Ultimate Guide to Cutting the Cord: Streaming Sports and Entertainment
Thea beginners guide to cord cutting.
Introduction: In recent years, many consumers have opted to "cut the cord" - moving away from traditional cable or satellite TV subscriptions in favor of streaming services. This shift offers more flexibility, often at a lower cost. However, for sports fans, especially those following the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLS, NASCAR, and Formula One, finding the right streaming solution can be challenging. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the world of cord-cutting with a focus on sports content and general entertainment.
Understanding Streaming Services
Before diving into sports-specific options, it's important to understand the landscape of general streaming services:
a) On-Demand Streaming Services:
Netflix: Known for its vast library and original content
Disney+: Home to Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content
Amazon Prime Video: Offers original content and comes bundled with Amazon Prime
b) Live TV Streaming Services:
YouTube TV
Hulu + Live TV
Sling TV
fuboTV
These services offer a cable-like experience without the need for traditional cable infrastructure.
Sports-Focused Streaming Options
For NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLS, NASCAR, and Formula One fans, here are the top streaming choices:
a) YouTube TV:
NFL: All major networks (CBS, Fox, NBC), ESPN for Monday Night Football, NFL Network
NBA: ESPN, TNT, ABC, and NBA TV for national games
WNBA: ESPN and ABC for nationally televised games
MLS: Fox Sports, ESPN, ABC for national broadcasts
NASCAR: Fox, NBC, USA Network for Cup Series races
Formula One: ESPN channels for all races
Includes many regional sports networks
Unlimited cloud DVR
b) Hulu + Live TV:
Similar to YouTube TV for all mentioned sports
50 hours of cloud DVR storage (upgradeable)
c) Sling TV (Orange + Blue plan):
More affordable but with fewer channels
NFL: ESPN, NFL Network, Fox, and NBC (select markets)
NBA: ESPN, TNT, and ABC (select markets)
WNBA: ESPN for national games
MLS: Fox Sports, ESPN for some national broadcasts (no ABC)
NASCAR: Fox, NBC, USA Network (depending on your local market)
Formula One: ESPN channels for all races
d) FuboTV:
Strong NFL coverage, including 4K streaming for select games
Lacks TNT, which affects NBA coverage
Good coverage for MLS, NASCAR, and Formula One
250 hours of cloud DVR storage
League-Specific Streaming Options
For die-hard fans or those looking to supplement basic coverage:
a) NFL:
NFL+: Live out-of-market preseason games, live local and primetime regular season games on mobile devices
NFL Sunday Ticket: Out-of-market Sunday afternoon games (available on YouTube TV)
b) NBA:
NBA League Pass: Live out-of-market games for all teams
NBA TV: Available as an add-on with many streaming services
c) WNBA:
WNBA League Pass: Access to out-of-market games
d) MLS:
MLS Season Pass (through Apple TV+): Every live MLS match with no blackouts
e) NASCAR:
TrackPass: On-demand access to select NASCAR series and events
f) Formula One:
F1 TV Pro: Live streaming of all races, on-board cameras, and team radio
Choosing the Right Combination
The best streaming solution depends on your specific needs:
a) For comprehensive coverage: YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV offer the most complete packages for all mentioned sports, along with other entertainment options.
b) For budget-conscious fans: Consider combining Sling TV with league-specific passes for out-of-market games.
c) For specific team followers: A basic streaming service plus a league pass might suffice if you're primarily interested in one team.
d) For soccer fans: Consider combining a basic streaming service with MLS Season Pass for comprehensive MLS coverage.
e) For motorsports enthusiasts: YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV provide good coverage for both NASCAR and Formula One. Supplement with F1 TV Pro for the ultimate F1 experience.
Additional Considerations
a) Internet Connection: Ensure you have a robust internet connection to handle streaming, especially for live sports.
Earnest Morgan, founder of NavigateHome, emphasizes the importance of this point:
"When cutting the cord, your internet connection becomes the lifeline for all your entertainment needs. Selecting the right high-speed internet provider and plan is crucial to support the additional bandwidth required for streaming multiple devices, especially for live sports in high definition. We recommend a minimum of 100 Mbps for households that stream regularly, with higher speeds necessary for 4K content or homes with many connected devices. Don't overlook this step – a subpar internet connection can quickly turn your cord-cutting dream into a buffering nightmare."
It's important to note that in some residential buildings and neighborhoods, you may not have a choice in internet service providers due to how the fiber infrastructure was financed and/or partnership agreements in place. In such cases, it's crucial to thoroughly research the available options and their performance before making the decision to cut the cord. If possible, talk to neighbors about their experiences with the local internet service.
If you're in a situation with limited provider options, consider:
Negotiating with the available provider for the best possible plan
Exploring alternative technologies like 5G home internet, if available in your area
Discussing with property management about the possibility of bringing in more provider options
b) Device Compatibility: Check that your preferred streaming services work with your devices (smart TVs, streaming sticks, game consoles, etc.).
c) DVR Functionality: If you can't always watch live, prioritize services with good DVR options.
d) Regional Sports Networks: If you follow local teams, verify that your chosen service carries your regional sports network.
e) International Sports: If you're interested in international soccer leagues or other global sports, consider adding specialized streaming services like ESPN+ (for LaLiga, Bundesliga) or Peacock (for Premier League).
Sport-Specific Highlights
a) MLS (Major League Soccer):
MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+ is now the home for all MLS matches
Some matches are still broadcast on Fox, FS1, and Fox Deportes
ESPN+ offers out-of-market MLS matches not included in national TV packages
b) NASCAR:
Cup Series races are broadcast across Fox, FS1, NBC, and USA Network
Practice and qualifying sessions are often on FS1 or USA Network
Some races are available in 4K on compatible services
c) Formula One:
ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC share broadcasting rights in the US
Practice sessions and qualifying are typically on ESPN2
Races alternate between ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC
F1 TV Pro offers the most comprehensive F1 coverage, including live timing and driver tracker
Conclusion: Cutting the cord doesn't mean sacrificing your favorite sports content. With the right combination of streaming services, you can enjoy NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLS, NASCAR, Formula One, and a wide variety of entertainment options. The key is to assess your viewing habits, prioritize the sports and leagues you follow most closely, and choose a combination of services that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
Remember that the streaming landscape is continually evolving, with new services emerging and existing ones updating their offerings. Stay informed about changes in broadcasting rights and new streaming options to ensure you're always getting the best value for your preferences.
By carefully selecting your streaming services and ensuring you have a robust internet connection, you can create a personalized, flexible, and cost-effective alternative to traditional cable that doesn't compromise on your sports viewing experience.