Many people keep their cable contract so they can watch live sports. What they don’t realize is that you can watch sports without cable and save significant money each month thanks to live TV streaming services.
You don’t need a pricey monthly bill or a contract to watch your favorite team or league. All you need is decent Wi-Fi and a list of your must-have channels.
Here’s how to get sports without cable or satellite.
Channels You Need to Watch Live Sports
Before you cancel cable, take some time to figure out which sports channels and networks you will need to fill the void.
Besides local channels, you will want access to the following networks to watch most events:
- The full-suite of ESPN channels (ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU)
- Fox Sports 1 and 2 (FS1 and FS2)
The options above let you watch most games and matches, but you may also want regional sports networks (RSNs). Several popular live streaming services offer RSNs, but this depends on your location and service.
The good news is that an affordable antenna provides free over-the-air TV to watch sports on local channels.
You can find reliable antennas on Amazon. They’re the cheapest way to watch sports without cable and may bridge the gap until you decide on a streaming platform.
Top Streaming Services for Sports
Not all live platforms are a good choice for watching sports. Some may not have local channels, while others lack enough programming.
Here are the top streaming services for live sports.
fuboTV
FuboTV is best for live and international sports. While the network began with a focus on soccer, it now boasts some of the best channels for sports fans.
Not only do you get the family of ESPN channels, including ACCN and BTN, but you also get additional networks, including:
- FS1 and FS2
- CBS Sports Network (CBSN)
- MotorTrend
- NFL Channel
- Local networks
- Bally Sports regional sports networks
Niche sports channels like the Golf Network and the Olympic Channel are included as well. It also has a dozen add-ons to further enhance your viewing experience.
The one drawback is that fubo doesn’t offer Fox RSNs in many locations. The company makes up for this with a 1,000 hour DVR storage capacity.
It also doesn’t carry the Turner Networks, which are important for March Madness. Read our guide on ways to stream March Madness for other services that air the men’s tournament.
Read our detailed fubo review to learn more.
Hulu Live
Hulu Live is a close second to fubo for streaming sports channels. It is best for people wanting access to popular networks.
The platform carries many of the same channels as fuboTV, but it also includes:
- TBS
- TNT
- ESPNews
Similarly, Hulu with Live TV has NBC regional networks and locals. Unfortunately, the service does not carry most Fox RSNs but it does offer an unlimited DVR.
Read our Hulu with Live TV review to learn more.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV is best for people who want to watch pro sports live. It gives you access to many of the same networks as Hulu Live and fuboTV.
The service also offers several unique networks, including:
- TBS
- TNT
- MLB Network
- NBA TV
- Olympic Channel
In addition, the YouTube streaming service provides access to local networks and NBC RSNs, but no Fox RSNs.
YouTube TV boasts the best DVR, with unlimited recording capabilities.
Read our detailed YouTube TV review to learn more.
Sling TV
Sling TV is the most affordable option to stream sports without cable. It has two base packages. Those are Orange and Blue.
Orange includes ESPN. Blue includes FS1. You must combine the two to get both.
You get what you pay for with Sling in terms of sports. In the Blue Plan, Sling only carries NBC and Fox for locals in select markets. What it lacks in the base package it makes up for it in its Sports add-on for $11 a month.
The add-on includes some of the following sought after channels:
- NBA TV
- Pac-12 Network, which isn’t available in any of the above streaming platforms other than fubo
- Longhorn Network
- NHL Network
Pairing Sling with an antenna can be an excellent choice to watch sports. If you want to record games, its DVR has the same 50 hour capacity as Hulu Live.
Read our Sling review to learn more.
ESPN+
ESPN+ is best for people who want original content and hard-to-find sports, such as college action from smaller schools. The platform is also a good option to watch pro sports without cable for those into niche sports.
It is not a replacement for the ESPN live stream. Instead, it is a supplement to the channel.
The app is an affordable $9.99 per month and is the exclusive provider of UFC pay-per-view (PPV) fights.
