How Can I Stream NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL Games Live?

Sports fans have more streaming choices than ever — and also more confusion. Between national broadcasts, local regional sports networks (RSNs), blackout rules, and exclusive streaming deals, figuring out how to stream NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL games live can feel like solving a puzzle.

The good news? You can stream every major U.S. sports league legally — whether you’ve cut the cord already or are planning to. The key is understanding which platform carries which games, whether blackouts apply, and whether you want local, national, or out-of-market coverage.

We break everything down clearly — league by league — so you can make the right choice without getting frustrated or overpaying. I also add in a free option that will guarantee you will be able to watch your sports even if it is shown on an app you don't have. 

First — What is the difference between Local vs. National vs. Out-of-Market Games

Before we dive into specific options, it helps to know why the same game may appear in different places.

Local games

These are games aired in your local market through regional sports networks (RSNs) like Bally Sports or through local channels such as FOX, CBS, ABC, or NBC.

National games

These air nationwide on channels like ESPN, TNT, FOX, NBC, Prime Video, CBS, TBS, and others, depending on the league.

Out-of-market games

These are games not shown in your local broadcast area.
Out-of-market packages let you follow a team that isn’t near you — but local blackout rules still apply.

Understanding this makes everything else easier.

How to Stream NFL Games Live

NFL streaming depends on the day of the week and the broadcast rights.

Where NFL games stream today

Sunday afternoon games (CBS & FOX)

  • Available live via streaming TV services that include local broadcast networks
  • Local team games usually air in-market on CBS or FOX

Sunday Night Football (NBC)

  • Streams on Peacock and NBC-carrying live TV platforms

Monday Night Football (ESPN/ABC)

  • Streams on ESPN platforms and ABC

Thursday Night Football (Prime Video)

  • Exclusively streams on Amazon Prime Video (most weeks)

Options to stream NFL games legally

(availability may vary by market)

Some services include NFL Network and NFL RedZone, which help track multiple games at once — useful for fantasy football fans.

What about out-of-market NFL games?

Out-of-market access depends on the season and agreements. These packages are designed for fans who want to follow a team they don’t live near.

Blackout rules still apply

Even with subscriptions, local games may be blacked out — meaning you need a service that carries your local broadcaster. There is a way around this with the HDHomerun tuner. This tuner with an antenna lets you watch sports just like we used to. 

How to Stream NBA Games Live

NBA streaming requires you to think about:

  • Local RSNs
  • National TV games
  • Out-of-market streaming packages

Nationally-televised NBA games stream on:

  • ESPN
  • ABC
  • TNT
  • NBA TV

These channels are available through most major live TV streaming platforms.

Local in-market NBA games

Your local team’s regular-season games are usually aired on a regional sports network (RSN) like Bally, NBC Sports regional, YES Network, etc.

You’ll need a streaming platform that carries your RSN — availability varies by team and city.

Want to follow a team that isn’t near you?

Out-of-market subscriptions allow you to stream every team except your local market games (those remain blacked out).

This is ideal if:

  • You moved but still support your hometown team
  • You love watching multiple teams
  • You’re a fantasy or sports-betting fan who follows the league broadly

Again — blackouts apply to local & nationally televised games.

How to Stream MLB Games Live

MLB has the most complex blackout rules because local broadcast rights are tightly controlled — especially for teams with wide regional footprints.

Nationally broadcast MLB games stream on:

  • ESPN (including Sunday Night Baseball)
  • FOX
  • FS1
  • TBS

Postseason games air across these same networks.

Local MLB games

Most teams air locally on RSNs like Bally, YES Network, Marquee Sports Network, SportsNet LA, etc.
You’ll need a streaming provider that carries your team’s RSN — which varies by market.

Out-of-market MLB subscriptions

Out-of-market packages let you watch almost every team — except your local team’s home market games.

So if you live in New York but love the Dodgers — you’re in great shape.

If you live in LA and want to watch Dodgers games without local RSN access — blackouts matter.

Special MLB notes

  • Day games are common
  • Some games air on streaming-exclusive platforms depending on the season
  • MLB blackouts can sometimes include neighboring states

Knowing your market matters a lot.

How to Stream NHL Games Live

NHL streaming is simpler than MLB but still uses the local vs. national model.

Nationally televised NHL games stream on:

  • ESPN networks
  • ABC
  • TNT
  • TBS

You’ll need a streaming service carrying those channels.

