Cable used to be the go-to for sports fans—but with rising subscription costs and limited flexibility, many viewers are cutting the cord and turning to more affordable streaming options. Whether you’re into NFL, NBA, soccer, or college athletics, there are now multiple ways to catch games live without overpaying.
Here’s how to watch sports without cable while keeping your monthly budget in check.
- Sling TV: Flexible, Low-Cost Sports Packages
Sling TV offers two main packages—Orange and Blue—each with access to different sports channels. For most sports fans, Sling Blue is ideal since it includes NFL Network and FOX regional sports. Combine both packages for access to:
- ESPN
- TNT
- NFL Network
- FS1 and FS2
- NBC and FOX in select markets
Sling frequently runs discounts for first-time users, and there’s no long-term contract required.
- ESPN+: Affordable Access to Live Sports and Originals
ESPN+ is a standalone service offering access to:
- UFC Fight Night
- NHL out-of-market games
- College football and basketball
- PGA Tour, tennis, and international soccer
At just $10.99/month (or less when bundled with Disney+ and Hulu), ESPN+ is one of the most cost-effective ways to stream live sports and exclusive ESPN content.
- FuboTV: Best for Live Sports Fans (But Pricier)
FuboTV is designed specifically for sports enthusiasts and includes over 100 channels, many of them sports-focused. You’ll get:
- Local networks (CBS, NBC, FOX)
- Regional sports networks (RSNs)
- NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL coverage
- International soccer including LaLiga and Serie A
Though prices start higher ($79.99/month), it may be worth it if you’re replacing a full sports cable package.
- Peacock: Live Premier League, Sunday Night Football, and More
Peacock includes select live sports even on its $5.99/month plan, such as:
- Premier League soccer
- Sunday Night Football
- WWE premium events
- Olympics coverage and highlights
If you’re a casual fan who mainly watches these events, Peacock offers excellent value.
- Paramount+: Great for NFL on CBS and UEFA Champions League
Paramount+ is the home for:
- Live NFL games broadcast by CBS
- UEFA Champions League and Europa League matches
- SEC college football
- CBS Sports Network content
At $5.99/month (or $11.99/month for the ad-free tier with Showtime), it’s a bargain for football and soccer fans alike.
- YouTube TV: Strong Channel Lineup With DVR
YouTube TV is one of the most comprehensive cable replacements, offering:
- ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC
- ESPN, FS1, NFL Network
- Unlimited DVR
- Easy user interface across devices
It’s priced at $72.99/month and includes multiple sports networks—ideal for households that need broad coverage with flexibility.
- Antenna for Free Local Broadcasts
For fans of local games, an HD antenna is still one of the cheapest options. You can watch:
- NFL on CBS, NBC, and FOX
- College football games
- NBA and MLB games when broadcast locally
Devices like Mohu Leaf cost around $30–$50 and provide free access indefinitely.
- Combine Subscriptions With Cashback Tools
While many services are already low-cost, it’s possible to save even more by using platforms like Fluz to purchase discounted Hulu gift cards. Fluz provides instant rewards on digital gift card purchases that can be used toward subscription fees.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a cable subscription to stay in the game. From low-cost streaming services like ESPN+ and Paramount+ to flexible bundles like Sling and YouTube TV, sports fans now have more affordable choices than ever. Choose the platform that aligns with your favorite leagues, and consider using gift card cashback platforms to reduce your recurring costs.
