affordable methods to catch Premier League games during this season
In the UK, football fans have several options to stream the Premier League matches without the need for a traditional TV subscription. Here's a breakdown of the current and cost-effective ways to watch the Premier League via Sky Sports, NOW TV, TNT Sports, and Discovery+.
Sky Sports and NOW TV
Sky Sports holds extensive live Premier League rights, broadcasting at least 215 live matches. You can watch via a traditional Sky TV package, which costs around £20 per month for the Sky Sports add-on if you're already a Sky customer, or £35 per month for a full Sky TV package including Netflix and Sky Stream if you're new.
For streaming only, NOW TV offers Sky Sports passes without a TV contract starting at about £28 per month, with day passes around £15. NOW TV allows streaming on various devices, though no DVR recording is available. HD quality and multiple streams require extra paid add-ons (£6-9 per month).
TNT Sports (Discovery+)
TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) has rights to 52 live Premier League matches, including Saturday lunchtime games. Its dedicated streaming platform, Discovery+, costs £30.99 per month with no contract commitment, available either bundled with some BT broadband packages for free or standalone. This can be a flexible option if you want occasional access without a full TV package.
Cost-effective Options
The cheapest regular, flexible UK streaming access is likely through NOW TV day or monthly passes for Sky Sports or the monthly Discovery+ subscription for TNT Sports. If you want broader access and extras like Netflix, a full Sky TV subscription is costlier but more comprehensive.
It's worth noting that up to two devices can watch the channels simultaneously when sharing a login, and highlights of the Premier League games will be available for free on BBC's Match of the Day on Saturday night.
Other Considerations
BT broadband customers can get TNT Sports for just £10 per month, or free if they have been with BT for a while. Virgin Media customers can add TNT Sports for £18 per month. Sky is currently offering TNT Sports as an add-on for £20 per month on a 31-day rolling contract for 24 months.
For those in the US, other streaming options for the Premier League Summer Series events include Peacock (NBC’s service), Fubo, Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, and Hulu + Live TV, but these are specific to the US market and the summer tournament rather than the full regular season.
Lastly, remember that the existing 3pm Saturday blackout remains, so no live streaming is available for games starting then.
In conclusion, whether you're a die-hard football fan or a casual viewer, there are numerous ways to stream the Premier League in the UK. Choose the option that best suits your needs and preferences, and enjoy the thrill of the beautiful game!
Sky Sports provides access to 215 live Premier League matches, which can be watched through a traditional Sky TV package or streaming-only via NOW TV. NOW TV offers Sky Sports passes without a TV contract starting at about £28 per month for streaming, with additional costs for HD quality and multiple streams.
Discovery+ offers access to 52 live Premier League matches with its monthly subscription, costing £30.99, and is a flexible option for occasional viewing without a full TV package.
For cost-effective, regular streaming access in the UK, NOW TV day or monthly passes for Sky Sports or the Discovery+ subscription for TNT Sports are the cheapest options. However, if broader access and extras like Netflix are desired, a full Sky TV subscription might be more comprehensive but pricier.