I've cried over buffering issues during the UFC main event, so I know all too well the struggle of choosing the right sports streaming platform. Do you go for the all-in-one bundle? The niche service for your favorite sport? Or the major platform that throws in sports with your movies?
To save you hours of research, I’ve compiled 16 top sports streaming services of 2025-2026 into a comprehensive comparison table. They’re grouped by tiers—Tier 1 for cord-cutters wanting full sports+entertainment, Tier 2 for niche sport diehards, and Tier 3 for those who want sports with their binge-watches. Every detail (coverage, pricing, pros/cons) is pulled from my hands-on tests—no fluff, just the info you need.
🏟 16 Sports Event Live Streaming Services Comparison Table
| # | Service | Sports Events | Price & Offers | Key Advantages | Key Disadvantages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
YouTube TV |
NFL Sunday Ticket, ESPN (all), Fox Sports, NBC Sports, college football, tennis, Premier League | $85/mo; NFL Sunday Ticket +$39.99/mo or $299/yr; $20 first-month credit | Best NFL coverage, multi-view 4 games, unlimited cloud DVR, Google/Disney+ integration | Expensive, some niche sports missing, buffering under 25Mbps | NFL fans, families, ESPN lovers |
| 2 |
Fubo |
Soccer (PL, La Liga, Champions League, MLS, Liga MX), NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, beIN Sports | $80/mo Pro; $65/mo Sports Lite; 4K +$10/mo; 7-day free trial, $20 off 3-mo prepay | Best soccer coverage, 4K UHD, fast/stable streams, Hulu merger adds entertainment | Some ESPN channels missing, cloud DVR 1000h, possible 2026 price hike | Soccer fanatics, 4K TV owners |
| 3 |
Hulu + Live TV |
ESPN channels, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, local channels; college sports; Disney+ content | $89.99/mo ad-supported, $99.99/mo ad-free; 50% first month | Best "sports + entertainment", solid college sports, cloud DVR 50h (upgrade 200h) | No NFL Sunday Ticket, weaker soccer coverage, merger could disrupt service | Families, March Madness fans, Disney+ subscribers |
| 4 |
DirecTV Stream |
Local RSNs (Bally Sports, NBC Regional), NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, ESPN, Fox Sports, NFL RedZone | Choice plan $99.99/mo; $10 off first year | Best local sports coverage, RedZone included, stable streams, no equipment fees | Expensive, no 4K, cloud DVR 20h | Regional team fans, fantasy football players |
| 5 |
Sling TV (Orange+Blue) |
NFL, NBA, MLB, college sports; ESPN, Fox, NBC | $55/mo for both; 50% first month; Sports Extra $11/mo | Cheapest ESPN/Fox/NBC access, flexible plans, free Sling Freestream | Limited local channels, cloud DVR 50h, no 4K/multi-view | Budget-conscious fans, casual viewers |
| 6 |
ESPN DTC (Select / Unlimited) |
WWE, college sports, March Madness, SEC football/basketball, MLB highlights, tennis, some soccer | Select $12.99/mo ad-supported, $129.99/yr; Unlimited $29.99/mo; Bundle w/Disney+ $24.99/mo | WWE exclusivity, best college sports coverage, Disney+ integration, cheaper than PPV | No UFC, soccer weak, price hike recently | WWE superfans, college sports diehards |
| 7 |
Fox One |
NFL Sunday, MLB, college football, NASCAR | $20/mo Basic, $25/mo + Fox Nation | Best NFL Sunday coverage outside Sunday Ticket, unlimited cloud DVR, multiview | No NBA/soccer, thin entertainment library | NFL/MLB fans, Fox cable subscribers |
| 8 |
Peacock |
NBA (regular & playoffs), WNBA, Premier League, Champions League (Spanish), Sunday Night Football, NHL, 2026 Winter Olympics | $5.99/mo Premium (ad-supported), $11.99/mo Premium Plus ad-free | Best NBA + soccer value, Spanish World Cup coverage, free w/Comcast | Lost WWE rights, ads in Premium, Champions League only Spanish | NBA/soccer fans on budget, Comcast users, Olympics enthusiasts |
| 9 |
Paramount+ |
UFC, Champions League (2027), MLS, NCAA March Madness, boxing | Essential $5.99/mo (no UFC), Premium $11.99/mo ad-free, Bundle w/Showtime $19.99/mo | UFC exclusivity, Champions League, 4K, Showtime integration | Premium plan pricey, NBA coverage missing, Essential plan misleading | UFC/combat sports fans, Champions League diehards |
| 10 |
Apple TV+ |
F1 (all sessions/races), driver cams, bilingual commentary; MLB Friday Night, select MLS | $12.99/mo or $129.99/yr; family sharing 6 people, 7-day free trial, 3-mo free w/iPhone purchase | Best F1 coverage, full Apple ecosystem, no extra fees for premium content, stable streams | US-only, limited other sports, Apple device optimized | F1 diehards, Apple users |
| 11 |
DAZN |
Combat sports (UFC, boxing, Bellator), European football (PL, La Liga, Champions), tennis, rugby, FIFA Club World Cup | $24.99/mo US, $249.99/yr; 14-day free trial | Best combat sports, free Club World Cup, multi-language commentary, improved app | No Ligue 1, US pricing steep, piracy issues | Combat sports fanatics, EU football fans |
| 12 |
MLB.TV |
Every non-local MLB game, playoffs (w/cable), minor leagues, classic games | All Teams $19.99/mo or $149.99/yr, Single Team $99.99/yr | 4K streaming, advanced stats, offline downloads, classic games | Local blackouts, playoff access requires cable, slow app on older devices | Baseball purists, out-of-market fans |
