Sports channels are probably one of the most-watched types of channels on cable TV. Americans are known for their love of sports, so watching games has become a social ritual. In my family, we always make it a point to gather around the TV on game days so really, thank God for cable TV. However, now that I think about it, a lot of people have cut the cord, including me. But of course, my love for sports never wavered and up until today, I still love watching sports.
However, I had to work around the fact that watching sports channels without cable isn’t as straightforward. And I’m pretty sure you or someone close to you is having the same realization after cutting the cord. It’s an adjustment at first, but with the streaming services we have right now, it’s not as difficult.
So if you’re wondering how cord-cutters are watching sports channels, I’ve got a handful of ways to share with you if you still find yourself scratching your head over it.
How to Watch Sports Channels
- Live TV Streaming Services
No, I’m not talking about Netflix or Disney+. There are literally live TV streaming services that offer TV channels like ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, and more but without the extremely lengthy contracts or expensive installation fees that come with traditional cable. These services work over the internet, letting you stream live games from your phone, laptop, or TV wherever you are.
Some of the crowd-favorites that I have personally tried include YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and fuboTV. These services are so appealing because they’re very flexible. You don’t have to worry about early cancellation fees or being tied down to a year-long plan you might not even use all the time when TV streaming.
- League-Specific Apps
If you are only following specific leagues or teams and really don’t need to subscribe to a full live TV service, you’d be better off with league-specific apps. These apps let you stream games directly from the league itself, often with options to watch live and catch up on specific games you missed due to work or traffic.
What’s great about these platforms is that for some of them, you can download an app so that you can access them on your mobile devices. Talk about convenience, right?
- Over-the-Air (OTA) Antennas
If you only care about certain local games or broadcasts, an OTA antenna can pick up free local channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX. It’s completely different from having satellite TV or cable TV but it’ll work. You can check if these are already good enough for you for your sports channels streaming needs. If not, you might need to combine it with other streaming subscriptions, but it won’t cost you a lot if that’s the case.
- Social Media
What I love about social media right now is that it has all the content you’ll need. Many games are already being streamed on official pages, and even if they aren’t live-streamed, you can easily find highlights without even trying. And aside from that, you get that sense of community because you can react, comment, and celebrate (well, or rant) with other fans in real time. It’s not a full replacement for live TV, but it has been effective for many cord-cutters.
Where Are You Going to Watch Your Favorite Sports?
The best platform depends on where you can find the sportschannels you love to watch. It’s not easy to adjust, especially if you’ve just cut the cord, but it will be easier to settle into once you explore what each service offers. Once you figure that out, you’ll realize you can still enjoy every game, every highlight, and every moment of excitement without going back to cable.
–
Sponsorship Disclaimer:
This sports channels article may contain affiliate links or sponsored mentions. Respect My Region may receive compensation when readers click on links or purchase products and services mentioned in this post. All opinions expressed are authentic and based on editorial discretion. Our content is created to inform and inspire, and any partnerships featured do not influence the integrity or originality of our coverage.