You also get access to countless other programming options, including:
- Up to 200 NHL games a year
- Professional soccer, including international leagues
- Boxing
- Cricket
- Canadian Football League (CFL)
The app has loads of fantasy football content. It also offers original content like Peyton’s Place and Stephen A’s World.
Read our ESPN+ review to learn more.
How to Get Your Favorite Sports
It’s easy to watch sports online using any of the live TV streaming services listed above. That said, they may not meet all of your needs.
Here are some resources to supplement action or provide a more focused approach to your favorite team or league.
NFL Games
If you’re a fan of the NFL, you may think the NFL Sunday Ticket is the only way to see all of the action. Many sports streaming services let you watch games throughout the week.
fuboTV is your best bet to watch games as it carries the NFL Network as well as other popular channels.
If you don’t want a streaming provider and are fine with a bare-bones option, NFL+ is a suitable alternative. The platform starts at $4.99 per month and allows you to watch any game you want.
Read our NFL+ review to learn more.
Read our guide on how to watch NFL games without cable to learn more about how to catch all the pigskin action.
College Football
Watching college football games works similar to NFL games. The only difference is needing access to conference networks for additional action.
Hulu Live, YouTube TV, fubo, and Sling all provide the major college sports networks. fuboTV and Sling include the PAC-12 Network in their offerings. Sling requires the Sports add-on to access that.
Read our guide on ways to get live college football without cable to learn more.
NBA Games
If you want to know how to watch NBA games without cable, you’re typically set with the following channels:
- ABC
- ESPN
- TNT
Hulu Live and YouTube TV are terrific choices for NBA action, but only the latter includes NBA.TV. Sling also offers NBA.TV.
It’s important to note that Sling requires the Sports add-on. Also, you won’t receive local channels.
The big concern with basketball games is watching out-of-market games. NBA League Pass is a good solution and a standalone service.
Pricing begins at $120 per season for one team, going up to $250 per season for all games, with no commercials.
If you want to watch WNBA games, your options are limited. Luckily, you can catch the action on ABC and ESPN.
*Related: Are you a basketball fan and not near your favorite team? Read our guide on how to watch out-of-market NBA games and save big bucks.
They also offer games on CBSN.
Baseball Games
Want to know how to watch baseball without cable? Many games are available on ESPN or FS1. With the exception of Sling, this makes all of the discussed streaming platforms good options.
If you’re addicted to the national past time, another option is MLB.TV. For $129 per season, you can view all the games. You’ll also get other features like the ability to watch simultaneous games.
NHL Games
Figuring out how to watch hockey games without cable is a little trickier than other sports due to more Canadian teams. You can watch most American-based teams on Fox, which you can receive on fuboTV or Hulu.
*Related: Do you like the Olympics, but don’t want to be in a contract? Read our guide on how to stream the Beijing Olympics without cable and save big bucks.
Similar to other professional sports, you can watch NHL games through a standalone service. NHL.TV airs all games and lets you watch up to four at once.
The platform costs $80 for the season and provides access to all regular-season games.
Soccer
Globally, soccer is the most popular sport. If you’re a fan, fuboTV is a must-have. FuboTV launched with a primary focus on soccer. It airs soccer matches from all over the world.
WWE
You may not consider WWE a sport, but many people enjoy it. WWE Raw and Smackdown, their staple broadcasts, air on the USA Network and Fox.
Hulu Live, YouTube TV, and fuboTV all carry those networks. Sling Blue offers these options in select markets.
What if you want to watch their Pay-Per-View action plus original series and other content? WWE Network is the answer and costs only $9.99 per month.
The platform offers a free 30-day trial to test the service.
Golf
You’re in luck if you want to watch golf without cable. Most larger PGA Tour events are on CBS, so all you need is an antenna.
Golf is also available via Hulu Live, ESPN, plus the NBC Golf Channel.
If you want to live stream the PGA Tour, you can do so on their website.