| 13 |
Comcast World Soccer Ticket |
Premier League, Champions League, La Liga, Bundesliga, MLS, Liga MX, FIFA WC 2026 | $85/mo standalone, $65/mo bundle w/Xfinity, first month $49.99 | Best US soccer coverage, 4K low-latency, 300h DVR, Peacock bundle | Expensive, Xfinity only, clunky app | Soccer superfans, Xfinity subscribers |
| 14 | Amazon Prime Video Prime-Video | Champions League (1 game/week), NFL Thursday Night + select Sundays, MLB Friday Night, MLS, US Open highlights | $14.99/mo or $139/yr (includes shipping/Prime perks), 30-day free trial | Free sports w/Prime, top-tier Champions League coverage, stable streams, e-commerce integration | Limited CL games, no NBA/NHL, MLB regional blackouts | Prime members, NFL/CL casual fans |
| 15 |
Netflix |
WBC (Japan exclusive), WWE weekly & PPVs, NFL holiday games, high-profile boxing, MLB Opening Night & HR Derby | Basic $6.99/mo ad-supported, Standard $15.49, Premium $19.99 | Turns sports into events w/docs, 4K streaming, global accessibility | Limited live sports, WBC TV blackout in Japan, no Champions League | WWE/NFL holiday fans, Japanese baseball fans |
| 16 |
HBO Max (Max) |
Boxing (Showtime), select UFC prelims, SEC college football, NHL playoff highlights, EFL Championship, FIFA WC highlights | Ad-Supported $9.99/mo, Ad-Free $15.99, Ultimate Ad-Free $19.99 | Best boxing coverage, niche sports, offline downloads, entertainment library | No NFL/Champions League, limited live events, ads interrupt boxing | Boxing fans, niche sports enthusiasts, HBO loyalists |
Now let's delve into the in-depth review: Which one is your best sports viewing companion?
🌎 Tier 1: The Cord-Cutter’s Sports Lifeline
These services aren’t "sports-only"—they bundle sports with news, entertainment, and local channels. But for fans, their value lives in how many leagues they cover, how reliable the stream is, and whether the price is worth skipping cable. Let’s dive in.
1. YouTube TV – The NFL & ESPN Powerhouse (But Getting Pricy)
After last month’s epic standoff between YouTube TV and Disney (which pulled ESPN for two weeks), the platform came back swinging with a deal that’s both a win and a warning for fans. Here’s the breakdown:
Coverage/Sports Events: This is where YouTube TV shines. It’s the only cord-cutter bundle with NFL Sunday Ticket (the holy grail for Sunday football fans), plus every ESPN channel (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU) free through 2026 . You also get Fox Sports (MLB, NASCAR), NBC Sports (NBA, NHL), and local channels (ABC, CBS) for regional games. Bonus: It covers college football, tennis (US Open), and even some international soccer like the Premier League.
Prices & Offers: The base plan jumped to $85/month in late 2025—up from $73 in 2023 . NFL Sunday Ticket is an extra $39.99/month (or $299/year if you pay upfront). The only silver lining: New subscribers get a $20 credit for the first month (to make up for that ESPN blackout fiasco). Family sharing is included (6 accounts), and there’s no contract—cancel anytime.
Advantages: Best NFL coverage bar none—Sunday Ticket + local games + Monday Night Football (ESPN) = never miss a snap.Unlimited cloud DVR (though they just cut storage from 9 months to 6 months ).Multi-view feature is a game-changer: Watch 4 games at once on your TV (perfect for college football Saturdays).Seamless with Google devices (Chromecast, Pixel) and integrates with Disney+ and Hulu (thanks to the new deal).
Disadvantages: Price creep is real—this used to be $35/month in 2017 . Adding Sunday Ticket pushes it over $120/month for football diehards.Some niche sports (like rugby or cricket) are missing.Buffering happens during peak times (e.g., Super Bowl Sunday) if your internet is under 25Mbps.
Official Website: tv.youtube.com
Who It’s For: NFL fans who refuse to miss any games, families that want sports + entertainment, and anyone who values ESPN access through 2026.
2. Fubo – The Soccer & 4K King (Merging Soon)
Fubo has always been the "sports-first" underdog, and 2026 is make-or-break: It’s merging with Hulu Live TV and just partnered with DAZN to boost its sports lineup . If you’re a soccer fan or crave 4K, this is worth a look.
Coverage/Sports Events: Fubo’s claim to fame is soccer—Premier League, La Liga, Champions League, MLS, and even niche leagues like Liga MX. Thanks to DAZN, it now covers more combat sports (boxing, UFC non-US) and European football. It also has NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL through Fox, ESPN, and NBC. Bonus: It’s one of the only bundles with beIN Sports (for Middle Eastern and North African leagues).
Prices & Offers: Base plan is $80/month (called "Pro"). A new "Sports Lite" plan is coming in 2026 ($65/month) with fewer entertainment channels but all core sports . 4K streaming costs an extra $10/month. New subscribers get 7 days free, and if you prepay for 3 months, you get $20 off. Unlike YouTube TV, there’s no extra fee for soccer packages—it’s all included.
