The Real Talk on Cord-Cutting and Sports
Here's what nobody tells you when you cancel cable: the hardest part isn't finding your shows—it's figuring out how to watch your teams. Sports broadcasting is a maze of exclusive rights, regional blackouts, and confusing tier structures that can make you want to just pay the cable bill and be done with it. Don't.
The truth is, with the right setup, you can watch more sports for less money than cable ever offered. You just need to stop thinking like a cable subscriber and start thinking like a sports streamer. This guide is your playbook.
The Two Big Hurdles:
- Regional Sports Networks (RSNs): These are the channels that carry your local team's games, and they're the biggest headache for cord-cutters. Some streaming services carry them, many don't.
- Blackouts: League policies that block local games from streaming services to "protect" local broadcasters. We'll show you exactly how to get around these.
Let's break it down sport by sport, then get into the solutions.
NFL: Football Without Cable
The NFL is actually one of the easier sports to stream without cable—mostly because so many games are on national broadcasts.
What You Can Get Free With an Antenna
If you live in a decent-sized market, an HD antenna pulls in your local CBS, FOX, and NBC affiliates for free. That covers:
- Sunday daytime games (CBS and FOX)
- Sunday Night Football (NBC)
- Monday Night Football (ABC simulcast in many markets)
For most NFL fans, this alone covers 80% of the games worth watching. Cost: $30-50 one-time for a good antenna.
NFL Sunday Ticket (Out-of-Market Games)
This is the big one—if you're a die-hard fan of an out-of-market team, Sunday Ticket is non-negotiable. As of 2026, Sunday Ticket lives on YouTube Primetime Channels.
Pricing: Around $450/season for the full package, with student discounts available.
The Catch: It's only for out-of-market games. If the game is on local TV where you live, it's blacked out on Sunday Ticket. This is actually by design—you should be able to watch it on your local channel.
Prime Video Thursday Night Football
Amazon has exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football. This requires a Prime subscription ($15/month or $139/year). Good news: Prime includes a ton of other benefits, and the Thursday night games are legitimately exclusive—no antenna option here.
NFL+ for Mobile Viewing
The NFL's own streaming service, NFL+, offers:
- Live local and primetime games on mobile devices (phone and tablet only)
- NFL Network live
- Out-of-market preseason games
- Game replays and condensed games
Pricing: $7/month or $50/year for the premium tier.
The Limitation: It's mobile-only. You can't cast to your TV (though some enterprising fans have found workarounds). Still, for $50/year, it's a solid backup option.
The NFL Cord-Cutting Playbook
Budget Option: Antenna ($40) + NFL+ ($50/year) = ~$90 first year for most games.
Complete Option: Antenna ($40) + Prime ($139/year) + Sunday Ticket ($450) = full coverage for out-of-market fans.
NBA: Basketball's Streaming Challenge
The NBA is trickier than the NFL due to the sheer volume of games and the RSN problem. Here's how to navigate it.
NBA League Pass
League Pass is the NBA's official streaming service for out-of-market games. You get:
- Live out-of-market games (up to 40+ games per week during season)
- On-demand replays
- NBA TV included
Pricing:
- $15/month or $100/year (team-specific package)
- $25/month or $150/year (all teams)
- $20/month or $130/year (no TNT/ESPN games)
The Big Blackout Problem: If you live in a team's "home market," those games are blacked out on League Pass. For example, if you live in Los Angeles, Lakers and Clippers home games won't be available—those are on Spectrum SportsNet LA.
This is where VPN becomes essential (we'll cover solutions in the VPN section).
National Games on Streaming Services
NBA games on TNT, ESPN, and ABC are nationally televised and available through:
- YouTube TV (carries TNT, ESPN, ABC)
- Hulu + Live TV (same)
- Sling TV (TNT and ESPN on different tiers—annoying)
- Fubo (excellent for sports, includes everything)
The Local RSN Nightmare
Here's the ugly truth: if you want to watch your local NBA team's games, you need:
- A streaming service that carries your RSN (Fubo and DirecTV Stream are your best bets)
- An antenna (if your team has over-the-air broadcasts—rare but some teams are doing this)
- A VPN + League Pass combo (our recommended approach—more on this later)
MLB: Baseball and the Blackout Map
Major League Baseball has the most aggressive blackout restrictions of any sport. The blackout map is genuinely absurd—entire states are blacked out from watching teams hundreds of miles away.
