Quick Answer
The cheapest true live TV bundle with meaningful sports is Sling TV, starting around $40 per month for ESPN (Orange) or FS1/FOX/NBC in select markets (Blue), with an optional Sports Extra add-on for league networks. If you don’t need a full bundle, Peacock and Paramount+ are the lowest-cost ways to get live sports from NBC and CBS, including NFL games in those windows and top-flight soccer. For broader, simpler coverage across major leagues and local channels in most markets, YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV cost more but close most channel gaps. Fubo and DirecTV Stream carry more regional sports networks (RSNs); they’re pricier and, in Fubo’s case, may add a regional sports fee in applicable markets.
What “cheapest” really means for live sports
You can save two ways. One, choose a budget live TV bundle (a vMVPD) that consolidates key sports channels and locals in one app. Two, skip the bundle and stitch together only the live sports windows you need using low-cost network apps. The first approach is simpler; the second can be far cheaper if your interests are focused or seasonal.
Prices and channel lineups change, and RSN availability varies by team and ZIP code. Use the options below as a practical starting point, then confirm current pricing and local/channel availability for your location before subscribing.
The cheapest live TV bundles with sports
Sling TV: Lowest price for ESPN or FOX/FS1
Sling is the budget pick for live sports if you’re fine with trade-offs. Sling Orange (about $40/mo) includes ESPN and ESPN2, covering Monday Night Football, many college games, and NBA on ESPN. Sling Blue (about $40/mo) focuses on FOX and NBC in select markets, plus FS1 and NFL Network; it’s stronger for Sunday NFL on FOX (where available) and soccer on NBC/USA in markets that carry locals. You can combine Orange & Blue (about $55/mo) to cover both sides.
Sports Extra (about $11/mo) adds league channels like NFL RedZone, NBA TV, NHL Network, and more (availability depends on your base plan). DVR is cloud-based with a modest included allotment and an optional upgrade. Sling Orange allows one stream at a time; Blue allows three; with Orange & Blue, stream limits vary by channel.
Who it’s for: Viewers who want ESPN or FS1 at the lowest price and don’t mind using an antenna or separate apps (Peacock, Paramount+) to fill local gaps.
Key trade-offs: Limited or no local ABC/CBS, FOX/NBC only in select markets, and you’ll need add-ons for deeper league coverage. Still, no other bundle gets you into live sports this cheaply.
YouTube TV: Broad coverage at a mid-high price
YouTube TV (around $72.99/mo) includes the big four broadcast networks in most markets, ESPN/ESPN2, FS1, BTN, SEC Network, ACC Network, NFL Network, and more. Its unlimited cloud DVR is best in class and included. Sports Plus (an add-on) brings NFL RedZone and niche sports channels. It’s often the least fussy way to cover NFL on CBS/FOX/NBC, college football across conferences, and national NBA/MLB/NHL telecasts, all in one app.
Who it’s for: Households that want wide coverage, locals, and a fantastic DVR without micromanaging add-ons.
Key trade-offs: Costs roughly double Sling. RSN coverage is limited, so in-market MLB/NBA/NHL fans may need a separate RSN solution.
Hulu + Live TV: Strong ESPN coverage with Disney bundle perks
Hulu + Live TV (around $76.99/mo) bundles live TV with Disney+ and ESPN+. You’ll get locals in most markets, ESPN/ESPN2, FS1, BTN, SEC Network, ACC Network, and typically NFL Network, with unlimited cloud DVR included. ESPN+ in the bundle adds out-of-market NHL games, college sports, and UFC Fight Nights (PPVs cost extra)—handy if you were considering ESPN+ anyway.
Who it’s for: Fans who want ESPN coverage, locals, and ESPN+ content under one bill.
Key trade-offs: Slightly pricier than YouTube TV after promos. Like YouTube TV, RSN coverage is limited, and some league or specialty channels may require add-ons or be unavailable.
Fubo: Deep sports lineup and many RSNs, but watch the fees
Fubo (Pro around $79.99/mo) is built for sports, with ESPN/ESPN2, FS1/FS2, BTN, ACCN, SEC Network, NFL Network, many soccer channels, and a large RSN footprint. In RSN markets, Fubo often adds a mandatory regional sports fee, which raises the total monthly cost. Cloud DVR storage is generous, and concurrent streams are ample, especially at home.
Who it’s for: Viewers prioritizing RSNs and soccer, or anyone who wants a sports-first bundle.
Key trade-offs: Price climbs in RSN markets due to the fee. Fubo historically lacks Turner channels (TNT/TBS/truTV), which affects NBA, NHL, and March Madness; verify current carriage if those events matter to you.
DirecTV Stream: Most RSNs, highest price
DirecTV Stream’s Choice tier (typically over $100/mo) includes many RSNs that others don’t, plus locals and national sports networks. It’s often the most straightforward way to watch your in-market MLB/NBA/NHL team if your RSN is included. Cloud DVR is unlimited, and streams are generous at home.