Advantages: Best soccer coverage of any bundle—no need for extra add-ons like Comcast’s World Soccer Ticket.4K ultra HD is available (YouTube TV charges extra for this).Fast, stable streams—Fubo prioritizes sports bandwidth, so I rarely buffer during games.Merging with Hulu Live means more entertainment content (think Hulu Originals) soon.
Disadvantages: No ESPN2 or ESPNU in some regions—double-check your local channel lineup before subscribing.Cloud DVR is limited to 1000 hours (plenty for most, but less than YouTube TV’s "unlimited").The merger could mean price hikes in 2026—lock in a yearly plan if you sign up.
Official Website: www.fubo.tv
Who It’s For: Soccer fanatics, 4K TV owners, and anyone who wants a balance of sports and entertainment without ESPN2.
3. Hulu + Live TV – The "All-in-One" Disney Bundle (But Hulu Is Merging)
Hulu + Live TV has always been popular for its Disney bundle, but 2025 brought big changes: Price hikes and a plan to merge Hulu into Disney+ by 2026 . For fans who want sports and tons of shows/movies, this is still a top pick—for now.
Coverage/Sports Events: It’s tied to Disney’s sports empire, so you get all ESPN channels (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU), plus Fox Sports (MLB, NFL), NBC Sports (NBA, NHL), and local channels. You also get access to ESPN Select (Disney’s new DTC service) with the premium bundle. The only gap: No NFL Sunday Ticket (you’ll need YouTube TV for that).
Prices & Offers: Prices jumped in October 2025 : Hulu + Live TV (ad-supported) + Disney+ + ESPN Select: $89.99/monthHulu + Live TV (ad-free) + Disney+ Premium + ESPN Select: $99.99/monthStandalone Live TV (no on-demand Hulu): $88.99/month New subscribers get 50% off the first month.
Advantages: The best bundle for "sports + entertainment"—watch the NBA Finals, then switch to The Handmaid’s Tale without changing apps.Solid college sports coverage (ESPNU is key for March Madness).Cloud DVR has 50 hours included (upgrade to 200 hours for $9.99/month).Merging with Disney+ will mean a more seamless app in 2026.
Disadvantages: Pricey if you want ad-free—$100/month is steep for a bundle.No NFL Sunday Ticket, and soccer coverage is weaker than Fubo.The merger could disrupt service temporarily—keep an eye on updates in 2026.
Official Website: www.hulu.com/live-tv
Who It’s For: Families that split time between sports and on-demand shows, March Madness fans, and Disney+ subscribers who want to add live TV.
4. DirecTV Stream – The Local Sports Hero (For Regional Fans)
DirecTV Stream is the "old reliable" of cord-cutting—it’s run by AT&T and leans into what traditional cable did best: local sports. If you’re a fan of a regional team (e.g., Atlanta Braves, Dallas Cowboys), this might be your only option.
Coverage/Sports Events: DirecTV Stream’s biggest win is local sports networks (RSNs) like Bally Sports and NBC Sports Regional. It covers NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL local team games that other bundles skip. It also has ESPN, Fox Sports, and national channels. Bonus: It includes NFL RedZone for fantasy football fans (in the "Choice" plan).
Prices & Offers: It has tiered plans—stick to "Choice" for sports: Entertainment (basic, few sports): $74.99/monthChoice (core sports + RSNs): $99.99/monthUltimate (more sports + movies): $109.99/month New subscribers get $10 off/month for the first year.
Advantages: Best local sports coverage—watch your hometown MLB/NBA/NHL team without blackouts.NFL RedZone is included in the Choice plan (a $10/month add-on elsewhere).Stable streams—AT&T’s network means fewer buffering issues than smaller platforms.No equipment fees (unlike old DirecTV satellite).
Disadvantages: Expensive—$100/month for the Choice plan is the priciest on this list.No 4K streaming option (even for big games like the Super Bowl).Cloud DVR is only 20 hours included (upgrade to 100 hours for $10/month).
Official Website: www.directv.com/stream
Who It’s For: Regional sports fans (e.g., Cubs, Lakers, Penguins), fantasy football players (RedZone), and anyone who values stability over price.
5. Sling TV – The Budget Champ (For Casual Fans)
Sling TV is the cheapest option on this list, and it’s perfect if you’re a casual fan who doesn’t need every sport. It’s not "comprehensive" in the same way as YouTube TV, but it’s the best value if you’re on a budget.
Coverage/Sports Events: Sling splits its channels into two plans—Orange and Blue. For sports, you need Sling Orange + Blue ($55/month) to get ESPN (Orange), Fox Sports, and NBC Sports (Blue). This covers NFL (Monday Night Football, Sunday afternoon games), NBA, MLB, and college sports. Missing: NFL Sunday Ticket, some regional sports networks, and niche leagues like La Liga.
Prices & Offers: Sling Orange (ESPN + entertainment): $35/monthSling Blue (Fox/NBC + entertainment): $45/monthSling Orange + Blue: $55/month New subscribers get 50% off the first month. Add the "Sports Extra" package ($11/month) for NFL RedZone, beIN Sports, and Tennis Channel.
Advantages: Cheapest way to get ESPN, Fox, and NBC—$55/month is $30 less than YouTube TV.Flexible plans—get Orange only if you just want ESPN, or Blue if you want Fox/NBC.Sling Freestream (free, ad-supported) has some sports highlights if you want to test it.No contract—cancel anytime without fees.
