How to Watch Sports Live in the UK: The Ultimate Guide
Sports fans in the UK have an incredible array of options to watch their favorite events live, including the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, cricket, NFL, NBA, and baseball. Whether you’re looking for official broadcasters, streaming platforms, or the best devices to use, this guide will help you get started. We’ll also explore payment options and how to use VPNs to access international streams.
Where to Watch Sports Live in the UK
1. Champions League
The UEFA Champions League is one of the most prestigious football tournaments in the world. Here’s how to watch it live:
- BT Sport: BT Sport holds exclusive rights to the Champions League in the UK. You can stream matches live via the BT Sport app or website.
- Subscription Cost:
- Monthly Pass: £29.99/month (no contract).
- BT Broadband + BT Sport: From £40/month.
- Subscription Cost:
- Free Highlights: BT Sport’s YouTube channel often features free match highlights.
- Using a VPN: Access other broadcasters like Paramount+ (US) or DAZN (Canada) for more coverage options.
2. Premier League
The Premier League is a must-watch for football fans.
- Sky Sports: Sky Sports broadcasts most Premier League games live.
- Cost:
- Sky Sports Pass via NOW TV: £34.99/month.
- Full Sky TV + Sports: From £46/month.
- Cost:
- BT Sport: Covers selected games.
- Amazon Prime Video: Streams exclusive fixtures during specific matchdays.
- Cost: £8.99/month (Prime Membership).
- Free Highlights: Match of the Day on BBC iPlayer provides highlights for free.
3. Cricket
From The Ashes to the IPL, cricket fans have plenty of options:
- Sky Sports Cricket: Comprehensive coverage of international and domestic matches.
- Cost: Included with Sky Sports subscription or NOW TV.
- BBC Sport: Offers highlights and occasional live matches for free.
- Hotstar (via VPN): An affordable option for IPL and ICC tournaments.
- Cost: $12.99/month or $49.99/year.
4. NFL
- Sky Sports NFL: The primary broadcaster for NFL games, including the Super Bowl.
- Cost: Part of the Sky Sports package.
- NFL Game Pass: Provides access to all games, live or on-demand.
- Cost: £124.99/year (Pro Plan).
- Using a VPN: Access US-based platforms like ESPN or NBC Sports for additional coverage.
5. NBA
- Sky Sports: Offers live NBA coverage throughout the season.
- NBA League Pass: The ultimate choice for basketball enthusiasts, offering every game live and on-demand.
- Cost: £24.99/month or £129.99/year.
- Using a VPN: Access NBA streams on US services like ESPN+ or TNT.
6. Baseball
- MLB.TV: The official platform for Major League Baseball.
- Cost: $24.99/month or $149.99/year.
- BT Sport: Occasionally broadcasts MLB games.
- Using a VPN: Access US-based services like ESPN or Fox Sports.
Devices to Watch Sports Live in the UK
1. iOS Devices (iPhone/iPad)
- Download apps like BT Sport, Sky Go, Amazon Prime Video, or NOW TV from the App Store.
- Stream directly via Safari or Chrome browsers.
2. Android Devices
- Use apps like BT Sport, Sky Go, or streaming services like ESPN+ (via VPN).
- Most sports apps are available on the Google Play Store.
3. Amazon Firestick
- Install apps like BT Sport, Sky Go, or NOW TV from the Amazon App Store.
- Use a VPN directly on the Firestick to access international streaming platforms.
4. Smart TVs and Consoles
- Download apps directly on smart TVs (e.g., Samsung, LG) or gaming consoles (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox) for a big-screen experience.
Payment Options for Sports Streaming
- Credit/Debit Cards: Most platforms accept Visa, Mastercard, and Amex.
- PayPal: A convenient and secure option available on platforms like BT Sport and NOW TV.
- Gift Cards: Amazon and Google Play gift cards can be used for subscriptions.
- Digital Wallets: Apple Pay, Google Pay, and others are supported on some platforms.
- International Cards: Use a VPN to access platforms like Hotstar or ESPN+ and pay with an international card.
Using a VPN to Access Sports Streams
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access sports streams from other regions.
Top VPNs for Sports Streaming
- NordVPN: Fast servers and excellent for streaming.
- Cost: £2.99/month (2-year plan).
- ExpressVPN: Reliable and easy to use.
- Cost: £5.45/month (1-year plan).
- Surfshark: Budget-friendly with unlimited device connections.
- Cost: £1.99/month (2-year plan).
How to Use a VPN
- Subscribe to a VPN service and install the app.
- Connect to a server in the desired country (e.g., US for ESPN+ or Hotstar).
- Access the streaming platform and start watching.
FAQs
1. What is the cheapest way to watch sports in the UK?
BBC Sport and Match of the Day on BBC iPlayer are free options. For broader coverage, NOW TV’s day or monthly passes are cost-effective.
2. Can I watch sports on multiple devices?
Yes, most platforms allow streaming on multiple devices. Check your subscription’s terms for limits.
3. Is it legal to use a VPN for streaming?
Yes, using a VPN is legal in the UK, but it may violate the terms of service of some platforms.
4. Do I need a TV Licence to watch live sports?
Yes, a TV Licence is required to watch live TV broadcasts in the UK, including streaming on platforms like BBC iPlayer.
Conclusion
From the Champions League to NBA playoffs, the UK offers plenty of options for sports fans to catch all the action live. With the right subscription, device, and even a VPN, you can tailor your viewing experience to suit your needs. So grab your snacks, pick your platform, and enjoy the thrill of live sports from the comfort of your home!