Who it’s for: Fans who must have their local RSN and are willing to pay for it.
Key trade-offs: It’s the most expensive mainstream option, even before taxes and fees. If you don’t need RSNs, you’ll save elsewhere.
Low-cost add-ons that carry live sports
If you can skip a full bundle, these services deliver specific live sports windows for a fraction of the price.
Peacock
Peacock Premium (about $5.99/mo) streams Premier League matches, Sunday Night Football simulcasts, select Big Ten college football games (NBC package), and assorted golf, motorsports, and more tied to NBC/USA coverage. It’s the cheapest path to a steady stream of high-profile soccer and NFL in the NBC window. Upgrading to Premium Plus removes most ads and adds extra perks.
Paramount+
Paramount+ Essential (about $5.99/mo) streams many live sports, including NFL on CBS in your market and top soccer such as UEFA Champions League and Serie A. The Paramount+ with Showtime plan (about $11.99/mo) includes your local CBS station live in many markets for non-sports programming as well. It’s a strong value if you mainly need NFL on CBS and European soccer.
ESPN+
ESPN+ (about $10.99/mo) is not the ESPN cable channel; it’s a separate service with exclusive NHL out-of-market games, daily MLB games during the season, loads of college sports, and UFC Fight Nights (PPV main cards cost extra). It’s a great supplement to a thin bundle such as Sling, or for fans of niche sports and smaller conferences.
Prime Video
Amazon’s Prime Video carries Thursday Night Football in the U.S. during the NFL season. If you already subscribe to Prime for shipping or other perks, TNF is included and can eliminate the need for a bundle just for Thursday games.
Team and RSN apps
Some teams and RSNs sell direct-to-consumer streaming in certain markets (for example, Bally Sports+ in markets they serve). If your primary need is your local MLB/NBA/NHL team and your RSN offers a standalone plan in your ZIP code, that can be cheaper than upgrading to a pricey bundle. Check availability by team and league.
Cheapest paths by sport
NFL
- Cheapest single-app approach: Combine Peacock (NBC/SNF) and Paramount+ (CBS Sunday games in your market). That covers two of the three main Sunday windows for under $15/month.
- To add FOX: Use an over-the-air antenna for your local FOX station, or switch to a bundle that includes FOX in your market. Sling Blue includes FOX in select cities; YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV include FOX in most markets.
- Monday Night Football: Requires ESPN. The cheapest path is Sling Orange. Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV also include ESPN.
- Thursday Night Football: Included with Prime Video.
- RedZone: Add Sports Extra on Sling, Sports Plus on YouTube TV, or the equivalent add-on where available.
College football
- Cheapest broad coverage: Sling Orange + Sports Extra covers ESPN/ESPN2 and conference nets like SEC Network and ACC Network. Add Sling Blue if you need FS1 and FOX markets.
- Big Ten on CBS/NBC: Paramount+ and Peacock carry many Big Ten games in those windows at low cost. FOX and FS1 require a bundle or an OTA antenna for FOX.
- All-in simplicity: YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV provide broad coverage across ESPN/FS1/conference nets plus locals.
NBA
- National games: ESPN and ABC are on most bundles; TNT carries a critical slate. Verify TNT/TBS on your provider before subscribing.
- In-market teams: Requires your RSN. DirecTV Stream Choice or Fubo (where carried) are typical solutions; consider RSN direct-to-consumer apps if your network sells one in your area.
MLB
- National windows: FOX and ESPN carry marquee games. FOX is best via OTA antenna or a bundle; ESPN is cheapest via Sling Orange.
- In-market teams: RSN coverage varies; DirecTV Stream Choice has the widest RSN set, Fubo carries many but may add an RSN fee. Some Bally markets offer Bally Sports+ direct-to-consumer.
- Out-of-market: MLB.TV is the go-to for out-of-market streaming, separate from bundles (blackouts apply in-market).
NHL
- National games: ESPN/ABC and TNT split national rights. Ensure your bundle carries both ESPN and TNT for full national coverage.
- Out-of-market: ESPN+ carries a large slate of out-of-market regular-season games.
- In-market: Check RSN availability via DirecTV Stream or Fubo, or look for RSN direct apps where offered.
Soccer
- Premier League: Peacock is the cheapest route, with many matches exclusive and others simulcast from NBC/USA Network.
- UEFA Champions League and Serie A: Paramount+ is the budget-friendly choice in the U.S.
- LaLiga and Bundesliga: Typically on ESPN+ in recent seasons.
- MLS: MLS Season Pass is a separate purchase in the Apple TV app, with every match.
