If you’re a sports fan, you don’t necessarily need to break the bank to stay informed. Several streaming platforms now offer access to sports content at no cost. Whether you’re looking for a cable-style experience or on-demand content, make sure to check out these platforms.
If you’ve given free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) platforms a try, you’re likely familiar with Tubi. It’s one of the most popular options out there, and for good reason. In addition to movies and TV shows, Tubi offers a solid collection of live TV channels, including several that cater to sports fans.
Some of the sports-specific channels include FOX Sports, NFL Channel, and NASCAR. These channels cover everything from live games to highlights and more. While you might not be able to catch live broadcasts of major games, these channels are great for catching up on niche sports, news, and other types of sports content. And what I truly appreciate is that I can tune into Tubi at any time, without having to download an app or log in. All you really need to do is navigate to the site or app, select Live TV, and choose the channel that interests you.
Pluto TV is one of the best options for sports fans, especially considering it’s completely free to use. There are over 250 live channels in total, with several dedicated to sports content. Some of my favorite channels include Fox Sports, NFL Channel, and NBC Sports NOW. Based on the channel you select, you might even be able to tune into live events, highlights, classic games, or expert analysis and commentary.
While you might not get access to live broadcasts from premium events, Pluto TV still offers a pretty decent variety of sports programming around the clock. The only downside is that it’s an ad-supported streaming service, so you’ll have to sit through regular ad breaks. That said, the content is free to stream, and the ads are generally not all that intrusive. Furthermore, if you miss the cable experience, Pluto TV’s channel-based layout will feel familiar and intuitive. All in all, it’s definitely worth checking out if you enjoy watching sports.
Sports streaming services can be fairly expensive, but The Roku Channel’s extensive free sports content makes it a great alternative for budget-conscious sports fans. While premium shows and select games require a subscription, there are still plenty of free games you can watch, as well as MLB highlights. You can also tune into the Roku Sports Channel, which offers an always-on roster of sports coverage that includes everything from live news to commentary and analysis.
The best part is that The Roku Channel is accessible via most smart TVs, web browsers, and phones. You don’t really need a Roku device to enjoy the free content. Of course, if you really enjoy your experience and the interface, you can always pay to unlock additional sports content. But if you’re a casual sports fan who just prefers to stay in the loop, the free programming offers excellent value.
CBC Gem is a Canadian streaming platform that offers access to a wide range of content, including shows, movies, documentaries, news, and sports, for free. You do, however, have to watch a few ads. But that’s a reasonable trade-off for the amount of sports content available at no cost.
Sports fans can access NSL games, curling championships, and even swimming competitions on CBC Gem. It even featured the Olympic Games, offering both live coverage and replays. While you may not find international sports content on CBC Gem, the platform does a pretty good job of covering interesting sporting events. The only downside is that most shows are geo-restricted to users in Canada. If you’re in the US, you’ll likely require a VPN to access the content. Keep in mind that there are a lot of shady VPN providers, so make sure to do your research and pick the right VPN provider before you start using one.
Most people think of YouTube TV when it comes to sports streaming. While YouTube TV has some really great features, it has become pretty expensive. If you don’t want to spend that kind of money, YouTube’s regular platform is a good option, given that it offers a surprising amount of free sports content.
A number of official teams and leagues, including the NFL, NBA, MLB usually upload highlights (and sometimes even full games), post-game interviews, and press conferences on their YouTube channels. You can also tune into independent analysis uploaded by sports-focused YouTubers like JxmyHighroller and The Herd with Colin Cowherd.
Sure, the content on YouTube might not replace live broadcasts, but it’s a solid option for those who want to stay in the loop. And once you stream enough sports content on YouTube, I like that the platform learns your preferences and starts recommending similar videos.
You don’t need an expensive subscription to watch your favorite sports content. A number of platforms, like the ones mentioned above, can help you stay connected to the latest news and updates, and even let you access full games without paying anything at all.
