As a sports fan, watching every game can be a real struggle especially if you have cut the cord or do not have the right streaming service. With leagues making exclusive deals with networks and local blackout restrictions in place, it can be challenging to determine which subscriptions are needed to watch your favorite teams play.
In the current landscape of sports broadcasting, it is becoming less common for football fans to watch games on local channels. Instead, streaming services such as DirecTV Stream, Hulu, and YouTube TV often carry these channels. ESPN or ESPN+ can also be options for Monday night games. If you live far from your favorite team, the NFL Sunday Ticket offered by YouTube TV for $349 may be a good choice.
For baseball fans, MLB.TV’s single-team package may be a good option. It can be upgraded to the All Teams package for just $20 more. If your team is your home team, find a streaming service that offers the regional sports network broadcasting rights.
For NBA games, there are several options available to watch coverage for many games including TV packages that include national channels and less expensive options on platforms like YouTube TV or Hulu. NBA League Pass is available for $14.99 a month and WNBA games can be watched for $12.99 a month.
If you only want to watch a single game signing up for a monthly subscription fee might not be worth it as it could end up being cheaper to watch the game at a local sports bar in some cases. It is important to remember to cancel any subscription before being charged for the next month to avoid unnecessary charges.
Finally, many services now crack down on password sharing practices as they increase their revenue streams through this practice.
Overall, Consumer Reports provides a detailed breakdown of your options and helps you determine whether it’s worth the cost of watching your favorite teams play in this current landscape of sports broadcasting
