10 Best (Free & Premium) Sports Streaming Sites in 2025

What are the best sports streaming sites, and are they free? There are a few free sport streaming sites worth trying. This a valid option since Forbes reported most sports fans can pay over $1000 per year on streaming¹. Still, not all free sites are safe or have the events you want to watch.

After extensive research and testing, I found the best live sports streaming sites. These platforms boast comprehensive coverage of various sports events, delivering heart-pounding live action in HD. Moreover, they’re secure and offer in-depth analysis and engaging discussions. Check out my lists for coverage of all your favorite leagues and games.

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Best Free Sports Streaming Sites for 2025

1. CBS Sports — Best Free Streaming Platform for NFL and College Sports

CBS Sports stands out for its extensive coverage of NFL games and college sports, particularly during March Madness. The platform offers high-quality streams with expert commentary. While it’s ad-supported, the interruptions are minimal and don’t disrupt your viewing experience.

CBS Sports offers a user-friendly website and intuitive apps

I like the platform’s integration of live scores and in-depth analysis from veteran sportscasters alongside streams. This makes it ideal if you want more than just the action on-screen. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with CBS's fantasy sports platform, providing real-time stats and updates that fantasy league players will appreciate.

Visit CBS Sports >>

2. Facebook Watch — Best Social Sports Streaming Experience with Global Access

Facebook Watch has revolutionized sports streaming by combining live sports with social interaction. The platform's unique selling point is its community-driven experience, where viewers can engage in real-time discussions during matches. Plus, it offers a mix of user-generated clips, professional shows, and thrilling live events.

The service supports full HD streams, but the quality isn't always great

What sets Facebook Watch apart is its ease of access — most sports content is free with a Facebook account, and the platform is available worldwide. While the sports selection isn't as broad as other platforms, the social aspect makes it perfect for fans who enjoy connecting with a community.

Visit Facebook Watch >>

3. BBC iPlayer — Best Free Premium Sports Streaming for European Football (Soccer)

BBC iPlayer is renowned for its high-quality, ad-free sports streams, featuring major events like Wimbledon, the Six Nations, and Premier League highlights. Additionally, it offers extensive catch-up options, allowing you to watch full matches, highlights, and sports documentaries on-demand for up to 30 days after broadcast.

Its comprehensive coverage lets you delve beyond just live events

I particularly like BBC iPlayer’s extensive live European soccer coverage, which makes it one of the best sites for football streaming. Whether it’s the FA Cup or Women’s Super League, the service offers live streaming of various sporting events, major tournaments, matches, and competitions. The service alo provides great production quality and expert commentary from former athletes.

Visit BBC iPlayer >>

4. Tubi — Free Access to Multiple US Sports Streaming Channels

Tubi offers you free access to various US sports streaming channels, including popular ones like MLB, NFL, and PGA Tour. Additionally, you can stream TV staples such as Fox Sports, Fubo Sports, and Poker Go, all without needing an account. By creating an account, you can enjoy features like creating viewing lists. Additionally, it’s possible to turn on personalized notifications and set up parental controls.

When you find a title you like, add it to your list

You can enjoy live sports on larger screens like smart TVs, as the Tubi's player supports screencasting. Whether it's catching the latest MLB game or NFL match, Tubi provides seamless access to a wide range of sports content without any subscription fees, making it an ideal choice for sports enthusiasts looking for free streaming options.

Visit Tubi >>

5. Pluto TV — An Always-On Sports Channels for Free

Pluto TV differentiates itself with its unique approach to sports content delivery through dedicated 24/7 sports channels. Instead of only focusing on live games, it offers continuous sports programming, including classic games, analysis shows, and sports documentaries.

You can enable Kids Mode and filter out mature content like UFC

This free sports streaming service provides a well-curated list of channels, including the NFL Channel and MLB Channel, which provide round-the-clock content. Additionally, Pluto TV's interface mimics traditional cable TV, making it particularly appealing if you prefer the familiar channel-surfing experience.

Visit Pluto TV >>

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Best Paid Sports Streaming Sites for 2025

1. ESPN+ — Exclusive Access to Premium Sports Content

ESPN+ offers exclusive access to live events, including UFC pay-per-views, MLS matches, and international soccer leagues. It also has an extensive library of popular on-demand sports analysis programs. According to Statista (2024), its parent company, Disney, currently owns the majority of sports rights in the US (28%)², so you can be sure tons more content is coming.

