Top Budget-Friendly Streaming Services to Watch Live Sports in 2025
Updated on: January 22, 2025 / 12:57 PM

Top Budget-Friendly Platforms to Stream Live Sports in 2025

Are you tired of feeling like you need a second mortgage just to watch your favorite teams play? You’re not alone. In 2025, the cost of live sports streaming has skyrocketed, leaving fans scrambling to find affordable ways to stay in the game. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.

We’ve dug deep to find the best budget-friendly streaming options for sports fans this year. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan, a basketball junkie, or someone who loves catching the occasional soccer match, this list is all about giving you solid recommendations that won’t burn a hole in your wallet.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the top 5 affordable platforms to stream live sports in 2025. We’ll cover their pricing, what sports they offer, and the standout features that make them worth your time and money. Let’s get started and help you save without missing a single game.

Table of Contents

  1. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Budget Streaming Service
  2. The 9 Best Budget Streaming Services for Live Sports in 2025
  3. How to Save Even More While Streaming Sports
  4. Your Game Plan for Budget Sports Streaming

*The information in this article, including prices, sports coverage, and streaming service features, is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change. We recommend checking directly with the streaming providers for the most up-to-date details before subscribing to ensure the service meets your needs.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Budget Streaming Service

When it comes to finding a budget-friendly streaming service, it’s not just about the price tag. Sure, saving money is a win, but you also want to make sure you’re actually getting what you need—no one wants to miss the game-winning shot because of buffering issues or limited coverage. Here are the key factors to keep in mind when picking the perfect service:

1. Cost-Effectiveness

First things first—what’s the damage to your wallet? Look at the subscription price and dig a little deeper for those sneaky hidden fees or add-ons. Some platforms might lure you in with a low base price but charge extra for must-have features like premium sports packages or DVR options. Be sure you’re comparing apples to apples.

2. Sports Coverage

No two services are created equal when it comes to sports coverage. Think about what you love to watch. Are you an NFL Sunday fanatic? A Premier League devotee? Maybe you like a mix of everything from basketball to boxing. Check if the service covers your favorite leagues and events—bonus points if they offer exclusive games or niche sports you can’t find anywhere else.

3. Device Compatibility

Imagine finding the perfect streaming deal, only to realize it doesn’t work on your smart TV or tablet. Don’t let that happen! Make sure the platform is compatible with all your devices—whether you’re watching from your couch on a big screen, catching highlights on your phone, or sneaking a game on your laptop during work (we won’t tell).

4. Streaming Quality

No one wants to watch their favorite team play in potato-quality video. Look for services that offer HD or even 4K streaming, especially if you’re watching on a larger screen. Some platforms are also diving into VR and other immersive options—great if you’re into next-level sports experiences.

5. Extras That Sweeten the Deal

Free trials, discounts, and bundles are your best friend. Many platforms offer trial periods, so you can test the waters before committing. Bundled deals like ESPN+ with Disney+ and Hulu are a great way to stretch your dollar further, giving you both live sports and entertainment in one package.

Budget Options vs. Premium Services: What to Expect

Budget-friendly services often mean fewer bells and whistles compared to premium platforms, but that doesn’t mean they’re a bad deal. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Budget Services:

  • Pros: Lower cost, no long-term contracts, good for casual sports fans.
  • Cons: May lack certain leagues, fewer features like DVR or multi-screen support.

Premium Services:

  • Pros: Broad sports coverage, advanced features, higher streaming quality.
  • Cons: Higher price, possible commitment to long-term plans.

By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be well on your way to scoring the best deal without sacrificing the games you love. Up next, we’ll dive into the top 8 budget-friendly platforms that check all the right boxes!

Comparing the Best Low-Cost Platforms for Streaming Sports

1. YouTube TV

  • Price: Starting at $72.99 per month.
  • Sports Coverage: Comprehensive sports channel lineup, including ESPN, FS1, and regional sports networks. Offers NFL Sunday Ticket for out-of-market NFL games.
  • Key Features: Unlimited cloud DVR storage, saving recordings for up to nine months. Supports three simultaneous streams per account.
  • Potential Downsides: Higher base price compared to competitors. Some niche sports channels may require additional add-ons.

2. Hulu + Live TV

  • Price: $82.99 per month, including Hulu's on-demand library, Disney+, and ESPN+.
  • Sports Coverage: Includes ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, and regional sports networks. ESPN+ adds exclusive sports content like UFC events and select NHL games.
  • Key Features: Unlimited cloud DVR storage with a nine-month save period. Two simultaneous streams, with an option to upgrade to unlimited screens for an extra fee.
  • Potential Downsides: Higher price point. Certain sports channels like MLB Network and NBA TV are not included in the base package.

3. Sling TV

  • Price: Sling Orange or Sling Blue at $45.99 per month each, or a combined package for $60.99 per month.
  • Sports Coverage: Sling Orange includes ESPN and ESPN2; Sling Blue offers FS1 and NFL Network. For full sports coverage, the combined package is ideal.
  • Key Features: Optional Unlimited DVR add-on for $5 per month. Sling Blue supports streaming on three devices, while Sling Orange allows only one.
  • Potential Downsides: To access a complete range of sports channels, subscribing to both packages or add-ons may be necessary, increasing costs.