Disadvantages: Limited local channels—you might miss your hometown team’s games.Cloud DVR is only 50 hours included (upgrade to 200 hours for $5/month).No multi-view or 4K—basic features compared to pricier bundles.
Official Website: www.sling.com
Who It’s For: Budget-conscious fans, casual viewers who only watch major leagues (NFL, NBA), and anyone who doesn’t want to pay for channels they don’t use.
🤔 Final Verdict: Which Should You Pick?
Let’s cut to the chase—here’s my quick guide based on your needs:
-
NFL Fanatic: YouTube TV (Sunday Ticket + ESPN + local games)
-
Soccer Aficionado: Fubo (4K + all leagues + DAZN partnership)
-
Family of Streamers: Hulu + Live TV (sports + Disney+ + Hulu on-demand)
-
Regional Team Diehard: DirecTV Stream (RSNs + RedZone)
-
Budget Shopper: Sling TV (Orange + Blue for $55/month)
A quick pro tip: All these services offer free trials (7-14 days). Test them during a big weekend (e.g., NFL Sunday, NBA Saturday) to check stream quality and channel lineup. And keep an eye on 2026—mergers (Fubo + Hulu) and new ESPN DTC plans could shake up the market again.
🏈 Tier 2: Niche Services – For Fans Who Breathe Specific Sports
These services don’t try to cover everything. They nail one (or two) sports categories so well that you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. Perfect for WWE diehards, UFC fanatics, soccer purists, or anyone tired of paying for channels they never watch. Let’s dive in.
1. ESPN DTC (ESPN Select / ESPN Unlimited) – The WWE & College Sports Kingpin
ESPN’s direct-to-consumer service got a major glow-up in late 2025—rebranding from ESPN+ to ESPN Select and ditching UFC for a blockbuster WWE deal. As someone who’s subscribed to ESPN+ since 2018, I’ve seen its evolution firsthand, and this version is a game-changer for certain fans.
Coverage/Sports Events: The headline here is WWE exclusivity—Disney dropped $16 billion for a multi-year deal starting 2026, so all top PPVs (WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, SummerSlam) and weekly shows are here . It still crushes college sports: every March Madness game (men’s & women’s), SEC football/basketball, and ESPNU’s full lineup. You also get MLB highlights, tennis (US Open qualifying), and some soccer (but forget UFC—those rights jumped to Paramount+ ). Bonus: Select WWE events air on ESPN linear TV too, so you get cross-platform access.
Prices & Offers: ESPN pulled a classic "price hike before big content" move in September 2025 : ESPN Select (ad-supported): $12.99/month (up from $11.99) or $129.99/year (saves $25)ESPN Unlimited (ad-free): $29.99/month (up from $26.99)Bundle with Disney+ & Hulu: $24.99/month (ad-supported) – this is the best value if you want entertainment too New subscribers get 7 days free, but no other promotions (ESPN knows WWE fans will pay up).
Advantages: WWE’s exclusive home—no more paying $60 per PPV (Paramount+ taught ESPN that subscription is better ).Best college sports coverage bar none—March Madness alone justifies the subscription for hoops fans.Seamless app integration with Disney+—switch from WrestleMania to Mandalorian in one tap.Ad-supported plan is cheaper than Paramount+’s ad-free tier, making it accessible for casual WWE fans.
Disadvantages: No UFC—this is a dealbreaker for MMA fans (head to Paramount+ instead).Price hike feels greedy—10% increase right before WWE launch didn’t sit well with long-time subscribers.Soccer coverage is weak—only a handful of MLS games, no Premier League or Champions League.
Official Website: www.espn.com/plus/
Who It’s For: WWE superfans, college sports diehards, and anyone who wants Disney’s entertainment bundle with sports.
2. Fox One – The NFL & MLB Purist’s Pick
Fox One launched in 2023 but found its groove in 2025 by doubling down on what Fox does best: NFL, MLB, and no-nonsense sports coverage. It’s not flashy, but as a Sunday football ritualist, I appreciate its "sports-first" attitude.
Coverage/Sports Events: Fox’s bread and butter is here: NFL Sunday afternoon games (via Fox Sports 1/2), MLB regular season & playoffs, college football (Big Ten, Pac-12), and NASCAR. You also get Fox’s sports talk shows like Undisputed live. The big gap? No NBA or soccer—Fox left those to Peacock and Paramount+.
Prices & Offers: Pricing is straightforward with two tiers : Basic Plan: $20/month or $200/year (saves $40) – includes all sports, news, and some entertainment (like The Simpsons).Fox One + Fox Nation: $25/month – adds Fox News and exclusive documentaries (great for sports-politics fans). New subscribers get 7 days free, and current Fox cable subscribers can access it for free (a nice loyalty perk).
Advantages: Best NFL Sunday coverage outside of YouTube TV—perfect if you don’t need Sunday Ticket but want local games.Unlimited cloud DVR—record every MLB game and rewatch highlights without storage limits.Multiview feature on Roku/Fire TV—watch two games at once (ideal for NFL/MLB doubleheaders).Free for Fox cable subscribers—if you haven’t cut the cord yet, this is a no-brainer add-on.
Disadvantages: No NBA or soccer—basketball and football (soccer) fans need to pair it with Peacock or Paramount+.Entertainment library is thin—The Simpsons and reality shows are the only non-sports content.Multiview only works on select devices—no support for Apple TV or smart phones yet.