Bundle comparison at a glance
| Service | Starting price (mo.) | Key sports channels | RSNs | Notable gaps | DVR / streams |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sling Orange | ~$40 | ESPN, ESPN2 (+ Sports Extra add-on) | No | Few/no locals; lacks FOX/NBC without Blue | Cloud DVR; 1 stream |
| Sling Blue | ~$40 | FS1, NFL Network, FOX/NBC in select cities | No | No ESPN; FOX/NBC not in all markets | Cloud DVR; 3 streams |
| YouTube TV | $72.99 | ABC/CBS/FOX/NBC (most markets), ESPN, FS1, BTN, ACCN, SECN, NFLN | Limited | Few RSNs; verify TNT/TBS/truTV | Unlimited DVR; ~3 streams |
| Hulu + Live TV | $76.99 (w/ Disney+ & ESPN+) | Locals (most markets), ESPN, FS1, BTN, ACCN, SECN, NFLN | Limited | Some league nets may be missing or add-on | Unlimited DVR; 2 streams (upgrade available) |
| Fubo Pro | $79.99 (+ RSN fee in some markets) | Locals, ESPN, FS1/FS2, BTN, ACCN, SECN, NFLN; strong soccer lineup | Many (market-dependent) | Likely lacks Turner (TNT/TBS/truTV) | Large DVR; many home streams |
| DirecTV Stream Choice | $100+ | Locals, ESPN, FS1, many league nets | Best coverage | High price | Unlimited DVR; generous home streams |
Cheapest mini-stacks that actually work
Want targeted sports coverage with minimal overlap? These stacks keep the bill low while covering key windows:
- NFL budget stack: Peacock + Paramount+ + Prime Video + OTA antenna. Add Sling Orange during MNF-heavy months if you need ESPN.
- College football value stack: Sling Orange + Sports Extra for ESPN/conference nets, plus Peacock and/or Paramount+ for Big Ten on NBC/CBS. Add an OTA antenna for FOX.
- All-around budgeter: Sling Orange & Blue + Sports Extra. Not as comprehensive as YouTube TV, but far cheaper and surprisingly complete with the right locals and add-ons.
- RSN-focused plan: DirecTV Stream Choice or Fubo (confirm your RSN) only during your team’s season. Cancel or pause in the off-season.
Tips to keep costs down
- Use an antenna for locals. A one-time antenna purchase can replace monthly fees for ABC/CBS/FOX/NBC in many markets—covering key NFL and college games.
- Subscribe seasonally. Turn on Fubo or DirecTV Stream just for your team’s season; drop to Sling or network apps the rest of the year.
- Leverage free trials and promos. Many services run discounts around season kickoffs and playoffs.
- Avoid overlapping coverage. If your bundle already includes NBC, you may not need Peacock except for exclusives; same logic for Paramount+ and CBS.
- Share within household limits. Check how many concurrent streams your plan allows before paying for upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the absolute cheapest way to stream live sports right now?
For a single low-cost subscription, Peacock or Paramount+ wins: each is under $10 and carries meaningful live sports (NBC’s Premier League and Sunday Night Football on Peacock; NFL on CBS and UEFA/Serie A on Paramount+). For a true bundle with ESPN or FS1, Sling Orange or Blue around $40 per month is the cheapest entry point.
Is Sling TV enough for NFL and college football?
It can be, with caveats. Sling Orange gets you ESPN for Monday Night Football and many college games; Sling Blue adds FS1, NFL Network, and FOX/NBC in select cities for Sunday NFL and more college action. To cover CBS games, you’ll need Paramount+ or an antenna. To guarantee FOX/NBC everywhere, consider a bundle like YouTube TV or an antenna where reception is good.
Which service is best if I need my regional sports network?
DirecTV Stream’s Choice tier usually has the broadest RSN coverage in one package. Fubo carries many RSNs as well but often adds a regional sports fee in markets that have them. If your RSN sells a standalone streaming plan (for example, Bally Sports+ in some areas), that can be cheaper than upgrading your bundle—check by team and ZIP code.
Do YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV include all the channels for the NBA, NHL, and March Madness?
They cover most national networks, but Turner channels (TNT/TBS/truTV) are pivotal for the NBA, NHL, and the NCAA Tournament. Carriage can change, so confirm current channel lineups—particularly for TNT/TBS—before big events. If a provider lacks Turner, you’ll miss a significant portion of those broadcasts.
What’s the cheapest way to get ESPN?
Sling Orange is typically the lowest-priced route to the ESPN channel. ESPN+ is separate and does not include the ESPN cable channel; it’s useful for extra hockey, soccer, college sports, and UFC Fight Nights, but it won’t replace ESPN for Monday Night Football or marquee NBA games.
Are there hidden fees with live TV streaming services?
Most vMVPDs advertise all-in base prices, but Fubo often adds an RSN fee in applicable markets. Taxes can apply depending on your location. Premium add-ons (Sports Plus, 4K, unlimited screens) also raise the total. Always check the final checkout screen for your ZIP code before committing.
Is a cloud DVR included, and which one is best for recording games?
Yes, but quality varies. YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV include unlimited cloud DVR storage and handle sports well. Fubo’s DVR allotment is large and flexible. Sling’s DVR is more modest by default but can be upgraded. If you record a lot of live games, the unlimited DVR on YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV is the easiest to live with.