NASCAR
There is no streaming platform for NASCAR. Thankfully, most races are on Fox or NBC. To watch, you just need an antenna.
Watch UFC without Cable
UFC is the most well-known mixed martial arts (MMA) league in existence. Fox is the main option to watch UFC. All you need is an antenna.
If you want to watch bouts on FS1, any of the previously listed streaming providers will help.
For those who want to watch PPV fights, ESPN+ is your only choice.
FAQs
Cutting the cord is scary for many sports fans. Don’t let it hold you back from getting rid of your cable box.
Here are some common questions aspiring cord-cutters have regarding watching sports.
Which streaming service is best for live sports?
Large cable replacement services know sports are important to many viewers. Platforms set themselves apart with their offerings to woo potential customers.
Here are the top streaming services to watch sports:
- FuboTV – overall best streaming service for live sports
- Sling TV – best for add-ons to a dozen niche channels
- YouTube TV – best for local networks and DVR
- Hulu Live – best for college sports
These options all offer free trials. They also don’t require you to sign a contract. You can try them out until you find one that works for you.
*Related: Read our guide on how to watch ABC live without a contract to learn the best options to get your favorite network shows.
Don’t overlook switching services as needed if there’s one that carries more networks for your favorite league when it’s in season.
How can I watch sports without a TV provider?
It is very simple. Pick a no-contract streaming service that carries the channels you want. You don’t need cable to watch live sports action.
All live platforms offer a way to watch sporting events. You just need to find one you like.
How can I get ESPN for free?
There is no way to stream ESPN for free.
Some websites may advertise you can watch the network at no cost. These are illegal and often full of spam. They’re typically not reliable either.
If you want to watch ESPN at a low cost, Sling Orange is your best choice.
Can I watch ESPN without a TV provider?
Yes, you can watch ESPN without a cable provider. Each of the four TV streaming services discussed (fuboTV, Hulu Live, YouTube TV, and Sling) offers ESPN part of their base packages.
You can also stream some ESPN content on the ESPN+ app.
Bottom Line
It’s an exciting time to be alive for sports fans who want to cut the cord. Countless options are available to save money each month and watch the sports you love.
There is no need to stay in an expensive contract to watch your favorite team or league. Try a few of the services mentioned above to find one that works for you and pocket the savings.
How do you watch sports without cable? What’s one sport you cannot miss?
I’m John Schmoll, a former stockbroker, MBA-grad, published finance writer, and founder of Frugal Rules.
As a veteran of the financial services industry, I’ve worked as a mutual fund administrator, banker, and stockbroker and was Series 7 and 63-licensed, but I left all that behind in 2012 to help people learn how to manage their money.
My goal is to help you gain the knowledge you need to become financially independent with personally-tested financial tools and money-saving solutions.
Every streaming service requires an internet connection. Usually a minimum of 3mbps if you are going to get decent picture quality. So every one of the services you recommend here are useless unless you are paying for WiFi. Which in my area adds at least $50 per month. Yet the doesn’t get mentioned in your efforts to help cut cable
That is a fair point. However, we have numerous articles on the site that discuss this very issue & the importance of doing the math. You’re also overlooking the fact that each situation is different. Just because you may have found something to be true for you doesn’t mean that’s the case for all. In my instance, for example, cutting the cord saves us $80 per month, and that’s with paying for internet.
youtubetv allowing 6 screens at a time unlimited DVR and by far more sports channels. best way for my entire family to be able to watch and not capped by only one or two screens. Can I guess that you do not have a business relationship with them, thus not mentioned?
Yes, the six screens and DVR is definitely a big sell for Youtube TV. However, I’d beg to differ on the “far more” sports channels. Hulu Live goes toe-to-toe with them. Sling TV is good, especially with the sports add-on. PS Vue is decent as well, although a bit on the pricey side. No, we don’t have a relationship with YouTube TV. The purpose of this post wasn’t to go into all of the options, as we have other posts where they’re included and are for that purpose. We’ve also not adequately tested the platform yet to do a full breakdown of it.