The section is regularly updated with new episodes

What truly sets ESPN+ apart is its original programming, including the highly acclaimed 30 for 30 documentary series and exclusive talk shows, analysis, and interviews with athletes. The platform also integrates seamlessly with the ESPN app, providing a one-stop destination for live streams, scores, stats, and expert analysis.

Its affordable subscription price and compatibility with most devices make it an excellent value for fans seeking diverse sports content. However, you need a US IP address to watch ESPN+.

Visit ESPN+ >>

2. DAZN — Best Streaming Platform for Boxing and Other Combat Sports

DAZN has carved a niche as the go-to platform for fight sports fans, offering unrivaled coverage of boxing, UFC, and MMA events. It also includes select soccer leagues and other sports, depending on your region. Unlike many platforms, DAZN provides an ad-free experience for both live and on-demand content.

You can set reminders for every match to ensure you never miss a moment

Its global availability and user-friendly interface make it stand out. With flexible pricing options and top-tier streaming quality, DAZN is perfect for combat sports enthusiasts and fans of international leagues. Some content can even be watched for free. Plus, you can stream different events simultaneously on up to 2 devices, making it perfect for households with diverse sports interests.

Visit DAZN >>

3. Sling TV — The Most Flexible Sports Package Options

What differentiates Sling TV is its à la carte pricing model, which lets you only pay for what you watch. You can combine its Orange and Blue packages or select them separately based on your specific sports preferences. The Sports Extra add-on package can further boost your selection, providing access to additional channels like NBA TV, NHL Network, and beIN Sports.

It's possible to combine both packages for a small discount overall

The interface is intuitive, and streams are reliable although there are still some ads. Sling TV also offers an impressive DVR capacity of 50 hours in the base package, with the option to upgrade to 200 hours.

Visit Sling TV >>

4. YouTube TV — Unlimited Cloud DVR Storage to Record Live Matches

YouTube TV excels with its unlimited cloud DVR storage and the ability to keep recordings for up to 9 months. This feature is handy when you want to catch up on games you might have missed or rewatch memorable moments.

The handy Key Plays feature automatically records game highlights

The platform offers access to popular sports networks such as ESPN, ESPN2, Fox Sports 1-2, NBC Sports Network, NBA TV, MLB Network, and more. This means you can enjoy live coverage of various sports events, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college sports, soccer, tennis, golf, and more on various devices. It also supports add-ons like NFL Sunday Ticket.

Visi YouTube TV >>

5. Hulu + Live TV — Lets You Create and Host a Virtual Watch Party

Hulu + Live TV’s Watch Party option lets you stream live sports and on-demand content with friends and family, no matter where they are. This feature, which is available at no extra cost, and allows up to eight participants to watch simultaneously. It even has a chat function to share reactions in real time. However, this feature might not work on some live sports content due to licensing restrictions.

The platform offers a 3-day free trial

The service offers a robust selection of sports streaming options, making it an attractive choice for sports enthusiasts. With a subscription, you get access to live broadcasts of major sporting events, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, and more. Additionally, Hulu + Live TV provides coverage of regional sports networks, allowing viewers to catch local games and matches.

Visit Hulu+ Live TV >>

Quick Comparison Table of the Best Sports Streaming Sites

To simplify your decision-making, I've compiled a table that highlights the most important features of each streaming platform, allowing you to make an informed choice:

*Note. Pricing is subject to change, so it's essential to check the latest subscription fees and streaming sports packages offered by each service. Additionally, some services may offer promotional deals or discounts for new subscribers, so keep an eye out for special offers when considering your options.

How To Stay Safe on Sports Streaming Sites

Do free sports streaming sites have malware? Yes, the vast majority of them do. According to a study by FACT UK, all 50 of the free live sports sites they explored contained some malicious content, and 40% had no security certificate³. To enjoy your favorite games securely, it’s crucial to take precautions. Here are some essential tips to stay safe:

• Use a reliable VPN. Beyond providing reliable access to global content, a VPN encrypts internet traffic and masks IP addresses for protection against snoops and hackers. The best VPNs for streaming won’t cause noticeable delays while having strong security protocols and a no-logs policy for maximum privacy.
• Install a robust ad blocker. Many free streaming sites are riddled with aggressive pop-ups and malicious ads. A quality ad blocker can shield you from these threats and remove disruptive advertisements that often hide deceptive clickbait.
• Update your antivirus software. You know free streaming sites often have malware, so you might want additional protection along with your VPN. Modern antivirus software can detect and block potential threats in real time, shielding your system from harmful downloads and suspicious scripts.
• Create unique passwords. If you're using premium streaming services, protect your account with a strong, unique password.
• Check a streaming site’s security. Look for the padlock icon in your browser's address bar indicating HTTPS encryption. Be wary of sites that don't use HTTPS, as they may not properly secure your data.
• Avoid clicking external links. Be extremely cautious of prompts to download media players, browser extensions, or other software to access streams. These are often vectors for malware distribution.
• Use official apps on mobile devices. When streaming on mobile devices, stick to official apps from your device's app store rather than downloading APKs or using mobile browsers to access streaming sites.

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FAQs on the Best Free Sports Streaming Sites

Do I need a VPN to use sports streaming sites?

No, but it’s recommended. Using a VPN with sports streaming sites can provide added privacy and security, as well as prevent streaming platforms from collecting your data. This is especially relevant for free streaming platforms that rely on advertising. On top of that, VPNs are a good way to get past ISP throttling. VPNs also allow accessing sports streaming platforms securely from anywhere.

Are free live sports streaming sites legal?

This depends on the platform and how it sources its content. Official free streaming services like BBC iPlayer or Tubi are legal because they have the rights to broadcast sports events.

However, many unofficial sites stream copyrighted content without proper licensing, which makes them illegal in most countries. Using such sites could also expose you to risks like malware or legal consequences. To stay safe, stick to reputable platforms.

What are the best sports streaming sites for football?

There are many good football streaming sites like ESPN+. Among other popular ones are DAZN and Sling TV. These services offer live coverage of major football leagues and tournaments worldwide in high resolution and with the option to view replays afterward. Just bear in mind that you’ll need a subscription to use these sports streaming services.

What are the best sports streaming apps for Android, iPhone, Firestick, and PS4?

ESPN+, DAZN, and Sling TV are some of the best sports streaming sites for Android, iPhone, Firestick, and PS4. While these streaming sites have their differences, they provide access to live sports events, highlights, analysis, and on-demand content and have apps for all popular devices. However, the availability of these services may vary depending on your location.

Is watching sports on free streaming sites safe?

Watching sports on free streaming sites can be risky, as many of these platforms are unverified and may contain malware, intrusive ads, or phishing links. Some sites may compromise your privacy by tracking your data or exposing you to hackers. To stay safe, use trusted free platforms like Tubi or Pluto TV, which are legitimate and secure.

Conclusion

What is the best sports streaming site? CBS Sports and ESPN+ are tough to beat, but it really depends on what you’re a fan of. CBS has plenty of free NFL and NBA clips, but it’ll never approach the 3,000+ hours of coverage you’ll get on a premium app like ESPN+ (ESPNpressoom, 2024)⁴, or the variety it offers with sports like MMA and auto racing. In comparison, Tubi only has about 700 hours of on-demand sports content (Tubi press release, 2021)⁵.

Remember to protect your data while streaming by using a VPN, an antivirus, and a robust ad blocker, especially when using free platforms. Using a VPN can also provide reliable access to live sports streaming services from anywhere since they have servers worldwide.

References:

• https://www.forbes.com/sites/maurybrown/2024/08/29/why-sports-fans-could-pay-over-1000-a-year-to-watch-streaming/
• https://www.statista.com/statistics/1445770/sports-rights-value-us-by-company/
• https://www.fact-uk.org.uk/new-research-finds-illegal-sports-streaming-sites-expose-fans-to-financial-fraud-dangerous-scams-and-explicit-content/
• https://espnpressroom.com/us/espnplus/
• https://corporate.tubitv.com/press/tubi-and-fox-sports-team-up-to-launch-sports-on-tubi/