For sports fans, the shift from cable TV to streaming services is more than a trend—it’s a revolution. Gone are the days of bundling endless channels offering only a handful of sports events. Now, sports lovers can access their favorite games and tournaments on demand, with a level of customization that traditional TV could never offer.
If you’re an avid sports fan in 2025, you’re in luck. Whether you’re into basketball, football, soccer, or niche sports, there’s a streaming service tailored to your interests. This guide will walk you through the best sports streaming services for 2025, covering everything from major leagues to niche events. Let’s dive in.
Top Sports Streaming Services in the U.S.
The U.S. leads the charge in sports streaming, offering various services tailored to different tastes, budgets, and sports genres. Here are the top platforms you should consider:
ESPN+
- Best for: A wide variety of sports, including UFC, NHL, and college.
- Content: ESPN+ is a goldmine for UFC, NHL, soccer, and college sports fans. You’ll get access to live events, exclusive content, and documentaries. It’s a must-have for anyone following American sports, especially if you’re into niche leagues and tournaments.
- Price: Starting at $9.99/month. There’s also a bundle with Disney+ and Hulu if you want more entertainment options.
NFL Sunday Ticket (via YouTube TV)
- Best for: NFL fans.
- Content: The NFL Sunday Ticket gives you access to nearly every NFL game, no matter where you live. This is a crucial option for fans who live outside their team’s market or want to follow every game in the league.
- Price: Starting at $449 for the season (add-on through YouTube TV).
NBA League Pass
- Best for: Basketball fans.
- Content: Watch every game of the NBA season, including preseason and playoffs. League Pass also offers a “Team Pass” if you only want to follow one team. You can watch in-app, with multiple camera angles and the option for live replays.
- Price: Starting at $14.99/month.
FuboTV
- Best for: Comprehensive sports coverage.
- Content: If you want a streaming service that offers more than just sports, FuboTV delivers. It’s a full-fledged live TV streaming service focusing heavily on sports, offering channels like FOX Sports, ESPN, and regional sports networks. You’ll find NFL, NBA, NHL, and international leagues.
- Price: Starts at $74.99/month.
DAZN
- Best for: Boxing and combat sports.
- Content: DAZN is the go-to service for boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA). If you’re passionate about combat sports, you can’t go wrong with DAZN, which offers exclusive access to fights, including those from big-name promotions like Matchroom Boxing and Bellator MMA.
- Price: Starting at $19.99/month.
MLB.TV
- Best for: Baseball lovers.
- Content: If you’re into Major League Baseball, this is the service to subscribe to. MLB.TV offers live streaming of all games, including Spring Training and postseason games, along with a robust on-demand library.
- Price: Starting at $129.99 for the whole season.
Peacock
- Best for: NFL and Premier League.
- Content: Peacock offers a great deal for sports fans, particularly those who follow the NFL and the English Premier League. It’s home to NFL games, including Sunday Night Football, and provides access to Premier League matches and much more.
- Price: Starts at $5/ 5/month for the ad-supported plan.
Best Sports Streaming Services in the UK
The UK is a hotbed for sports, and streaming services are stepping up to the plate. Whether you’re into football, rugby, cricket, or tennis, here are the top platforms:
BT Sport
- Best for: Football (soccer), rugby, and tennis.
- Content: BT Sport covers top-tier sports, including the UEFA Champions League, the Premier League, rugby union, and more. BT Sport is a must-have if you’re a fan of English football.
- Price: Starting at £25/month.
Sky Sports
- Best for: Football, Formula 1, cricket, and rugby.
- Content: Sky Sports is one of the UK’s most renowned sports networks. It comprehensively covers major football leagues, F1 races, tennis tournaments, and rugby games. The sports content is vast, with multiple channels focusing on different events.
- Price: Starting at £25/month.
Eurosport Player
- Best for: Tennis, cycling, and winter sports.
- Content: Eurosport hosts events like the Australian Open, the Winter Olympics, and the Tour de France. This service should be on your radar if you’re into niche sports like cycling, snooker, and athletics.
- Price: £6.99/month.
BBC iPlayer
- Best for: Rugby and the Olympics.
- Content: BBC iPlayer provides free access to live sports events, including the Six Nations rugby tournament and the Olympic Games. It’s an excellent choice for UK-based sports fans who want no-fuss, high-quality coverage.
- Price: Free (with a TV license).
Top Sports Streaming Services in Australia
In Australia, sports streaming is booming. Aussies love their sports, and the streaming options available reflect that.
Kayo Sports
- Best for: Australian rules football, cricket, and motorsports.
- Content: Kayo is the standout option in Australia for sports streaming, offering everything from AFL to NRL, cricket, Formula 1, and more. This is likely your best bet if you’re an Aussie sports fan.
- Price: Starting at AUD 25/month.
Foxtel Now
- Best for: Rugby, AFL, and international sports.