MLB.TV
MLB.TV is the grandfather of sports streaming services, and it's genuinely great—if you can beat the blackouts.
What you get:
- Every out-of-market game live
- Mobile apps for all platforms
- MLB Network included in higher tier
- Full archives and condensed games
Pricing: $150/year or $25/month for all teams. Team-specific packages available for $120/year.
The Blackout Problem: If you live anywhere in a team's designated market, those games are blacked out. That includes:
- Local games (obviously)
- National games on ESPN/FOX/TBS (blacked out on MLB.TV, available elsewhere)
- Saturday games (subject to FOX blackout until approximately 7 PM ET)
- Sunday Night Baseball (ESPN exclusive)
The blackout map makes no sense. Iowa is blacked out from six different teams. Las Vegas is blacked out from the Oakland A's and San Francisco Giants—teams 400+ miles away.
The Solution: A good VPN configured properly (detailed guide below). This is the single biggest use case for VPNs in sports streaming.
Local Broadcast Options
Some teams have moved games to local over-the-air broadcasts:
- Arizona Diamondbacks: Many games on Arizona's Family (available via antenna in Phoenix market)
- Chicago White Sox, Cubs, Bulls, Blackhawks: CHSN (over-the-air in Chicago market)
- Los Angeles Lakers/Mavericks: Select games on local channels
Check your team's broadcast schedule—more teams are exploring over-the-air options as RSNs crumble.
NHL: Hockey Streaming
The NHL has actually been progressive about streaming, partly because hockey fans have been tech-savvy cord-cutters forever.
ESPN+ and Hulu
ESPN+ carries:
- Over 1,000 NHL games per season
- Exclusive national games
- Out-of-market games (similar to NHL.tv, now integrated into ESPN+)
Pricing: $12/month or $120/year. The Hulu + Live TV bundle ($77/month) includes ESPN+ and Disney+.
NHL Live/Center Ice
For Canadian fans, NHL Live is the equivalent of ESPN+ out-of-market access. US fans get this through ESPN+.
National Games
NHL games on TNT, ESPN, and ABC are available through any streaming service carrying those channels.
College Sports Streaming
College sports are scattered across multiple services. Here's your playbook.
ESPN+
ESPN+ is essential for college sports:
- Mountain West, MAC, Sun Belt, Conference USA, American Athletic Conference football and basketball
- Hundreds of smaller conference games
- Exclusive college football and basketball games
At $12/month, it's a no-brainer for college sports fans.
Conference Networks
| Conference | Where to Watch |
|---|---|
| SEC Network | ESPN, Hulu Live, YouTube TV, Sling |
| Big Ten Network | Hulu Live, YouTube TV, Fubo, Sling |
| ACC Network | Same as SEC Network |
| Longhorn Network | ESPN platforms |
| Pac-12 Network | Limited availability—check your streaming service |
Paramount+ for SEC and Big Ten
Paramount+ carries SEC on CBS games and some Big Ten content. The $8/month Essential tier includes live sports.
Peacock for Big Ten and Notre Dame
NBC's Peacock has exclusive Big Ten and Notre Dame games. At $8/month, worth it if those are your teams.
Live TV Streaming Services: The Full Comparison
For live sports, these are your main options. Each has tradeoffs.
YouTube TV
Price: $73/month Best For: General sports fans who want a simple interface
Pros:
- Cleanest interface of any service
- Unlimited DVR
- Carries all major sports channels (ESPN, FS1, TNT, NFL Network, MLB Network, NBA TV)
- ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC local affiliates in most markets
Cons:
- No RSNs in most markets (dropped them in 2020)
- Rising price
- No free trial currently
Sports Channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, FS1, FS2, TNT, TBS, Golf Channel, NFL Network, MLB Network, NBA TV, Tennis Channel, Olympic Channel
Hulu + Live TV
Price: $77/month (includes Disney+ and ESPN+) Best For: Families and ESPN+ heavy users
Pros:
- Includes Disney+ and ESPN+ subscription
- Solid sports channel lineup
- Good RSN availability in select markets
- Unlimited DVR
Cons:
- Interface is cluttered
- RSN coverage is market-dependent
- No NFL Network or MLB Network
Sports Channels: ESPN family, FS1, FS2, TNT, TBS, Golf Channel, ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network (select markets)
Fubo (formerly FuboTV)
Price: $80-95/month depending on tier Best For: Serious sports fans who need RSNs
Pros:
- Best RSN coverage of any service (this is the big one)
- 4K sports coverage available
- Most comprehensive sports channel lineup
- Carries NFL Network, MLB Network, NBA TV, NHL Network, Pac-12 Network
Cons:
- No TNT or TBS (this is a problem for NBA and MLB fans)
- Higher price point
- Confusing tier structure
Sports Channels: Everything except TNT/TBS. Seriously, it's the sports channel king.