Local NHL team coverage

Most games air through RSNs like Bally, NESN, MSG, ROOT Sports, and others.

Some teams also have regional streaming partnerships — depending on your market.

Out-of-market NHL streaming

Out-of-market packages are perfect if you follow a team in another city.

Like other leagues — nationally aired games are not included and local games remain blacked out.

Common Question — Why Are Some Games Blacked Out?

Blackouts exist because leagues sell local broadcast rights to RSNs and networks.
When a provider owns exclusive rights in your area, streaming services must block other sources from showing it.

Blackouts most often apply to:

  • Your home team
  • Primetime nationally-televised games
  • Certain playoff matchups

It’s frustrating — but it’s a business model designed around local advertising revenue.

Streaming Equipment You’ll Need

The good news? Almost any modern setup works.

Common streaming devices include:

  • Smart TVs
  • Roku
  • Amazon Fire TV
  • Apple TV
  • Google TV
  • Gaming consoles
  • Mobile devices and tablets
  • Laptops/desktop browsers

A reliable internet connection is essential — ideally:

  • 25 Mbps or higher for HD
  • 50 Mbps or higher for multiple devices

Wired Ethernet offers the most stable experience — especially for live sports.

Tips to Avoid Streaming Frustration

1. Check which RSN carries your local team

Each market and team differs — knowing your RSN prevents surprises.

2. Make sure your streaming provider includes local broadcast channels

Some do — some don’t.

3. Know blackout rules before subscribing

This prevents disappointment.

4. Consider whether you want:

  • Local team coverage
  • National matchups
  • Out-of-market access
  • Or a combination

5. Test your Wi-Fi near your TV

Weak Wi-Fi causes buffering — and nobody wants lag during a game-winning drive or buzzer-beater.

Can You Watch for Free?

Some leagues occasionally simulcast games on free-to-air local channels.
You can also use an over-the-air antenna to get local broadcast networks in HD with no monthly fee — this covers:

  • NFL games on CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC (varies by market)
  • NBA games on ABC
  • MLB games on FOX/ABC in some markets
  • NHL games on ABC

An antenna does not solve blackout restrictions for out-of-market streaming — but it can replace local cable channels. Check out HDHomeRun Tuner

Streaming NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL Games Live While Traveling

Most services let you watch on mobile apps when traveling — but location still affects blackouts.
That means:

  • You may lose access to your home RSN when away
  • National games still work normally
  • Out-of-market packages may still blackout local feeds depending on your location

Using mobile data or hotel Wi-Fi works — as long as the app allows streaming in that region.

DVR — Can You Record Games?

Many streaming services include cloud DVR, letting you record games to watch later.

Why this matters:

  • Late-night west-coast games
  • Overlapping schedules
  • Work or family obligations

If sports are a priority, choose a platform that includes unlimited DVR or plenty of hours.

How to Decide the Best Streaming Setup for You

Ask yourself three key questions:

1. Do you mostly watch your local teams?

Then make sure your RSN + local networks are included.

2. Do you want out-of-market teams?

Then you’ll need a league-specific plan.

3. Do you watch playoffs & national games?

Choose a provider with major sports networks.

A Quick League-by-League Summary

NFL

  • Local games = CBS/FOX
  • Sunday Night = NBC
  • Monday Night = ESPN/ABC
  • Thursday Night = Prime Video
  • Out-of-market packages exist
  • Blackouts apply

NBA

  • Local games = RSNs
  • National games = ESPN/ABC/TNT/NBA TV
  • Out-of-market subscriptions available
  • Blackouts apply

MLB

  • Local games = RSNs
  • National games = ESPN/FOX/FS1/TBS
  • Out-of-market packages available
  • Blackouts strongest in MLB

NHL

  • Local games = RSNs
  • National = ESPN/ABC/TNT
  • Out-of-market packages available
  • Blackouts apply

Final Thoughts — Streaming Sports Is Powerful, But Know the Rules

Learning how to stream NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL games live opens up huge flexibility — watch anywhere, on almost any device, without traditional cable. But every league still relies on broadcast rights and blackout rules, which means your best approach depends on:

  • Where you live
  • Which teams you follow
  • Whether you want local or out-of-market coverage
  • Whether you also want national games and playoffs

Once you match your needs to the right services, you can enjoy the same great sports experience — just delivered through the internet instead of a cable line.