I've been a Saints fan for as long as I can remember, and some of my earliest football memories include watching my dad in front of the TV with a hot cup of coffee, hand in a bowl of popcorn, rooting for the Saints.

Things were much simpler back then. One would simply dial channel ‘6’, tune into NBC, and witness Archie Manning in his prime glory. Unlike today, where you are stuck with five remotes across the coffee table, wondering which one leads to Thursday Night Football? 

Today, you’re not just a fan. You are a victim of self-inflicted consumerism, where the pulse of every NHL touchdown, every NBA buzzer-beater, and every MLB home run is parceled out across a constellation of services, turning you into a professional plate‑spinner juggling multiple cable TV and streaming subscriptions at a time.

But what if there were a better way to catch up on all this? What if you could cut through the noise, leave the subscription anxiety behind, and enjoy that effortless old-school vibe that my dad used to feel on game day?

To that, we say: Yes, you can. And for this exact reason, we have researched the most pressing consumer pain points to curate a list of top all-in-one sports packages that unite every NFL Sunday, NBA tip-off, and MLB pennant chase into a single, seamless experience.

It’s about time you reclaim the pure excitement, free from subscription headaches, and focus on what truly matters: the thrill of the game.

Our Top Recommendations

  • 340+ Channels:
  • ESPN and NBA TV | NFL, MLB & NHL networks.
  • Excellent For:
  • Whole-home entertainment
  • Key Features:
  • 4K ULTRA HD
  • Unlimited Cloud DVR

Starting at $84.99/mo.1

View Plans

Or call us at

(844) 413-8999

1. For 24 months plus taxes and fees. ($117.98/mo.* w/ req’d Regional Sports Fee of up to $17.99/mo. & optional $10/mo. Gemini lease fee) Cancel anytime. AutoPay and paperless bill req’d. See Offer Details.

  • 100+ Channels:
  • ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, ABC, TNT & NFL Sunday Ticket.
  • Best For:
  • On-the-go streaming and nationwide availability.
  • Key Features:
  • Sports play and stat views
  • Unlimited DVR

Starting at $59.99/mo.

View Plans

Or call us at

(844) 413-8999
  • 469+ Channels:
  • RSNs, ESPN, FS1, beIN sports & NBA TV | NFL, MLB & NHL networks.
  • Ideal For:
  • Live national, regional, and local sports streaming
  • Key Features:
  • Unlimited Cloud DVR
  • Personalized experience

Starting at $64.99/mo.

View Plans

Or call us at

(844) 413-8999

What Makes a Great TV Plan for Sports Fans?

Your ideal sports package should be a blend of comprehensive sports channel access, must‑have premium passes and tickets, and cutting‑edge features, with the freedom to tailor your plan as you see fit, whenever, wherever, and however you want it:

Access to Major Sports Channels

Access to Major Sports Channels

Top networks like ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, CBS Sports, NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA, and more.

Regional Sports Network (RSN) Availability

Regional Sports Network (RSN) Availability

Hometown RSNs that never let you miss out on high school prospects, college underdogs, minor league playoffs, or that local rivalry.

Premium League Passes and Tickets

Premium League Passes and Tickets

NFL Sunday Ticket, NBA League Pass, MLB.TV, and every other out-of-market viewing option.

Cutting-Edge Features

Cutting-Edge Features

4K playback, cloud DVR with generous storage, and at least 3 simultaneous streams.

On-the-Go Streaming

On-the-Go Streaming

Seamless mobile app experience that keeps you game-ready, whether at home or on the road.

Rock-Solid Reliability & Customer Support

Rock-Solid Reliability & Customer Support

24/7 live customer service and fast troubleshooting to maximize your game time.

Best Cable TV Plans for Sports Streaming

For the love of the game, whole-home entertainment, and everything in between:

ProviderStarting PriceSports CoverageBest ForDevicesFree Trial
DIRECTV Premier$164.99/mo.1RSNs, ESPN & NBA TV | MLB, NFL & NHL networksPremium streaming access and an extensive sports lineup.Up to 3 simultaneous streams per account. 5 days
Xfinity Ultimate TV$68.50/mo.2RSNs, ESPN, FS1, FS2 & NBA TV | NFL & NHL networks. All-in-one entertainment and bundling discounts.Up to 5 simultaneous streams per account.N/A
Spectrum TV Select Plus$105.00/mo.3ESPN2 & NBA TV | NHL, SEC, MLB, & NFL networks. Premium streaming access and an extensive sports lineup.Up to 2 simultaneous streams per account. N/A
Cox Contour TV Ultimate$162.00/mo.4CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, PBS & CW | MLB & NFL networks.All-in-one entertainment with live TV, sports, streaming apps, and more. Up to 5 simultaneous streams per account.N/A
Optimum Premier TV$135/mo.5ESPN, ESPN2, FS1 & FS2 | Big Ten, CBS Sports, NFL networks.Diverse channel lineup and variety of sports streaming options.Up to 3 simultaneous streams per account. N/A

1. For 24 months plus taxes and fees($197.98/mo. w/ req’d $15/mo. ARS fee & Regional Sports Fee of up to $17.99/mo.) w/24-mo. agmt. AutoPay and paperless bill req’d. Offer details.
2. No term contract. Does not include broadcast TV fee and regional sports fee; price subject to change. Taxes and equipment not included. Automatic payments and paperless billing required.
3. For 1 year. See offer details.
4. For 24 mos.
5. For 12 mos. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. Offer terms and conditions apply. View Full Disclaimer.