Sling TV
Price: $41-46/month per tier Best For: Budget-conscious fans who can live without some channels
Pros:
- Lowest price point for live sports
- Flexible—pay for what you want
- TNT and ESPN on separate "sides" (can combine for $56/month)
Cons:
- Missing many RSNs
- No ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC local channels (major limitation)
- DVR is limited on lower tiers
- No NFL Network or MLB Network
Sling Blue (sports-focused): FS1, FS2, TNT, TBS, NFL Network, MLB Network, NHL Network Sling Orange: ESPN family, ACC Network, SEC Network, Longhorn Network
DirecTV Stream
Price: $80-110/month Best For: Fans who want every RSN
Pros:
- Carries virtually every RSN
- Traditional cable-like interface
- Most complete channel lineup
Cons:
- Expensive
- Annual contract required for best pricing
- Interface feels dated
Streaming Devices: Your Hardware Playbook
All these services need something to play on. Here are your best options:
Best Overall: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
The fastest streaming stick on the market. Handles every app flawlessly, and the voice remote actually works for sports queries like "What channel is the Lakers game on?"
Price: ~$60
Best Value: Roku Streaming Stick 4K
Roku's interface is simple, reliable, and doesn't favor any particular streaming service. Great for non-tech family members.
Price: ~$50
For Apple Ecosystem: Apple TV 4K
Expensive but integrates perfectly with iPhones, iPads, and AirPlay. The remote is polarizing but the interface is smooth.
Price: ~$130
Budget Pick: Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite
Gets the job done at under $30. Just don't expect 4K or the fastest performance.
Beating Blackouts: The VPN Playbook
This is the most important section of this guide, and the main reason you're probably reading it.
Why Blackouts Exist
Blackouts exist to "protect local broadcasters." The idea is that if you live in Denver, you should watch the Nuggets on the local RSN, not on League Pass. Local broadcasters pay billions for these rights, and leagues protect them.
The problem: what if you can't get the local RSN? What if your streaming service doesn't carry it? What if you're a fan in an absurd blackout zone (looking at you, Iowa baseball fans)?
That's where VPN comes in.
How VPN Bypasses Blackouts
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) makes it appear that you're connecting from a different location. Here's how it works for sports:
- You connect to a VPN server in a different city
- The streaming service sees that location instead of your real one
- If the game isn't blacked out in that location, it unlocks
Example: You live in Los Angeles and want to watch the Lakers on NBA League Pass. Lakers games are blacked out in LA. You connect to a VPN server in New York. Suddenly, League Pass thinks you're in New York, where Lakers games aren't blacked out. The game unlocks.
Best VPNs for Sports Streaming
Not all VPNs are created equal for this purpose. You need:
- Fast speeds (buffering is unacceptable during live sports)
- Server locations matching blackout zones
- Reliability (some VPNs are detected and blocked)
- Split tunneling (so you can use VPN for the streaming app but not everything else)
NordVPN – Best Overall for Sports
NordVPN is our top pick for sports streaming for several reasons:
- 6,000+ servers in 111 countries – coverage for any blackout scenario
- Consistently fast speeds – critical for live sports
- Works with League Pass, MLB.TV, ESPN+, and more
- SmartDNS feature – works on devices that don't support VPN apps (like Apple TV)
- Split tunneling – route only your streaming apps through the VPN
Price: $3-4/month with annual plan. Use our link for the best deal.
ExpressVPN – Best for Ease of Use
ExpressVPN costs more but offers:
- Dead-simple interface
- MediaStreamer DNS for devices without VPN support
- Excellent customer support if you run into issues
- Reliable with all major sports services
Price: $6-8/month depending on plan.
