da esoccer bet: An in-depth guide on the best cable and satellite providers for sports fans
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da dobrowin: To cable or not to cable? We’re with you, it can be tempting to dip a toe into internet streaming waters. But, for all its advances, internet streaming is still second fiddle to satellite and cable when it comes to live sport coverage.
The variety of channels and events is undeniable, and with many providers offering them in HD and 4K, you’ll be that much closer to the action.
To re-introduce you to the magic of cable, we’ve brought together our “big six” service providers. We believe that they offer the best quality live sports streaming and service features, for the price of subscription.
What are the things to consider when choosing?Which channels provide the event and league coverage you want
Knowing the channels you need, narrows your search.
Soccer fans! We've made it extra easy. GOAL provides the when and where of all your big international games with our Soccer on TV page.
What features are a must?
DVR Storage, HD/4k viewing, regional sports coverage, flexible subscription.
How does the service compare to others on the market?
It’s key to getting the best live sports coverage and service features, for your budget.
Our "Big Six"Xfinity – best for footballDirecTV – best for soccerSpectrumTV – best for hockeyCox – best for baseballDISH – best for basketballVerizon- best for everything
RELATED: The best sports streaming services for sports fans in 2023
Xfinity is a cable service provider that offers the NFL Network, NFL Redzone, CBS Sports Network, Big Ten Network, and Pac-12 Networks, so you’re guaranteed the best National and College football coverage.
It’s also one of the cheapest cable services on the market, with its premium package, “Ultimate” under $80.
There are three subscription packages available:
Choice PopularUltimate
Based on the sports channel lineup, “Ultimate” is the clear winner for sports coverage.
Channel Line Up
Find a full channel lineuphere.
DVR Storage
20 hours of cloud storage is included with each subscription package.
Sports Add-Ons and ExtrasMLB Extra Innings $94.99 (One off Payment)More Sports and Entertainment ($9.99/mo)Advertisement
DirecTV is a satellite TV service with live soccer coverage to spare. Offering key networks like CBS, TNT, USA and NBC, means DirectTV subscribers have consistent coverage of the Champions and Europa League.
DirectTV has four subscription packages available:
Entertainment ($64.99/mo)Choice ($84.99/mo)Ultimate ($109.99/mo)Premier ($154.99/mo)
A subscription to Choice (DirectTV’s sports package), is the best value for all round sports coverage.
Channel Line Up
Find a full channel lineuphere.
DVR Storage
The satellite service offers up to 200 hours of recording.
Sports Add-Ons and Extras
Peacock Premium is available for only $2.99/Month through DirectTV, ensuring full English Premier League coverage.
Spectrum is a particularly low cost cable service provider, it’s also one of the few that offers subscription contract free. With MSG networks, ESPN 1 & 2 and FSN1 included, you’ve got all the action on the ice.
There are 2 subscription packages available:
TV Select (59.99/mo)Mi Plan Latino (39.99/mo)
To get the most live sports coverage, we advise combining either of these subscriptions with the “Sports View” add-on, which provides an additional 23 channels.
Channel Line Up
Find a full channel lineup here.
DVR Storage
For $9.99/mo DVR is available on top of subscription.
Sports Add-Ons and ExtrasSports View($6.00/mo)Fox Soccer ($10.00/mo)MLB Extra Innings ($94.99 one off payment)
Cox Contour is a premium cable service provider, offering great baseball coverage if subscription prices are in the ballpark for you. Featuring Fox, MLB, TBS and MLB extra innings, you’ll never miss a home run.
There are four subscription packages available:
Contour TV Starter ($56.00/mo)Contour TV Preferred ($105.00/mo)Contour TV Preferred Plus ($119.00/mo)Contour TV Ultimate ($145.00/mo)Channel Line Up
Find a full channel lineup here.
DVR Storage
250 hours($10.00/mo)
500 hours ($20.00/mo)
1000 hours ($30.00/mo)
Sports Add-Ons and ExtrasSports and Info Pack ($10.00/mo)Sports Pack 2 ($10.00/mo)