The world of television has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. With the rise of streaming services and online platforms, it’s now possible to access a wide range of channels and content without the need for traditional cable subscriptions. One of the most popular sports networks, NBC Sports, is no exception. In this article, we’ll explore the various ways to get NBC Sports without cable, so you can stay up-to-date with your favorite sports teams and events.
The Rise of Cord-Cutting
The cord-cutting phenomenon has been gaining momentum over the past decade, with millions of Americans ditching their cable subscriptions in favor of online streaming services. This trend is largely driven by the desire for greater flexibility and affordability, as well as the ability to customize one’s viewing experience.
According to a report by eMarketer, the number of cord-cutters in the US is expected to reach 43.9 million by the end of 2022, with an additional 34.4 million “cord-nevers” who have never subscribed to traditional pay TV. This shift in viewing habits has forced sports networks like NBC Sports to adapt and offer alternative ways for fans to access their content.
Ways to Get NBC Sports Without Cable
So, can you get NBC Sports without cable? The answer is a resounding yes! Here are some of the most popular ways to access NBC Sports without a traditional cable subscription:
Live TV Streaming Services
One of the most convenient ways to get NBC Sports without cable is through live TV streaming services. These platforms offer a range of channels, including sports networks, that can be streamed live over the internet. Some popular options include:
- Sling TV: Offers NBC Sports Regional Networks, NBCSN, and Olympic Channel, starting at $25/month
- YouTube TV: Includes NBC Sports Regional Networks, NBCSN, and Olympic Channel, for $50/month
- Hulu with Live TV: Offers NBC Sports Regional Networks, NBCSN, and Olympic Channel, starting at $54.99/month
- AT&T TV Now: Includes NBC Sports Regional Networks, NBCSN, and Olympic Channel, starting at $50/month
- fuboTV: Offers NBC Sports Regional Networks, NBCSN, and Olympic Channel, starting at $59.99/month
These services are available on a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Chromecast.
Sports-Specific Streaming Services
For die-hard sports fans, sports-specific streaming services can be a great way to get NBC Sports without cable. These platforms offer a range of sports channels and content, often at a lower cost than traditional cable subscriptions. Some popular options include:
NBC Sports Gold
NBC Sports Gold is a sports-specific streaming service that offers live and on-demand sports content, including Premier League, PGA TOUR, and Olympic sports. While it doesn’t offer all NBC Sports channels, it’s a great option for fans of specific sports.
Peacock Premium
Peacock Premium is a streaming service from NBCUniversal that offers a range of TV shows, movies, and sports content, including NBC Sports. For $4.99/month, you can access ad-free sports content, including live sports and exclusive original content.
Antenna and OTA DVR
If you live in an area with good over-the-air (OTA) reception, you can use an antenna to pick up local NBC stations, including NBC Sports coverage of events like the Olympics and Sunday Night Football. You can also consider investing in an OTA DVR, which allows you to record and playback live TV channels.
Bundling and Pricing
When it comes to getting NBC Sports without cable, the cost can vary depending on the streaming service or platform you choose. Here’s a breakdown of the typical pricing for each option:
Live TV Streaming Services
Live TV streaming services typically offer a range of pricing tiers, with the most basic plans starting at around $25/month. However, to get NBC Sports, you may need to upgrade to a higher-tier plan, which can cost upwards of $50/month.
Sports-Specific Streaming Services
Sports-specific streaming services like NBC Sports Gold and Peacock Premium are often more affordable, with prices starting at around $5/month.
Antenna and OTA DVR
If you choose to use an antenna and OTA DVR, you’ll need to make an initial investment in the equipment, which can cost around $100-$200. However, after that, you’ll have access to free OTA channels, including NBC Sports coverage of local events.
Device Support and Compatibility
When choosing a way to get NBC Sports without cable, it’s essential to consider device support and compatibility. Here are some of the most popular devices supported by each option:
Live TV Streaming Services
Live TV streaming services typically support a range of devices, including:
- Smartphones and tablets (iOS and Android)
- Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio)
- Streaming devices (Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV)
- Gaming consoles (Xbox and PlayStation)
Sports-Specific Streaming Services
Sports-specific streaming services like NBC Sports Gold and Peacock Premium often support a range of devices, including:
- Smartphones and tablets (iOS and Android)
- Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio)
- Streaming devices (Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV)
Antenna and OTA DVR
If you choose to use an antenna and OTA DVR, you’ll need to ensure that your device is compatible with the equipment. Most modern TVs and streaming devices support OTA tuners, but it’s essential to check before making a purchase.