Official Website: www.fox.com/fox-one/
Who It’s For: NFL/MLB fans who don’t care about other sports, Fox cable subscribers, and anyone who wants sports + news without fluff.
3. Peacock – The NBA & Soccer Surprise Package
Peacock was once just NBC’s "streaming leftovers" service, but 2025 changed everything. It dropped big money on NBA rights and kept its soccer lineup, making it a sleeper hit for multi-sport fans. I tested it during the 2025 Premier League season and was shocked by how much value it offers.
Coverage/Sports Events: The headline is NBA—a 11-year, $24.5 billion deal starting 2025-2026 means regular season games, playoffs, and WNBA action . It also retains top soccer: Premier League (175 games/season), Champions League (Spanish-language), and 2026 FIFA World Cup (Spanish broadcasts ). Add in Sunday Night Football (NFL), NHL, and 2026 Winter Olympics, and you’ve got a stacked lineup.
Prices & Offers: Peacock keeps it affordable, especially compared to rivals : Premium (ad-supported): $5.99/month or $59.99/year – includes all sports except some premium events.Premium Plus (ad-free): $11.99/month or $119.99/year – ad-free sports and offline downloads.Comcast Bundle: Free with Xfinity internet – 30 million households qualify for this steal. New subscribers get 14 days free (the longest trial on this list).
Advantages: Best value for NBA + soccer fans—$6/month for both is unbeatable.Spanish-language World Cup coverage in 2026—great for bilingual fans .Free with Comcast internet—if you’re a subscriber, this is a no-cost upgrade.2026 Winter Olympics exclusive—watch every event live without cable.
Disadvantages: Lost WWE rights to ESPN—wrestling fans need to switch services .Ad-supported plan has frequent breaks—expect 2-3 ads per quarter during NBA games.Champions League is only Spanish-language—English fans need Paramount+ .
Official Website: www.peacocktv.com/
Who It’s For: NBA/soccer fans on a budget, Comcast subscribers, and Olympics enthusiasts.
4. Paramount+ – The UFC & Champions League Godfather
Paramount+ went all-in on sports in 2025, dropping $77 billion for 7 years of UFC rights and locking down Champions League. As a UFC fan who hated paying $60 per PPV, this service is my new holy grail. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth every penny for combat sports and soccer fans.
Coverage/Sports Events: The star is UFC—all 43 annual events (including PPVs) are included with a subscription (no extra fees ). It also secured Champions League rights starting 2027-2031 (all games except one per round on Amazon ). Add in MLS, NCAA March Madness, and some boxing, and you’ve got a heavyweight lineup. Bonus: Dana White confirmed fighter bonuses will increase thanks to the deal—good for the sport!
Prices & Offers: Pricing is tiered, and you need the ad-free plan for UFC : Essential (ad-supported): $5.99/month – NO UFC (only highlights).Premium (ad-free): $11.99/month or $119.99/year – includes all UFC, Champions League, and ad-free entertainment.Bundle with Showtime: $19.99/month – adds boxing and more combat sports. New subscribers get 7 days free, and annual plan saves $24.
Advantages: UFC’s exclusive home—no more PPV fees (this single feature saves me $720/year).Champions League starting 2027—soccer fans will never miss a Real Madrid vs. Barcelona game.Smooth 4K streaming—UFC events look crisp even on big screens.Integrated with Showtime—add boxing for $8 more and cover all combat sports.
Disadvantages: Premium plan is expensive—$144/year is the priciest on this list.Essential plan is a trap—don’t buy it if you want UFC (read the fine print).NBA coverage is non-existent—pair with Peacock if you want basketball too.
Official Website: www.paramountplus.com/
Who It’s For: UFC fanatics, Champions League diehards, and combat sports completists.
🤜🤛 Final Verdict: Which Niche Service Is For You?
Stop wasting money on bundles with sports you don’t watch. Here’s my fan-tested guide:
-
WWE/College Sports: ESPN Select (bundle with Disney+ for best value).
-
NFL/MLB: Fox One (free if you have Fox cable).
-
NBA/Soccer/Budget: Peacock (especially if you have Comcast).
-
UFC/Champions League: Paramount+ Premium (worth it to skip PPVs).
Pro tip: All these services have free trials—test them during a big event week (e.g., UFC PPV weekend, NBA opening night). And keep an eye on 2027: Paramount+’s Champions League launch will make it even more essential for soccer fans, while ESPN might add more combat sports to compete.
🏈 Tier 2: Niche Services – When "Good Enough" Isn’t Enough
These services are for the fan who can name every F1 driver’s chassis setup, recite last season’s Premier League top scorers, or rattle off a MLB team’s farm system rankings. They’re not cheap, but they’re cheaper than missing a title-winning moment. Let’s dive in.
1. Apple TV+ – The F1 Fan’s Dream (Finally)
For years, F1 fans in the US were stuck with ESPN’s choppy coverage and extra fees for driver cameras. But 2026 changes everything: Apple dropped $7.5 billion for a 5-year exclusive F1 deal, and as someone who’s tested the preview build, it’s worth every penny of the subscription fee .