4. FuboTV

  • Price: Starts at $74.99 per month.
  • Sports Coverage: Tailored for sports fans, FuboTV includes ESPN, FS1, beIN Sports, and the Golf Channel, among others.
  • Key Features: Offers 1,000 hours of cloud DVR storage. Supports streaming on up to 10 devices simultaneously on the home network.
  • Potential Downsides: Higher base price. Certain premium sports channels may require additional fees.

5. Peacock

  • Price: Free tier available with limited content; Premium tier at $7.99 per month.
  • Sports Coverage: Features Premier League soccer matches, WWE events, and select NFL games. Premium tier offers more comprehensive access.
  • Key Features: Includes live sports and a large on-demand library. Supports streaming on multiple devices.
  • Potential Downsides: Limited sports content on the free tier. Full access requires upgrading to Premium.

6. ESPN+

  • Price: $11.99 per month or $119.99 annually. Available in the Disney Bundle for $16.99/month with Disney+ and Hulu (with ads).
  • Sports Coverage: Covers MLB, NHL, PGA Tour, Bundesliga, UFC, and more. Offers exclusive access to some events and premium articles.
  • Key Features: Stream on up to five devices simultaneously. Includes ESPN+ originals and archives.
  • Potential Downsides: Does not include live NBA or NFL games. UFC pay-per-view events require an additional fee.

7. DAZN

  • Price: $19.99 per month with a 12-month commitment, or $29.99 for a flexible monthly plan.
  • Sports Coverage: Specializes in combat sports, including boxing, MMA, and niche events like chess and darts. Also features some women’s soccer competitions.
  • Key Features: On-demand library of past fights and events. Compatible with smart TVs, streaming devices, and gaming consoles.
  • Potential Downsides: Limited non-combat sports content in the U.S. No NFL or NBA coverage.

8. Apple TV+

  • Price: $9.99 per month, with extended free trials for new Apple device purchases.
  • Sports Coverage: Select MLB and MLS games. Comprehensive MLS coverage requires a separate MLS Season Pass subscription.
  • Key Features: High-quality original programming alongside sports content. Compatible with Apple devices, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
  • Potential Downsides: Limited sports offerings, focused primarily on MLB and MLS.

9. Paramount+

  • Price: Essential plan at $7.99/month; Premium plan at $12.99/month.
  • Sports Coverage: Includes college football, NFL, soccer (Champions League and Europa League), and other live events.
  • Key Features: Access to live CBS sports content and an extensive library of shows and movies. Supports streaming on three devices simultaneously.
  • Potential Downsides: The Essential plan includes ads. Some sports may not be available due to regional restrictions.

How to Save Even More While Streaming Sports

Enjoying your favorite sports without overspending is entirely possible with a few savvy strategies. Here’s how you can maximize your savings:

1. Share Accounts or Opt for Family Plans

Many streaming services allow multiple simultaneous streams or offer family plans, enabling you to share the subscription—and the cost—with friends or family members. For instance:

  • YouTube TV: Supports up to three simultaneous streams per account.
  • Hulu + Live TV: Allows two simultaneous streams, with an option to upgrade to unlimited screens for an additional fee.

By sharing these accounts, you can split the subscription costs, making it more affordable for everyone involved.

2. Take Advantage of Free Trials and Seasonal Subscriptions

Most streaming platforms offer free trials ranging from a few days to a week. Plan your trials around major sports events or the start of a season to enjoy content without paying. Additionally, consider subscribing only during the sports seasons you’re interested in. For example:

  • FuboTV: Offers a 7-day free trial, ideal for testing during a major sports week.
  • Sling TV: Occasionally provides promotional free trials; keep an eye out during the lead-up to sports seasons.

By timing your subscriptions strategically, you can enjoy the games you love without committing to year-round payments.

3. Utilize Bundled Services

Bundling services can provide significant savings, especially when packages include multiple platforms at a reduced rate. Notable bundles include:

  • Disney Bundle: Combines Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ for $16.99 per month, offering a wide range of entertainment and sports content.
  • Paramount+ with SHOWTIME: Offers a combined subscription for $12.99 per month, providing access to live sports, movies, and exclusive series.
  • YouTube Premium + YouTube TV: Combining YouTube Premium ($13.99/month) with YouTube TV ($72.99/month) saves $5 monthly, granting ad-free YouTube and over 100 live TV channels, including sports.

These bundles not only save you money but also consolidate your streaming services for added convenience.

4. Consider Ad-Supported Versions

Opting for ad-supported plans can lower your monthly subscription costs. While you’ll experience occasional commercials, the savings can be substantial. For example:

  • Peacock: Offers a free tier with limited content and a premium ad-supported plan at $7.99 per month, which includes live sports like Premier League matches.
  • Paramount+: The Essential plan at $7.99 per month includes ads but provides access to live sports, including NFL games and soccer matches.

By choosing ad-supported versions, you can enjoy live sports at a fraction of the cost.

The Bottom Line for Sports Fans

Finding the perfect streaming service doesn’t have to be overwhelming—or expensive. Each platform we’ve highlighted has something unique to offer, whether it’s ESPN+ for exclusive sports content, Peacock for unbeatable value, or YouTube TV for comprehensive coverage. With options to suit every budget, staying connected to your favorite games has never been easier.

Ready to start saving while still catching all the action? Head over to LiveSportsOnTV.com to explore where and when your favorite sports are streaming. With our platform, you’ll always know the best way to watch—whether it’s on TV or online. Check out the options today and never miss another game!