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
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
- 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
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
Top networks like ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, CBS Sports, NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA, and more.
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
NFL Sunday Ticket, NBA League Pass, MLB.TV, and every other out-of-market viewing option.
Cutting-Edge Features
4K playback, cloud DVR with generous storage, and at least 3 simultaneous streams.
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
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:
Provider | Starting Price | Sports Coverage | Best For | Devices | Free Trial |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
DIRECTV Premier | $164.99/mo.1 | RSNs, ESPN & NBA TV | MLB, NFL & NHL networks | Premium streaming access and an extensive sports lineup. | Up to 3 simultaneous streams per account. | 5 days |
Xfinity Ultimate TV | $68.50/mo.2 | RSNs, 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.3 | ESPN2 & 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.4 | CBS, 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.5 | ESPN, 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:
Provider | Starting Price | Sports Coverage | Best For | Devices |
---|---|---|---|---|
DIRECTV Stream Ultimate | $114.99/mo. | RSNs, NBA TV, ACC, Big Ten & SEC | NFL, MLB & NHL networks. | Local team coverage, premium hubs | Up 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. |
Best TV Plans for Specific Sports Leagues
League | Top Providers |
---|---|
NFL | DIRECTTV Premier, Xfinity Ultimate TV, YouTube TV, Fubo TV |
NBA | DIRECTV Stream Ultimate, Sling TV Blue + Sports Extra |
MLB | Sling 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
What is the cheapest way to watch ESPN, FOX Sports, and NBC Sports?
The cheapest way to watch these services is through a streaming platform, like DIRECTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV.
What are the best streaming options for the NFL Sunday Ticket?
YouTube TV is currently the only provider offering out-of-market Sunday afternoon games at a discounted add-on price of $31.50/mo.
What are the best satellite TV packages for sports?
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.
What are the best sports plans for remote areas?
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.