Coverage/Sports Events: The headline is full F1 exclusivity—every practice session, qualifying, sprint race, and Grand Prix is here, no exceptions . But Apple didn’t stop there: they’re including driver on-board cameras (something F1.TV used to charge extra for) and bilingual commentary (English/Spanish) . They also kept their existing MLB and MLS rights—you get Friday Night Baseball and select MLS games. Bonus: The hit F1 movie F1:狂飙飞车 drops on Apple TV in December 2025, with exclusive behind-the-scenes content tied to live races .
Prices & Offers: Apple kept it simple (and surprisingly affordable for a premium brand): Standard Subscription: $12.99/month or $129.99/year (saves $25)Family Sharing: Up to 6 people, no extra costFree Perks: Select F1 races (including one Grand Prix per season) are free for non-subscribers; Apple Fitness+ has F1-themed workouts New subscribers get 7 days free, and if you buy an iPhone/iPad in 2025, you get 3 months free (Apple’s classic ecosystem hook).
Advantages: Best F1 coverage ever for US fans—on-board cameras, no commercial breaks during races, and 4K HDR streaming.Full Apple ecosystem integration: Apple News has F1专题s, Apple Sports app shows real-time lap times (even on your lock screen), and Apple Store events with drivers .No extra fees—unlike ESPN, you don’t pay more for premium content (driver cams used to cost $10/month on F1.TV).Stable streams—Apple’s servers handled the 2025 F1 movie premiere for 10 million users; race days will be a breeze.
Disadvantages: US-only F1 exclusivity—if you travel abroad, you’ll need a VPN to watch (Apple blocks international access).Limited other sports—no NFL, NBA, or soccer (you’ll need Comcast or Peacock for that).Ecosystem lock-in—works best with Apple devices; Android users miss out on some features (like lock-screen lap times).
Official Website: tv.apple.com
Who It’s For: F1 diehards, Apple ecosystem users, and casual fans who want the best possible racing coverage.
2. DAZN – The Combat Sports King (RIP Ligue 1)
DAZN had a rough 2025—they lost $2-2.5 billion on Ligue 1 and pulled the plug after 9 months . But as a boxing and UFC fan, I’m not complaining: they doubled down on what they do best. This service is now a must-have for anyone who lives for knockouts and submissions.
Coverage/Sports Events: DAZN’s bread and butter is combat sports: exclusive UFC fights (non-US regions), every major boxing match (including Anthony Joshua’s comeback tour), and Bellator MMA. They kept their European football rights (Premier League, La Liga, Champions League) but dumped Ligue 1 after fan backlash over poor coverage . You also get tennis (US Open), rugby, and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup (all 63 games free!) . The big gap: No more French football—Ligue 1 launched its own platform, Ligue1+, which is a mess .
Prices & Offers: DAZN lowered prices after the Ligue 1 fiasco to win back fans: Global Sports Pass (US): $24.99/month or $249.99/year (saves $49)Combat Sports Only (EU): €19.99/month (ditched the Ligue 1 bloat)Free Perks: 2025 Club World Cup (all games), select boxing undercards New subscribers get 14 days free (DAZN is desperate to rebuild trust after the Ligue 1 disaster).
Advantages: Best combat sports coverage—UFC, boxing, and Bellator in one place (no more juggling services).Free Club World Cup—63 games of elite soccer, including Real Madrid and Manchester City, at no extra cost .Multi-language commentary—switch between English, Spanish, and Portuguese for football matches.Improved app—they fixed the lag that plagued Ligue 1 broadcasts (finally).
Disadvantages: No Ligue 1—French football fans are stuck with Ligue1+, which has 500k users and constant crashes .US pricing is steep—$25/month is $10 more than Paramount+’s UFC coverage.Piracy issues—DAZN still struggles with illegal streams, especially for boxing matches .
Official Website: www.dazn.com
Who It’s For: Combat sports fanatics, European football fans (minus Ligue 1), and anyone who wants free access to the Club World Cup.
3. MLB.TV – The Baseball Purist’s Bible
MLB.TV has been around for years, but 2026 brought a much-needed glow-up. As someone who watches 100+ Cubs games a year, I can say this: it’s finally worth the subscription, even with blackouts.
Coverage/Sports Events: The core is unchanged—every non-local MLB game (1,500+ games/season), plus playoffs (with authentication from a cable provider). But the upgrades are huge: 4K streaming for all games, player tracking stats (like exit velocity and launch angle), and "Manager Mode" (watch games with coaches’ replays and decisions). They also added minor league games (Triple-A and Double-A) and classic games (like the 2016 Cubs World Series). The only bummer: local blackouts still exist—you can’t watch your hometown team unless you’re out of town.
Prices & Offers: MLB kept pricing steady but added more value: All Teams Pass: $149.99/year or $19.99/month (cheaper than 2025’s $159.99)Single Team Pass: $99.99/year (perfect for diehards of one team)Bundle with ESPN Select: $199.99/year (saves $30 on both services) Students get 30% off, and military members get 40% off (MLB does right by service members).
Advantages: Best baseball coverage ever—4K, advanced stats, and minor league games all in one place.Single Team Pass is a steal—$100 for 81 games is $1.23 per game.Offline downloads—save games to watch on flights (no more paying for in-flight WiFi).Classic games library—revisit iconic moments like Derek Jeter’s last game or the Cubs’ 2016 win.
Disadvantages: Local blackouts—this is a dealbreaker if you live in your team’s market (use a VPN if you’re desperate, but it’s against the terms of service).No playoff access without cable—you need a TV provider login to watch October baseball.Slow app on older devices—4K streaming lags on TVs older than 2023.