Top Affordable Streaming Options for Live Sports

Watch only what you need, your way, without any compromises, cable, and changing multiple subscriptions and services:

ProviderStarting PriceSports CoverageBest ForDevices
DIRECTV Stream Ultimate$114.99/mo.RSNs, NBA TV, ACC, Big Ten & SEC | NFL, MLB & NHL networks.Local team coverage, premium hubsUp to 3 simultaneous streams per account.
YouTube TV + NFL Sunday Ticket $91.49/mo.ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, ABC, TNT & NFL Sunday Ticket.On-the-go streaming and nationwide availability.Up to 3 simultaneous streams per account.
Sling TV Blue + Sports Extra$51.00/mo.ACC, SEC, MLB, MLB Strike Zone, NBA & NHL networks. Regional networks and personalized experience.Up to 3 simultaneous streams per account.
Hulu + Live TV $95.99/mo. ESPN+, FS1, FS2, ESPN 1 & ESPN 2 | Big 10, CBS Sports & MLB networks. Hassle-free whole-home entertainment. Up to 2 simultaneous streams per account.
Fubo TV$64.99/mo.RSNs, ESPN, FS1, beIN Sports, NBA TV & NFL Redzone | NFL, MLB & NHL networks. National, regional, and local sports streaming.Up to 10 simultaneous streams per account.

Subscribing to streaming services can help you avoid extensive broadcast TV, regional sports, set-top box rentals, and various miscellaneous fees. Compare both options to put your best foot forward.
Cable vs. Streaming

Best TV Plans for Specific Sports Leagues

LeagueTop Providers
NFL DIRECTTV Premier, Xfinity Ultimate TV, YouTube TV, Fubo TV
NBA DIRECTV Stream Ultimate, Sling TV Blue + Sports Extra
MLBSling TV Blue + Sports Extra, Hulu + Live TV, Cox Contour TV Ultimate
NHL DIRECTV Stream Ultimate, Spectrum TV Select Plus, Fubo TV
College, Regional, and Local Sports Sling TV Blue + Sports Extra, DIRECTV Stream Ultimate, Hulu + Live TV
Soccer (MLS, EPL) Fubo TV, Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV Premier

How to Choose the Right Sports Package

Follow these simple, straightforward, and budget-savvy tips to choose the perfect game-day crime partner for the upcoming season:

Identify Your Must-Have Sports Leagues

Identify Your Must-Have Sports Leagues

Ask yourself, which leagues are non‑negotiable: NFL, NHL, or the NBA?

And simply choose the plan that has all the channels you need.

Keep Things in Moderation

Keep Things in Moderation

Go easy on the add-ons and think hard before subscribing to a League Pass, Sunday Ticket, RedZone, or a 4K add-on.

Never pay for what you don’t need.

Strike the Right Balance

Strike the Right Balance

Select a plan that balances your personal sports streaming needs with your household entertainment needs.

Go for a plan that provides multiple streams at the same time.

Review Pricing & Flexibility

Review Pricing & Flexibility

Look at the fine print to see if the plan offers a free trial and whether the promo price changes after a few months or the contract duration.

Factor in each aspect to make the best call.

Add Up Costs & Bundle Smartly

Add Up Costs & Bundle Smartly

Calculate the final bill, including regional sports fees, additional taxes, and other expenses, to make sure it matches your magic number.

Go for multi-service bundle packages to save big time.

Confirm Coverage & Device Accessibility

Confirm Coverage & Device Accessibility

Make sure the service you need is available in your area and offers the flexibility of customizing your viewing experience across multiple devices.

Don’t settle for less.

Compare Cable TV & Streaming Options

Compare Cable TV & Streaming Options

Weigh Cable TV’s extensive channel lineup (and regional fees) against streaming’s budget-friendly, flexible (but limited) access.

Pick the option that suits your viewing habits.

Check for Regional Sports Network (RSN) Availability

Check for Regional Sports Network (RSN) Availability

If you root for a local team that needs a regional network, make sure the plan has enough juice to satisfy your local community pride.

Never compromise on that local rivalry.

Final Recommendations

Golden Trophy ICON

Best Overall:

DIRECTV Stream Ultimate

Golden Trophy ICON

Best Budget:

Sling TV Blue + Sports Extra

Golden Trophy ICON

Best for Local Teams:

Sling TV Blue + Sports Extra

Golden Trophy ICON

Best for Local Teams:

DIRECTV Stream Ultimate

Golden Trophy ICON

Best for College Sports:

Fubo TV & Sling TV Blue + Sports Extra

Golden Trophy ICON

Best All‑in‑One Bundle:

Xfinity Ultimate TV

Frequently Asked Questions

Which one is better for watching sports: Cable TV or streaming?

Cable TV is still the go-to option for watching major sports leagues and whole-home entertainment. However, streaming is a more affordable, flexible, and customizable option for sports fans

The cheapest way to watch these services is through a streaming platform, like DIRECTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV.

YouTube TV is currently the only provider offering out-of-market Sunday afternoon games at a discounted add-on price of $31.50/mo.

This battle usually boils down to two providers: DISH vs DIRECTV. DIRECTV offers some of the best sports packages with higher channel counts, more features, and a lower starting price. DISH offers consistent pricing, large DVR storage, and lower taxes.

Satellite-backed providers like DISH and DIRECTV, as well as widely accessible streaming platforms like DIRECTV Stream and YouTube TV, offer some of the best sports plans for remote areas.