No Cable? No Problem
Cutting the cord no longer means missing out on live sports. With the rise of streaming platforms, you can watch football, basketball, soccer, hockey or even niche sports without a traditional cable package. The challenge is choosing the right service, since each one has its own lineup features, and pricing. If you want to know where to watch live sports online, keep reading, as we review five options.
1. YouTube TV
YouTube TV is one of the most popular options for sports fans because it combines national sports networks, local affiliates and advanced viewing features in one subscription. With access to channels like ESPN, FOX Sports and NBC Sports, plus regional coverage depending on your home area, it covers most major leagues and events.
One of its standout features is the Sports Plus add-on, which unlocks specialty programming such as NFL RedZone and niche sports channels. Fans who like to track multiple games at once will also appreciate Multiview, which allows you to watch up to four live broadcasts on the same screen. YouTube TV goes further by layering in interactive features like live stats, “key plays” markers so you can jump to highlights and even fantasy football integration during NFL games.
Cloud DVR storage is included, letting you record and save entire seasons of games to catch up later. The biggest caveat is that local channel availability varies by market, and the service can get expensive once add-ons are factored in. Still, for sheer breadth and user-friendly features, it’s hard to beat.
2. FuboTV
If your main priority is sports above everything else, FuboTV deserves a look. It started as a sports-centric platform and still leans heavily in that direction, offering a wide array of channels that cover not just U.S. leagues but also international competitions. Soccer fans in particular benefit from its coverage of European leagues and tournaments.
FuboTV includes helpful playback tools like “Catch Up to Live,” highlight reels and timeline markers that let you skip straight to pivotal moments. It also offers its own version of Multiview, making it easy to follow simultaneous games. While FuboTV does carry entertainment and news channels, its strength lies in the depth of sports coverage. The trade-off is cost—premium bundles with every sports network can be pricey, and regional blackouts still apply in some markets.
Related Search Topics (Ads)
3. Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV is another strong all-around option that blends traditional TV channels with on-demand streaming. Sports coverage includes national networks like ESPN, along with local channels and regional sports affiliates where available. With Hulu’s DVR, you can record games and save them for months, giving you flexibility if you can’t watch live.
The service also offers add-ons for dedicated sports fans, including channels like NFL RedZone and the Tennis Channel. Pricing is competitive for the amount of content you get, but costs can rise if you add too many extras. Hulu’s appeal lies in its balance: you get reliable sports coverage alongside a vast library of shows and movies, all in one place.
4. DAZN
For fans of combat sports, women’s soccer or global competitions, DAZN has carved out a unique niche. Unlike services that focus on U.S. cable channels, DAZN operates as a standalone sports streaming platform, with programming that varies depending on your country. Boxing and MMA are its strongest draws, with exclusive fights and pay-per-view-style events.
Beyond live matches, DAZN offers on-demand replays, highlights and original programming, making it more like a sports hub than a traditional channel bundle. Pricing is generally lower than big live TV services, though the trade-off is less coverage of mainstream U.S. leagues. If your interests run more international or niche, DAZN could be the most cost-effective choice.
5. Other Options
A few other platforms are worth mentioning for their specific strengths. Amazon Prime Video has secured rights to Thursday Night Football and occasionally streams other high-profile events. Paramount+ streams live games broadcast on CBS, including NFL and college sports, while Peacock carries NBC’s sports lineup. Each of these can be affordable add-ons if your team’s games are consistently tied to a particular network.
What to Look For Before You Subscribe
To make sure you get good value and don’t miss your favorite games:
- What leagues and sports are covered. Make sure the service has the leagues and teams you care about.
- Local channels and regional sports networks. If your local team is included. Licensing often limits what’s available where you live.
- Device support and extra features. Multiview, stats, DVR, highlights and replays — these matter for a better experience.
- Price + add-ons. Base subscriptions may not include premium sports channels or special broadcasts, so factor those in.
- Streaming quality and latency. Especially important for live sports: delay, buffering and video quality can make a big difference.
- Flexibility and contracts. Month-to-month plans are better if you want to cancel; beware of services that lock you in.
Streaming has transformed the way fans follow live sports, giving more choice and flexibility than cable ever could. The best service for you depends on your favorite teams and leagues, your budget and the features you care about. Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive package like YouTube TV, a sports-first approach with FuboTV or niche coverage on DAZN, there’s never been a better time to watch sports online.