The True Cost of Streaming Live Sports in 2025
Being a sports fan can put a dent in your wallet these days. Between tickets, gear, and now streaming services, the costs can add up. According to The New York Times, the average NFL fan will spend around $634 this year to stream games. This includes services like YouTube TV for $90 per month, Amazon Prime for $15 a month, Netflix for $8, and Peacock for $11 a month. And that’s not even counting add-ons like NFL Sunday Ticket.
But what about other sports? If you’re a basketball fan, get ready to shell out around $900 for a full season of NBA games. MLB fans aren’t spared either, with costs totaling around $540 for six months of games with a streaming service. Throw in MLB.TV for $140 for a single team plan, and now you’re looking at $680.
To save some cash, consider using the right credit card or exploring streaming deals. YouTube TV may be on the pricier side at $82.99 a month, but it covers all major games from various sports. However, if you’re on a budget, Sling TV offers packages starting at $46 per month or a $4.99 day pass for access to ESPN and TNT.
Paramount Plus and Peacock are other great options for live sports streaming, with deals like 50% off annual plans. And if you want to save even more, sign up for Walmart Plus for a choice between Paramount Plus or Peacock’s ad-supported plan for free.
Just remember to watch out for blackout restrictions that may affect your viewing options. And consider sharing subscriptions or rotating services to save some extra cash. And if you’re looking to watch some games without any subscription fees, a digital antenna might be the way to go.
Being a sports fan in 2025 might be pricey, but with some smart choices and flexibility, you can enjoy the games you love without breaking the bank.