- Content: Foxtel Now is a comprehensive streaming platform focused on sports. It carries channels like Fox Sports, which cover rugby, AFL, tennis, and various international sports.
- Price: Starting at AUD 25/month.
Best Sports Streaming Services in Canada
Sports streaming in Canada is mainly dominated by national broadcasters, but a few options stand out.
Sportsnet Now
- Best for: NHL and Major League Baseball.
- Content: Sportsnet Now is the go-to platform for Canadian fans who follow the NHL and MLB. You’ll get access to live games, replays, and exclusive content.
- Price: Starting at CAD 14.99/month.
TSN Direct
- Best for: NHL, NFL, and more.
- Content: TSN is another must-have for Canadian sports fans, offering access to major events like the NHL playoffs, NFL games, and more.
- Price: Starting at CAD 19.99/month.
The Best Sports Streaming Services Worldwide
When it comes to global sports streaming, there are a few players who dominate multiple markets:
DAZN
- Best for: Combat sports and boxing.
- Content: DAZN is quickly becoming the leader in combat sports, offering exclusive access to boxing, MMA, and other fighting events worldwide.
- Price: Starting at $19.99/month.
YouTube TV
- Best for: A mix of sports and general entertainment.
- Content: YouTube TV offers a great sports package, including NFL, NBA, MLB, and more. It’s a solid option if you want a balance between live sports and other content.
- Price: Starting at $64.99/month.
Which Sports Streaming Service Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the best sports streaming service depends on your preferences. Suppose you’re focused on a single sport, like football or basketball, services like NBA League Pass or NFL Sunday Ticket will provide the most comprehensive coverage. For fans of multiple sports, platforms like ESPN+ and FuboTV offer various events and leagues.
As streaming evolves, keep an eye out for new services and features. With more sports content becoming available online, the opportunities for watching your favorite events will only grow. Happy streaming!
FAQ: The Best Sports Streaming Services in 2025
1. What is the best streaming service for sports in 2025?
The best streaming service depends on the sports you’re most interested in. If you’re a fan of multiple sports, ESPN+ and FuboTV offer broad coverage. For those focused on specific leagues, NBA League Pass is ideal for basketball, while NFL Sunday Ticket is necessary for football fans. If combat sports are your thing, DAZN is unbeatable.
2. Can I watch live sports for free?
While most sports streaming services require a subscription, some free options exist. For example, BBC iPlayer in the UK offers free coverage of significant events like the Six Nations rugby tournament and the Olympics (though a TV license is required). Pluto TV in the U.S. also offers free access to some sports events.
3. What sports can I watch on ESPN+?
ESPN+ offers various sports, including UFC, NHL, MLS, college sports, tennis, and golf. It also has exclusive documentaries, behind-the-scenes content, and a collection of classic sports moments.
4. Is there a streaming service that covers all major sports?
While no single streaming service covers every sport, FuboTV comes close. It offers access to the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college sports, and many international leagues. ESPN+ also covers a wide range of sports, though it lacks some mainstream leagues like the NFL and NBA.
5. How much does it cost to stream sports in 2025?
The cost of streaming services varies widely. Services like ESPN+ start around $9.99/month, while comprehensive platforms like FuboTV can cost around $74.99/month. Add-ons like NFL Sunday Ticket or NBA League Pass can increase costs if you follow specific leagues. Many platforms also offer bundles or discounts for multiple services.
6. Are there any sports streaming services with no ads?
Some streaming services offer ad-free viewing, but usually at a higher price. ESPN+ has limited ads in some content, but Apple TV+ and DAZN (for combat sports) are great options for completely ad-free streaming. Services like Hulu and Peacock offer both ad-supported and ad-free options.
7. Can I stream international sports on these services?
Yes, many platforms provide international sports. FuboTV offers coverage of European soccer, Peacock streams the English Premier League, and DAZN covers international boxing and MMA. For cricket lovers, services like Willow TV and Hotstar are the go-to for international cricket matches.
8. Do any sports streaming services offer mobile apps?
Almost all primary sports streaming services offer mobile apps for watching on the go. Whether you’re using ESPN+, YouTube TV, or DAZN, you can access live sports and on-demand content directly from your smartphone or tablet.
9. How do I decide between all the sports streaming services available?
Start by identifying which sports you watch the most. Services like FuboTV or ESPN+ may be the best choice if you’re into multiple sports. Opt for those specialized services if you’re focused on one sport (e.g., NBA League Pass for basketball or MLB.TV for baseball). Don’t forget to consider pricing, available features, and whether the service offers regional or international sports content.
10. Can I cancel my sports streaming subscription anytime?
Most streaming services allow you to cancel or pause your subscription anytime. Many platforms offer free trials, so you can test them before committing. However, check the cancellation terms for each service, as some may have specific requirements or refund policies.
