 5, most Roku devices, Samsung Smart TVs, VIZIO, Xbox, Cox, Xfinity, Meta VR Devices.

Why Sling?

Sling TV is an internet streaming service that offers live tv channels for significantly cheaper monthly subscription packages than premium services like DIRECTV.

Sports channels are split between packages, which can be a little confusing. So if you need a hand, have a read of our article how to watch and live stream sports on Sling TV.

The combined Orange & Blue package is the best value. It saves subscribers overall each month, which leaves wiggle room for some of Sling TV’s add-ons and extras. 

Subscription plans and pricing

Regardless of whether you take advantage of the current promotional offers, a monthly subscription is cheaper than most competitors at full price. You can also cancel your monthly membership at any time, which gives you full control over your account and flexibility if your budget changes. 

Sports Extra features13 additional channels, including Tennis Channel, ESPNU, MLB Network and NBA TV, so is a must for sports fans. Sports Extra is $11 per month when purchased individually, while other add-ons range from $6 to $16.99 per month each.

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Why DAZN?

DAZN is an OTT internet streaming service that specializes in live coverage of boxing, MMA, and elite wrestling. However, coverage has expanded to football, soccer, snooker, esports and more.

Like ESPN+, DANZ is compatible with mobile devices to allow for streaming on the go. So, whether you’re at a bar propping your phone against a beer, or on the busy bus ride home, you’ll be covered to watch all the big fights. You’re also able to delve into boxing archives and watch a backlog of historical fights on demand. The platform also provides pay-per-view (PPV) fighting events. 

For fans of classic rivalries, more than 500 iconic fights are available for on-demand viewing via archives that go back 30 years. Find out more about how to watch and live stream sports on DAZN, or start a subscription today.

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Find the best deals

Subscription plans and pricing

Currently running a seven-day free trial.

Features

Stream over 45,000 episodes and movies with limited commercial interruptions, whether it’s HALO, Mayor of Kingstown or catching up on Criminal Minds Evolution. 

In addition to CBS's main live channel, you can also watch CBS News, CBS Sports Golazo Network, CBS Sports HQ, your local CBS station (with the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan). There are around 20 live channels for you to watch CBS broadcasts.

Offline downloads are a service feature, if you’re watching on demand content.

Paramount+ offers three simultaneous streams to customers, at home or on the go. It also accommodates up to 6 profiles per account.

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What is Fanatiz?

Fanatiz is one of the cheapest internet streaming services for live TV on the market, stealthily knocking Sling TV out of the top spot.

The Front Row Monthly subscription is the best value, bringing you every channel in the lineup, including beIN Sports.

Subscription plans and pricing

The service is very trim, featuring only thirteen channels in the US. But don't let this put you off too quickly. BeIN Sports networks promise live coverage of Copa Libertadores, Sudamericana, Recopa, Argentina's Primera Division, Brasileiro A and B, Ligue 1, Peruvian, Paraguyan, Portuguese, Turkish and French leagues, and selected games from Uruguay.

Channels

Soccer Leagues on Fanatiz

• Argentinian Professional League
• Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana
• Brasileirao Serie A and Serie B.
• Copa Diego Maradona (Argentinian 1st Division)
• Liga BetPlay (Colombian 1st Division)
• Liga Pro (Ecuadorian 1st Division)
• Ligue 1 (French 1st Division) and French Cup.
• Liga 1 (Peruvian 1st Division)
• Portuguese League
• Turkish League
• Uruguayan League
• El Salvador League
• Honduras League
• Costa Rica League
• Liga MX
• Liga Femenil

Find out more about how to watch and live stream soccer on Fanatiz.

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Find the best deals

Why Apple TV+?

Another subscription that's wonderfully budget friendly, Apple TV+ is just $9.99 per month. Subscription is flexible, so you can cancel at any time. There is also a seven-day free trial running for new customers.

Apple TV+ isn't the best for general live sports coverage, but it's a worthy investment for fans of Major League Soccer. Apple's MLS Season Pass brings you comprehensive MLS and Playoff game without any blackout restrictions, as well as highlights, match analysis and re-plays. Commentary is also be available in both English and Spanish.

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