VPN Setup Guide by Sport
NBA League Pass VPN Setup
- Subscribe to NordVPN or ExpressVPN
- Install the VPN app on your streaming device or router
- Connect to a server in a city that doesn't care about your team (e.g., Miami if you're a Warriors fan)
- Open League Pass – you should now see the game available
- Start watching
Pro Tip: Set up split tunneling so only League Pass uses the VPN. Everything else stays normal.
MLB.TV VPN Setup
MLB has gotten sophisticated about VPN detection. Here's how to stay ahead:
- Use a premium VPN (Nord or Express – free VPNs won't work)
- Connect BEFORE opening MLB.TV – don't toggle while the app is open
- Clear your app cache/data if you get detected
- Use a server in a completely neutral city – not just outside the blackout, but somewhere with no MLB team
The Iowa Problem: Iowa residents are technically blacked out from six teams due to an insane blackout map. VPN is the only solution. Connect to a server in Chicago or New York and you're set.
NFL Sunday Ticket with VPN
Sunday Ticket blackouts are based on local TV coverage. If a game is on your local CBS or FOX affiliate, it's blacked out on Sunday Ticket.
The Workaround: Connect to a VPN server in a different TV market where your game isn't on local TV. This is more art than science—check the local listings for your VPN server city before the game.
Is It Legal to Use a VPN for Sports Blackouts?
This is the question everyone asks, and the honest answer is:
Using a VPN is legal. It's a legitimate privacy tool that millions use for security.
Bypassing blackouts technically violates terms of service. You agreed to those terms when you subscribed.
What does that mean in practice? You won't go to jail. The worst case is your streaming service could potentially ban your account, but this is extremely rare. Services aren't in the business of alienating paying customers. They've made the terms-of-service prohibition to appease broadcasters, not to actually enforce it.
Our stance: You paid for the content. You should be able to watch it. VPN gives you that access.
Over-the-Air Antenna: Free Sports
Don't overlook the humble antenna. It's the only way to get 100% free sports in HD.
What Sports You Can Watch Free
| Sport | Games Available OTA |
|---|---|
| NFL | CBS, FOX, NBC Sunday/Monday Night, ABC Monday simulcast |
| NBA | Select national games on ABC |
| MLB | Fox Saturday baseball, ABC select games |
| NHL | ABC select games |
| College Football | ABC, Fox, CBS games |
| Olympics | NBC, cable channels simulcast |
Best Antennas for Sports
For sports, you need an antenna that can handle live TV without glitches. Our recommendations:
ClearStream 2V HDTV Antenna – Best Overall
Rated for 60+ miles, dual-direction reception, and works well indoors or outdoors. Perfect for sports fans who need reliable reception.
Price: ~$70
Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro – Best Indoor Antenna
Paper-thin, amplified, and pulls in signals up to 65 miles. Works great if you're in or near a major market.
Price: ~$60
Budget Pick: 1byone Amplified HDTV Antenna
Basic but functional. Perfect for urban dwellers close to broadcast towers.
Price: ~$30
Antenna Setup Tips
- Use the FCC's DTV Reception Map (fcc.gov/media/dtv-reception-maps) to see what channels you can receive
- Aim your antenna based on tower locations – a few degrees can make the difference
- Place it high – attic or roof is better than basement
- Rescan channels after moving the antenna; TVs don't always auto-update
The Complete Cost Breakdown
Let's quantify this. Here's what you'd pay for cable sports access versus various streaming setups.
Cable Sports Tier (Baseline)
| Item | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic cable package | $70-90 |
| Sports tier (RSNs, etc.) | $15-25 |
| League pass add-ons | $0 (not available) |
| Total | $85-115/month |
Most cable subscribers are paying $100+ monthly for sports access.
Streaming Setup Options
The "I Watch My Local Team + National Games" Setup
- HD antenna: $50 one-time
- Fubo (for RSN access): $80/month
- Total: $80/month + $50 hardware
The "Out-of-Market Fan" Setup
- YouTube TV: $73/month (national games, local channels)
- NFL Sunday Ticket: $450/year ($38/month) if needed
- NBA League Pass + VPN: $150/year + $45/year (VPN)
- MLB.TV + VPN: $150/year + $45/year
- Total: ~$110/month (varies by season)
The "Budget Cord-Cutter" Setup
- HD antenna: $50 one-time
- Sling TV Orange + Blue: $56/month
- ESPN+: $12/month
- VPN for blackouts: $4/month
- Total: $72/month + $50 hardware
The "I Want Everything" Setup
- YouTube TV: $73/month
- Sunday Ticket: $450/year
- ESPN+: $120/year
- NBA League Pass: $150/year
- MLB.TV: $150/year
- NordVPN: $45/year
- Total: ~$150/month (everything everywhere)
Bottom Line: Even the "everything" streaming setup is cheaper than cable, and you get more flexibility, more control, and the VPN access that unlocks blacked-out content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch ESPN without cable?