Conclusion
Getting NBC Sports without cable is easier than ever, with a range of options available to suit different budgets and viewing habits. Whether you choose a live TV streaming service, sports-specific streaming service, or an antenna and OTA DVR, you’ll have access to a wide range of sports content, including live sports, analysis, and exclusive original content. So, why wait? Cut the cord and start streaming NBC Sports today!
Do I need a TV antenna to get NBC Sports?
You don’t necessarily need a TV antenna to get NBC Sports, but it can be a cost-effective way to access NBC Sports in your area. With an over-the-air TV antenna, you can pick up local NBC channels, including NBC Sports, for free. However, the availability of NBC Sports through an antenna depends on your location and the strength of the signal in your area.
If you’re not sure whether you can get NBC Sports with an antenna, you can check the FCC’s website to see which channels are available in your area. You can also consider using a streaming service that offers NBC Sports, such as fuboTV or Hulu with Live TV, which often include a free trial period. These services can provide access to NBC Sports even if you can’t get it with an antenna.
Can I get NBC Sports on Hulu?
Yes, you can get NBC Sports on Hulu, but it depends on the specific plan you choose. Hulu with Live TV is a streaming service that offers a range of live TV channels, including NBC Sports in many areas. With Hulu with Live TV, you can watch NBC Sports live, as well as access on-demand content from NBC Sports.
To get NBC Sports on Hulu, you’ll need to sign up for the Hulu with Live TV plan, which currently costs $64.99 per month. You can also add the Sports Add-on to your plan for an extra $10.99 per month, which includes additional sports channels. Hulu offers a free trial period, so you can test out the service and see if it meets your needs before committing to a subscription.
Does Sling TV have NBC Sports?
Sling TV does offer NBC Sports, but it’s only available in select areas. Sling TV is a streaming service that provides access to live TV channels, including NBC Sports, but the availability of NBC Sports on Sling TV depends on your location. In some areas, NBC Sports is available on Sling TV’s Blue plan, which currently costs $25 per month.
To see if NBC Sports is available on Sling TV in your area, you can check the Sling TV website and enter your zip code. If NBC Sports is not available in your area, you may want to consider other streaming services, such as fuboTV or Hulu with Live TV, which offer more widespread access to NBC Sports.
Can I get NBC Sports on YouTube TV?
Yes, you can get NBC Sports on YouTube TV. YouTube TV is a streaming service that provides access to live TV channels, including NBC Sports in many areas. With YouTube TV, you can watch NBC Sports live, as well as access on-demand content from NBC Sports.
YouTube TV currently costs $64.99 per month, and it includes NBC Sports in its channel lineup. You can also add the Sports Plus add-on to your plan for an extra $10.99 per month, which includes additional sports channels. YouTube TV offers a free trial period, so you can test out the service and see if it meets your needs before committing to a subscription.
Is NBC Sports available on fuboTV?
Yes, NBC Sports is available on fuboTV. fuboTV is a streaming service that specializes in sports programming, and it offers NBC Sports in many areas. With fuboTV, you can watch NBC Sports live, as well as access on-demand content from NBC Sports.
fuboTV offers a range of plans, including the Family plan, which currently costs $64.99 per month, and the Elite plan, which costs $79.99 per month. Both plans include NBC Sports in their channel lineup. fuboTV also offers a free trial period, so you can test out the service and see if it meets your needs before committing to a subscription.
Can I watch NBC Sports on the NBC app?
Yes, you can watch NBC Sports on the NBC app, but you’ll need to log in with a cable provider or a streaming service that includes NBC Sports. The NBC app is available on a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and streaming devices like Roku and Chromecast.
To watch NBC Sports on the NBC app, you’ll need to sign in with a participating TV provider or streaming service. If you don’t have a cable subscription, you can use a streaming service like Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, or fuboTV to authenticate the app. Once you’ve signed in, you can access live and on-demand content from NBC Sports.
Is NBC Sports available on AT&T TV Now?
Yes, NBC Sports is available on AT&T TV Now, but it depends on the specific plan you choose. AT&T TV Now is a streaming service that offers a range of live TV channels, including NBC Sports in many areas. With AT&T TV Now, you can watch NBC Sports live, as well as access on-demand content from NBC Sports.
To get NBC Sports on AT&T TV Now, you’ll need to sign up for the Plus plan or the Max plan, which currently cost $55 per month and $80 per month, respectively. Both plans include NBC Sports in their channel lineup. AT&T TV Now offers a free trial period, so you can test out the service and see if it meets your needs before committing to a subscription.