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The Real Cost of Streaming Live Sports in 2025

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 12:49 GMT by Kiplinger
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How Much Does Streaming Live Sports Really Cost?
An In‑Depth Look at the Subscription Landscape (Kiplinger.com)

In the last decade the way we watch sports has changed dramatically. Traditional cable packages that bundled hundreds of channels—including every major sporting league—are giving way to “skin‑deep” streaming services that let you watch only the games that matter to you. For the average household, however, the costs of building a new “sports-only” lineup can add up quickly, especially when you factor in regional blackout restrictions, add‑on fees, and the need for a compatible device or smart TV.

Kiplinger’s recent deep dive into the economics of streaming sports lays out a clear guide to the main providers, their price points, and the pros and cons that can help you decide whether a subscription is worth the money. Below is a concise, no‑frills recap of the key take‑aways, with links to the original article for those who want the full details.

1. The NFL Is the Most Expensive League to Stream

Bottom line: If you’re a hardcore NFL fan who wants every Sunday afternoon game live, expect to pay at least $550 a year. If you’re happy with on‑demand replays, NFL Game Pass can be as low as $49.99 per year.

2. Major League Baseball: MLB.TV

Pro tip: If you’re willing to watch only the regular season, you can save a few bucks by just subscribing to MLB.TV and then opting for Extra Innings on the nights you actually want to watch.

3. The NBA’s League Pass: Flexible but Still Expensive

Note: The NBA offers a Season Pass bundle that can be cheaper if you’re okay with watching only one game per week. However, it may not be suitable if you’re a die‑hard fan who wants every game.

4. Hockey: NHL.TV

Why it matters: Even though the NHL is less expensive overall, many local teams are still behind pay‑walls. A separate local sports network subscription might still be necessary for your hometown team.

5. The Big Two for Broad Coverage: ESPN+ & Paramount+

Combine for a “Super‑Bundle”: If you’re a casual fan but want occasional coverage of different sports, you can pair ESPN+ with Paramount+ and only pay a combined $69.99 per year.

6. Cable Alternatives: How They Compare

Bottom line: If you’re already on a basic cable package, you may be paying for channels you never watch. For the sports-only budget, a combination of a sports streaming service and a modest streaming provider (like Sling TV or fuboTV) can be cheaper than a full cable bundle.

7. How to Cut Costs

1. Use Free Trials: All major services offer 7‑ to 14‑day free trials. Use these to confirm whether you’ll actually use the content.
2. Limit Yourself to One or Two Leagues: If you only care about the NFL and NBA, you could get just the NFL Game Pass and the NBA League Pass, saving over $200 a year versus subscribing to all four.
3. Bundle with a Cable Replacement: Some streaming services provide discounted rates when you bundle with a cable or satellite subscription—look for promotions.
4. Check for Local TV Packages: Some local broadcasters sell a separate “sports package” that covers the regional team. This can be cheaper than a full MLB or NBA pass if you’re a fan of one local team.
5. Pay Monthly vs. Annually: Many services offer a cheaper monthly rate if you don’t mind a higher total. The NFL Game Pass, for instance, costs $69.99 per year but only $9.99 per month.

8. A Quick Decision Checklist

Final Takeaway

Streaming sports can be surprisingly expensive, especially if you want to cover all the major leagues. However, by targeting only the sports that matter most, taking advantage of free trials, and comparing bundled options, you can trim the cost down to something more manageable. The Kiplinger analysis reminds us that budgeting for entertainment isn’t just about the price tag—it’s also about how you consume the content and how many of those “nice‑to‑have” games you actually watch.

For the full breakdown—including updated prices, device compatibility, and a side‑by‑side comparison of all the top services—see the original Kiplinger article: “Streaming Sports: How Much Does It Cost?”.

Stay informed, stay frugal, and may the best team win.