Yes, multiple ways:
- Sling Orange ($41/month) includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU
- YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo all include ESPN channels
- ESPN+ ($12/month) provides ESPN exclusive content but NOT the main ESPN channel
- Hulu + Live TV includes ESPN+ in its package
How do I watch my local team's games?
Three options, in order of preference:
- Fubo or DirecTV Stream – check if they carry your local RSN
- Antenna – some teams now broadcast over-the-air
- VPN + League Pass – the workaround solution
Is it legal to use a VPN for blackouts?
VPN use itself is legal. Bypassing blackouts violates streaming service terms of service. In practice, this is rarely enforced. You paid for the service; the VPN just lets you actually use it.
Will a free VPN work for sports streaming?
No. Free VPNs are detected and blocked by streaming services, they're too slow for live video, and they often sell your data. For sports streaming, you need a premium VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
Can I use one streaming service for all sports?
No single service does it all. Fubo has the most sports channels but lacks TNT/TBS. YouTube TV has everything but no RSNs. You'll need to pair a live TV service with league-specific subscriptions for complete coverage.
What's the minimum I need to watch NFL games?
An antenna alone covers most NFL games. Add Prime for Thursday nights ($15/month) and you're set. Total: $50 antenna + $15/month.
Do I need a smart TV or can I use an older TV?
Any TV works with the right streaming device. Grab a Fire Stick or Roku, plug it into your TV's HDMI port, and you're streaming. No smart TV required.
What about 4K sports?
Fubo offers the most 4K sports content (select events). YouTube TV has 4K for some sports with its 4K Plus add-on. Antenna broadcasts are also in HD quality that rivals streaming 4K for live sports.
The Bottom Line
Cutting cable doesn't mean cutting sports. It means getting smarter about how you watch them.
The formula varies by fan:
- Local fan? Antenna + RSN-carrying streaming service
- Out-of-market fan? League pass + VPN is your golden ticket
- Casual fan? Antenna + YouTube TV or Sling
- Die-hard fan? Combine services strategically
The VPN investment ($45-100/year) pays for itself the moment it unlocks even one blackout game. For MLB fans in blackout hell, it's not optional—it's essential.
Our recommended setup for most sports fans:
- Good antenna ($50-70) for local broadcasts
- YouTube TV or Fubo for national games and general sports
- NordVPN for blackout bypass
- League-specific subscriptions (League Pass, MLB.TV) for your teams
Total: well under $100/month for better coverage than cable ever offered.
Now go watch the game.
Last updated: February 2026. Streaming services change frequently; always check current offerings before subscribing.
Affiliate Links Summary
VPN (Primary):
- NordVPN – $3-4/month, best for sports
- ExpressVPN – $6-8/month, easiest to use
Streaming Devices:
Antennas:
Sports Streaming Services Comparison
| Service | Monthly | NFL | NBA | MLB | NHL | ESPN | Local | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $73 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 7 days |
| Fubo | $75 | ✅ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | 7 days |
| Hulu + Live | $70 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | 7 days |
| Sling Orange | $40 | ⚠️ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | 7 days |
| ESPN+ | $11 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | — |
| Paramount+ | $12 | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ⚠️ | 7 days |
Which Service for Your Sport?
Which Service for Your Sport?
| Sport | Best Service | Why |
|---|---|---|
| NFL | YouTube TV or Hulu Live | CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN |
| NBA | YouTube TV or Fubo | TNT, ESPN, ABC, RSNs |
| MLB | MLB.tv + YouTube TV | Out-of-market + local |
| NHL | ESPN+ + Hulu Live | Most games covered |
| Soccer | Fubo | Best international coverage |
| College Football | YouTube TV or Hulu Live | ESPN, FOX, CBS |
📺 Start Streaming Sports
Top streaming services for sports fans: