Watching your local baseball, basketball, or hockey team without a traditional cable subscription is easier than ever, thanks to the rise of streaming services. However, navigating the landscape of regional sports networks (RSNs) and streaming options can be confusing. This guide will break down the various ways to stream local sports in 2024, from comprehensive live TV streaming services to standalone team-specific options.
Live TV Streaming Services with Regional Sports
Live TV streaming services offer a cable-like experience with a bundle of channels, DVR functionality, and a grid guide. While convenient, not all services offer regional sports in every market. Be sure to check each service’s website for availability in your area.
YouTube TV
- Price: $73 per month
- Regional Sports Networks: Offers select RSNs, including NBC Sports RSNs, SNY, and Monumental Sports Network.
- Availability: [Check YouTube TV’s website for local channel listings](Link to YouTube TV website)
Hulu + Live TV
- Price: $77 per month
- Regional Sports Networks: Similar to YouTube TV, Hulu carries select RSNs like NBC Sports RSNs, SNY, and Monumental Sports Network.
- Availability: [Verify channel availability on Hulu’s website](Link to Hulu website)
Fubo
- Price: $75 per month plus regional sports fees (starting at $11 per month)
- Regional Sports Networks: Offers a wider selection including Altitude, Bally Sports, Marquee, Monumental Sports Network, MSG, NBC Sports RSNs, NESN, Root Sports NW, and SNY.
- Availability: [Confirm specific RSN availability on Fubo’s website](Link to Fubo website)
DirecTV Stream
- Price: Starts at $100 per month for packages including RSNs.
- Regional Sports Networks: Provides the most comprehensive RSN coverage, including Altitude, Bally Sports, Marquee, MASN, Monumental Sports Network, MSG, NBC Sports RSNs, NESN, Root Sports NW, SNY, Spectrum Sportsnet, and YES Network.
- Availability: [Consult DirecTV’s website for local channel details](Link to DirecTV website)
Standalone Regional Sports Streaming Services
For cord-cutters who primarily want access to local team broadcasts, standalone streaming services from RSNs offer a more targeted approach. However, these services typically only cover locally televised games and may exclude nationally televised or playoff games.
Bally Sports+
- Price: $20 per month or $190 per year
- Coverage: Primarily NHL and NBA games in markets served by Bally Sports RSNs. Limited MLB coverage. Note: Bally Sports’ coverage is subject to change due to ongoing circumstances with Diamond Sports Group.
- Availability: [Check the Bally Sports Plus website for details](Link to Bally Sports Plus website)
Other Team-Specific Streaming Options
Several teams offer dedicated streaming platforms for local game broadcasts. Here are a few examples:
- Clippervision: Streams Los Angeles Clippers games.
- Arizona Coyotes: Broadcasts local games free over-the-air.
- Las Vegas Golden Knights: Offers free over-the-air broadcasts and a paid streaming option.
- Marquee Sports Network (Chicago Cubs): Provides a dedicated streaming service.
- Monumental Sports Network (Washington D.C. teams): Offers a standalone streaming platform.
- MSG+ (New York area teams): Streams various local games based on your market.
- NESN 360 (Boston Red Sox and Bruins): Offers a dedicated streaming service.
- Padres.tv, Rockies.tv: Team-specific options for streaming games.
- Phoenix Suns and Mercury, Utah Jazz: Offer a combination of free over-the-air broadcasts and paid streaming.
- YES Network (New York Yankees and Brooklyn Nets): Provides a dedicated streaming service.
Staying Updated on Streaming Options
The streaming landscape is constantly evolving. For the latest updates on regional sports streaming, consider following relevant industry news and cord-cutting resources.
