This post was written in partnership with Sling TV.
Sling TV is alright for sports fans who get a base plan, but great for customers who add the sports extras to their Sling TV channel lineup. Given how affordable Sling is, even if you pay for the most comprehensive base plan and a sports extra, you’ll probably end up paying less than you would for traditional cable or another major streamer.
Channels for sports fans include ESPN and ESPN2, NBC Sports Network, NFL Network, and TNT. Beyond their sports channels, Sling also has news and entertainment coverage from major networks like CNN and TLC. Sling TV has local channels in some markets, which unlocks access to events like the Super Bowl and NCAA basketball tournaments.
| Plan | Cost Per Month | Channels | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange | $40 | 32+ | No |
| Blue | $40 | 40+ | No |
| Orange & Blue | $55 | 46+ | No |
Sling TV sports channels
Sling TV offers different sports channels depending on the Sling TV package you subscribe to. Both the Orange and Blue plans include TBS and TNT, while Sling Orange includes ESPN and ESPN2. Sling Blue has NFL Networks, plus Fox, ABC, and NBC in select markets. In order to maximize sports action, customers may want to consider upgrading to Sling Orange & Blue to get the most athletic action available without an add-on.
| Channel | Sling Orange | Sling Blue |
|---|---|---|
| ABC | ✔* | |
| ESPN | ✔ | |
| ESPN2 | ✔ | |
| ESPN3 | ✔ | |
| Fox | ✔* | |
| Fox Sports 1 (FS1) | ✔ | |
| Motortrend | ✔ | |
| NBC Local | ✔* | |
| NBC Sports Network | ✔ | |
| NFL Network | ✔ | |
| TBS | ✔ | ✔ |
| TNT | ✔ | ✔ |
Sling TV sports add-ons
There is also a Sling sports package add-on that can be tagged onto either an Orange or Blue plan for $11 per month. Each sports add-on will bring its own collection of content to your screens, from sports networks like Big Ten and SEC games to MLB, NHL, NFL RedZone, Golf, Tennis, and Olympic content. For viewers who aren’t able to find the specific content they’re looking for, these Sling extras are a way to add channel-specific content to your existing
The Sports Extra add-on for Sling Orange includes:
- ACC Network
- ACC Network Extra
- Longhorn Network
- ESPNU
- ESPNEWS
- SEC Network
- SEC Network+
- MLB Network
- MLB Network Strike Zone
- Tennis Channel
- NBA TV
- Pac-12 Network
- NHL Network
- beIN Sports
The following channels are available in the Sports Extra add-on for Sling Blue:
- FS2
- Golf Channel
- Olympic Channel
- NFL RedZone
- MLB Network
- MLB Network Strike Zone
- Tennis Channel
- NBA TV
- Pac-12 Network
- NHL Network
- beIN Sports
- Big Ten Network
Final take: Is Sling worth it for sports fans?
Sling TV offers a wide selection of sports content at a price point that is comparable, if not less, than alternative services. For someone who can find their favorite sports content on Sling TV’s Blue or Orange plan, the service is a comprehensive choice for a live TV streaming platform. And add-on channels allow for a customizable service that any sports lover can enjoy.
FAQ
Can I watch live sports on Sling TV?
If you live in a market that has local channels, you’ll be able to watch live prime-time sports on Sling TV. Even without local channels, Sling TV customers have access to live sports on channels like ESPN and Fox Sports 1.
Can you get ESPN live on Sling?
Yes, if you have Sling Orange or Sling Orange & Blue, you can get live ESPN coverage. Sling Orange is the most affordable option at just $40 per month.
Does Sling have local channels?
Sling TV offers local channels in certain markets. Local channels available to some customers include ABC, NBC, and Fox. You can enter your zip code on Sling’s website to see which local channels are available, if any, in your coverage area.
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