Sports fans often face the struggle of not being able to watch all of their favorite games due to the rise of cord-cutting and multiple streaming services. With exclusive deals between leagues and networks, as well as local blackout restrictions, it can be challenging to determine which subscriptions are necessary. However, Consumer Reports has compiled a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the options available and determine if it’s worth the cost.
Football fans have several options to consider. Local TV stations like ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX offer games for free, especially if your team is in your city. Streaming services like DirecTV Stream, Hulu, and YouTube TV also offer these channels. For Monday night games, ESPN or ESPN+ might be worth considering. If you’re not in the same city as your team, the NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube TV is an option for $349.
Baseball fans can look into MLB.TV’s single-team package or opt for the All Teams package for a slightly higher price. Make sure to choose a streaming service that provides access to regional sports networks broadcasting your home team’s games.
Basketball enthusiasts can find many NBA games on TV packages with national channels. Services like YouTube TV and Hulu may offer these games at a lower cost. NBA League Pass is available for $14.99 a month, while WNBA streaming is $12.99 a month.
If you only want to watch a single game, subscribing to a monthly service might not be cost-effective