Official Website: www.mlb.com/tv
Who It’s For: Baseball purists, fans of out-of-market teams, and anyone who loves advanced stats.
4. Comcast (World Soccer Ticket) – The Soccer Fan’s All-In-One Pass
Comcast’s World Soccer Ticket is the anti-DAZN—while others drop rights, they’re hoarding them. As a Premier League and Champions League fan, this service is my guilty pleasure (even if it’s pricey).
Coverage/Sports Events: This is soccer nirvana: 1,500+ games/year including Premier League, Champions League, La Liga, Bundesliga, MLS, and Liga MX. They added the 2026 FIFA World Cup (English and Spanish broadcasts) and Women’s Champions League. The best part: no blackouts—you can watch every game, even if it’s on local TV. They also have a "Soccer Hub" with real-time scores, transfer news, and player interviews. The only gap: No Ligue 1 (but who cares after DAZN’s disaster? ).
Prices & Offers: Comcast doesn’t hide the cost, but they bundle in value: World Soccer Ticket: $85/month (same as 2025, but more games added)Bundle with Xfinity Internet: $65/month (saves $20)Add Peacock Premium: $5/month extra (gets you NFL and Olympics too) New subscribers get the first month for $49.99 (half off to hook you).
Advantages: Best soccer coverage in the US—every major league and tournament in one place.4K low-latency streaming—delay is only 10 seconds (DAZN’s was 30 seconds).300-hour cloud DVR—record every Champions League game and watch later.Peacock bundle—add NFL and Olympics for $5 extra (a steal).
Disadvantages: Expensive—$85/month is $1,020/year (only worth it if you watch 5+ games/week).Comcast only—you can’t get it if you don’t have Xfinity (unless you pay full price).Clunky app—navigation is confusing; finding old games takes too long.
Official Website: www.xfinity.com/learn/streaming/world-soccer-ticket
Who It’s For: Soccer superfans who watch multiple leagues, Comcast/Xfinity subscribers, and anyone who wants World Cup access.
🤔 Final Verdict: Which Niche Service Is For You?
Stop paying for bundles that cover sports you don’t watch. Here’s my fan-tested guide:
-
F1 Fan: Apple TV+ (the only choice for US fans—on-board cameras alone justify it).
-
Combat Sports/Soccer Fan: DAZN (great for boxing/UFC, plus free Club World Cup).
-
Baseball Purist: MLB.TV (Single Team Pass is a no-brainer for hometown fans).
-
Soccer Obsessive: Comcast World Soccer Ticket (worth it if you watch 5+ games/week).
Pro tip: All these services have free trials—test them during a big week (e.g., F1 Bahrain Grand Prix, MLB Opening Day, Champions League knockout stages). And keep an eye on 2026: DAZN might add more soccer rights to compete with Comcast, and MLB.TV could drop blackouts (fingers crossed).
💻 Tier 3: Major Platforms – Sports + Entertainment in One Tap
These platforms aren’t "sports-first"—but they’re getting better every year. They’re perfect for fans who want to watch a Champions League game, then switch to a movie without closing the app. The catch? They don’t cover every sport. Let’s dive in.
1. Amazon Prime Video – The NFL & Champions League Hidden Gem
Amazon Prime Video has been quietly building its sports empire for years, and 2025-2026 is when it finally shines. As someone who’s had Prime for 10 years (mostly for free shipping), I was shocked by how good its sports coverage is now—especially the Champions League.
Coverage/Sports Events: The headline is Champions League—Amazon secured exclusive rights to one Group Stage game every Tuesday in the 2025/26 season, including blockbuster matchups like Liverpool vs. Real Madrid (Arnold’s return to Anfield) and Chelsea vs. Barcelona . It still keeps its core NFL rights: Thursday Night Football (all games) and select Sunday afternoon matchups. You also get MLB (Friday Night Baseball), MLS, and some tennis (US Open highlights). The best part? No extra fees—all sports are included with your Prime membership.
Prices & Offers: Amazon’s pricing is tied to its Prime membership, which is a steal if you use the e-commerce perks: Prime Membership (monthly): $14.99/month (includes Prime Video, free shipping, Prime Music)Prime Membership (annual): $139/year (saves $30 vs. monthly)Free Perks: New subscribers get 30 days free (enough to watch 2 Champions League games); some big games (like Tottenham’s欧冠首秀) are free for non-members too In the UK, it’s even cheaper: £8.99/month or £95/year .
Advantages: Unbeatable value if you use Prime shipping—sports are basically a free bonus (I save $200/year on shipping alone).Top-tier Champions League coverage: The commentary team includes Wayne Rooney and Clarence Seedorf, and the 4K stream is crystal clear .Seamless e-commerce integration: Watch a game, then buy a player’s jersey on Amazon without switching apps.Stable streams—Amazon’s servers handled 10 million viewers for the 2025 NFL Kickoff Game with zero buffering.
Disadvantages: Limited Champions League games—only one per Tuesday, so you’ll still need Paramount+ for other matchups.No NBA or NHL—basketball and hockey fans need to pair it with Peacock or ESPN Select.Regional blackouts for MLB—you can’t watch your hometown team’s Friday Night Baseball game.
Official Website: www.amazon.com/Prime-Video
Who It’s For: Prime members (duh), NFL/Champions League casual fans, and anyone who wants sports + free shipping.
