Sports Packages
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Most basic packages include the regional sports network(s) authorized for your area. If you want more sports, both DISH and DIRECTV offer a sports package enabling you to get all the regional sports channels. The DIRECTV package is somewhat more expensive, between $7 and $12 (depending on how many movie packages you buy), because it includes a few additional channels.
If you are interested in the sports package, take a look at the packages below. Before actually subscribing to this, though, we encourage you to fully understand the blackout rules associated with this package. See our Sports FAQ for more information.
If you are a huge fan of one or more sports, another consideration is a seasonal sports package. Take a look below to learn more about these options.
Satellite TV Sports Packages
Both DIRECTV and DISH offer premium sports packages. If there are any specific sports channels that you will want to watch, you should first check with your satellite TV provider to see which satellite TV plans include some free sports channels, and which channels cost extra. If you are especially interested in local sports, you probably won’t need an extra channel. However, if you want to keep up with games in out-of-market areas (for example, if you live in Texas but you want to watch New York Giants games), then a premium sports package is a great choice.
Both DIRECTV and DISH offer lots of premium sports channels in addition to basic sports channels and local channels. Most of the time these sports TV packages are add-ons to your regular satellite service, so you will have to pay an extra monthly fee for them. However, you can sometimes find discounts or promotions on sports channels with certain satellite TV packages.
Use our calculator to see how much you will have to pay for additional sports channels with DIRECTV and DISH. Find out which satellite TV provider offers the best discounts and prices on the sports channels that matter most to you.
DIRECTV Premium Sports Channels
DIRECTV offers one premium sports package, the SPORTS PACK. The SPORTS PACK is a collection of over 35 channels that broadcast sports 24/7. With the SPORTS PACK, you will have access to a selection of games and tournaments in pro and college sports, including some specialty sports like swimming and bicycling.
The SPORTS PACK includes several premium channels:
- Fox Soccer Channel
- beIN Sport
- ESPN Classic
- Outdoor Channel
- Universal Sports Network
You can save a lot of money by choosing to get the SPORTS PACK if you had thought about buying any of these channels individually, or other plans that included these channels. The SPORTS Pack costs $13.99/month while the Fox Soccer Channel costs $14.99/month by itself. So, you are already saving money if you choose to get the SPORTS PACK, rather than a selection of individual premium channels.
In the chart below, we have compared the SPORTS PACK premium plan with some other sports package options available on DIRECTV so you can get a better idea of all of your options for sports TV with DIRECTV.
Special Sports Programming on DIRECTV
Sport | Sports Package | Price | Features |
---|---|---|---|
Multi | SPORTS PACK | $13.99/month |
|
Football | NFL Sunday Ticket |
$39.99/month for 6 months OR $239.94 in one payment |
|
Football | NFL Sunday Ticket Max |
$54.99/month for 6 months OR $329.94 in one payment |
All features on NFL Sunday Ticket, plus:
|
Baseball | MLB Extra Innings |
$29.99/month for 4 months |
|
Basketball | NBA League Pass |
$29.99 in 6 months OR $179.94/year |
|
Hockey | NHL Center Ice | $169/year |
|
NASCAR | NASCAR HotPass | Included in all plans at no extra cost |
|
Soccer | MLS Direct Kick | $19.75 in 4 payments |
|
Soccer | FOX Soccer Plus | $14.99/month |
|
Soccer | International Soccer on the Mix Channel (a channel that displays live feeds from other channels) | Available in all plans starting with the Total Choice plan and up |
|
UFC | UFC |
Pay Per View: $54.95 for HD channels OR $44.95 |
|
Boxing | Boxing | Pay Per View. No prices shown. |
|
Rugby | Rugby (Includes several channels) | Certain channels available free on all plans. Games on BBC America available on Entertainment Plan and up. |
|
Cricket | Willow Cricket | $14.99/month |
|
Golf | Golf Majors Experiences | Included free on select plans, Choice Plan or better |
|
Tennis | Grand Slam Tennis Experience | Included on all plans starting with the Choice plan and higher |
|
WWE | WWE Wrestling Events | Pay Per View (no price quote available on website) |
|
College Basketball | ESPN Full Court |
$27.50/month for 4 months OR $110.00/year |
|
DIRECTV and Included Sports Channels
Before you set out to buy any of the above listed sports channels and seasonal passes, you should carefully evaluate the included channels on each DIRECTV plan. Most of these plans include some sports channels. For example, the NFL Sunday Ticket is included in all packages starting with the Choice Plan and higher.
In addition, you should have access to most local games and some basic sports channels in your area. Satellite TV providers usually include local channels at no extra cost, so you shouldn’t necessarily pay extra for a sports channel or premium packages if what you really want is just local sports.
DISH and Premium Sports Channels
The DISH equivalent to the DIRECT SPORTS PACK is the MULTI-SPORT PACK. This packages costs $11/month and gives you access to 20 regional sports networks. In addition, you get access to some premium channels. Other packages available:
- NFL Red Zone
- NFL Network
- NBA TV
- NHL network
- MLB Network
- MLB Strike Zone
- Pac-12 Networks
- Fox Soccer
- FUEL TV
- Universe Sports Network
- Big Ten Network
Again, we have compared the DISH MULTI-SPORT PACK with some other DISH sports channels and packages below so you can choose the best sports plan for your viewing needs.
Special Sports Programming with DISH
Sport | Sport Package | Price | Features |
---|---|---|---|
Multi | MULTI-SPORT PACK | $11/month |
|
College Football | ESPN GamePlan |
$30.25/month for 4 months OR $121/year |
|
Soccer | MLS Direct Kick | $79 Regular Season Offer |
|
Soccer | Fox Soccer Plus | $15/month |
|
Basketball | NBA League Pass |
$44.75/month for 4 months OR $179/year (adjusted by season) |
|
College Basketball | ESPN Full Court |
$27.50/month for 4 months OR $110/year (adjusted by season) |
|
Hockey | NHL Center Ice | (Adjusted by season) |
|
Hunting and other outdoor sports | Outdoor Sports | $4/month |
|
Cricket | NEO Cricket | $14.99/month |
|
Cricket | Cricket Pack | $19.99/month |
|
Horse racing | Racetrack TV | $50/month |
|
WWE | WWE | Pay Per View: Standard prices start at $9.99, HD prices start at $44.99 |
|
UFC | UFC |
Pay Per View: $54.99 for HD, $44.99 for standard |
|
Boxing | Boxing | Pay Per View: Prices around $29.99 for HD and standard |
|
DISH and Included Sports Channels
Like DIRECTV, DISH offers free local channels which includes access to local sports events, so if you are most interested in local events, you may not want to get an extra channel or premium sports pack.
Blackouts
A blackout occurs when a sporting event or other TV broadcast is not aired in a particular area. Before you buy a premium sports pack or extra sports channel, you should be aware of how blackouts may affect your viewing experience. Your satellite TV provider usually has no control over blackouts.
Blackouts are imposed by sports leagues and teams for various reasons. In some cases, a blackout may be declared because of poor game attendance. In other cases, sports leagues may blackout games because of contracts that limit games to certain broadcasters. Sometimes blackouts occur because of emergency news broadcasts.
At any rate, your satellite TV provider can’t guarantee that you will always have access to all events because of blackout rules.