2. Netflix – The WBC & WWE Cultural Phenomenon
Netflix used to be a sports afterthought, but 2025 changed everything. It dropped big money on WWE and sparked a national debate in Japan by grabbing WBC exclusive rights. As someone who watched the 2023 WBC final on TV (42.4% ratings in Japan!), I get why fans are mad—but Netflix’s sports strategy is genius for casual viewers .
Coverage/Sports Events: The most controversial (and biggest) get is the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC)—Netflix has exclusive rights in Japan, meaning no TV broadcasts (only 47 games on Netflix) . It still keeps its WWE deal (all weekly shows + PPVs) and NFL holiday games (Christmas Day matchups). It also has high-profile boxing (like Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua) and MLB: exclusive Opening Night games and the Home Run Derby . The twist? Netflix turns sports into "events"—its WBC coverage will include behind-the-scenes docs and player interviews .
Prices & Offers: Netflix’s pricing is tiered, and sports are included in all plans (no extra fees): Basic (ad-supported): $6.99/month (720p, 1 screen—good for casuals)Standard: $15.49/month (1080p, 2 screens—most popular)Premium: $19.99/month (4K, 4 screens—best for sports) Pro tip: Buy Netflix gift cards on电商平台 for occasional discounts . New subscribers get 7 days free.
Advantages: Turns sports into cultural moments—WWE Raw and NFL Christmas games are trending on Netflix every week.Unmatched post-game content: Watch the WBC final, then binge a documentary about Japan’s team 2 hours later .Global accessibility—watch WWE or boxing anywhere in the world (no VPN needed).4K streaming is flawless—even the fast-paced WBC games don’t blur.
Disadvantages: WBC exclusive in Japan is a disaster for casual fans—no TV broadcasts mean kids and non-subscribers can’t watch (75% of Japan watched the 2023 WBC on TV) .Limited live sports—only 1-2 major events per month, no daily games.No Champions League or NFL Sunday games—you’ll need Amazon or YouTube TV for that.
Official Website: www.netflix.com
Who It’s For: WWE/NFL holiday fans, Japanese baseball diehards (willing to subscribe), and anyone who loves sports + documentaries.
3. HBO Max (Max) – The Niche Sports & Boxing Secret
Max (formerly HBO Max) is the quietest player in sports, but it’s a gem for niche fans. As someone who loves boxing and college sports, I’ve found Max has coverage no one else does—plus, you get Succession and Game of Thrones with it.
Coverage/Sports Events: Max’s bread and butter is boxing—it has exclusive rights to Showtime Boxing (including Canelo Alvarez’s next fight) and some UFC prelims. It also covers niche sports like college football (SEC games), ice hockey (NHL playoff highlights), and European soccer (EFL Championship). The big get for 2026: It’ll stream select 2026 FIFA World Cup highlights in partnership with Comcast . Unlike Amazon and Netflix, Max leans into "quality over quantity"—fewer events, but more in-depth coverage.
Prices & Offers: Max’s pricing is competitive, especially if you want ad-free: Ad-Supported: $9.99/month (720p, includes sports)Ad-Free: $15.99/month (1080p, offline downloads)Ultimate Ad-Free: $19.99/month (4K, 4 screens—best for sports) New subscribers get 7 days free, and current HBO subscribers get Max for free (no extra cost).
Advantages: Best boxing coverage—Showtime’s commentary team is better than DAZN’s, and the 4K stream has no lag.Niche sports for diehards—where else can you watch SEC college football and EFL Championship games in one app?Entertainment library is unbeatable—watch a boxing match, then rewatch Game of Thrones without switching apps.Offline downloads—save boxing fights to watch on flights (Netflix does this too, but Max’s quality is better).
Disadvantages: No live NFL or Champions League—this is a dealbreaker for mainstream sports fans.Limited live sports—only 2-3 boxing events per month, no daily games.Ad-supported plan has too many breaks—2 ads per round during boxing matches (annoying).
Official Website: www.max.com
Who It’s For: Boxing fans, niche sports enthusiasts (college football, EFL), and HBO loyalists who want extra sports.
🤔 Final Verdict: Which Major Platform Is For You?
Stop paying for separate sports and entertainment apps. Here’s my fan-tested guide:
-
Prime Members/NFL/Champions League Fans: Amazon Prime Video (sports are a free bonus with shipping).
-
WWE/WBC/Japanese Baseball Fans: Netflix (but be mad about the WBC TV blackout—we all are) .
-
Boxing/Niche Sports Fans: Max (best coverage + Succession = unbeatable).
Pro tip: All these platforms have free trials—test them during a big week (e.g., Champions League Group Stage, WBC exhibition games, boxing PPV). And keep an eye on 2026: Amazon might add more Champions League games, and Netflix could backtrack on the WBC TV blackout (fingers crossed for Japanese fans) .
💡 Final Tips from a Fellow Fan
- Family/Cable Cutter: Go Tier 1—YouTube TV (NFL) or Fubo (soccer) are safe bets.
- Single Sport Diehard: Tier 2 is your friend—ESPN DTC (WWE), Apple TV+ (F1), or MLB.TV (baseball).
- Binge-Watcher + Casual Sports Fan: Tier 3—Amazon Prime Video (if you use Prime) or Max (if you love HBO).
- Test First: All services have free trials—test during a big weekend (NFL Sunday, UFC PPV) to check stream quality.