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By James Anderson•Last Updated June 28, 2025

Can You Watch Bally Sports on Hulu Live? Everything Sports Fans Need to Know in 2025

Introduction: The Search for Bally Sports on Hulu Live

As regional sports networks become increasingly important for fans who want to follow their local teams, the question of whether Hulu + Live TV offers Bally Sports channels has gained urgency. If you’re a sports enthusiast considering Hulu Live for your streaming needs, understanding current availability, why certain channels are missing, and what alternatives exist is crucial to making an informed decision. This article provides a comprehensive, up-to-date guide to help you get the sports coverage you want-including step-by-step instructions and actionable alternatives.

Does Hulu Live TV Offer Bally Sports?

As of 2025, Hulu + Live TV does not carry Bally Sports channels . This means you cannot stream your local Bally Sports network or affiliated pro teams through Hulu Live. Hulu Live did once carry these channels, but dropped them in 2020 due to a breakdown in negotiations over carriage fees. Since then, Bally Sports has remained unavailable on Hulu’s live TV service [1] , [2] , [3] .

Why Did Hulu Live Drop Bally Sports?

The removal of Bally Sports from Hulu Live TV occurred as a result of contract disputes between Hulu’s parent company and Sinclair Broadcast Group, which owns Bally Sports. The high cost of retransmission rights and a changing sports media landscape made it unsustainable for Hulu to continue offering the channel. As of 2025, Hulu + Live TV subscribers have access to a variety of national sports channels like ESPN, FS1, and NFL Network, but all 16 Bally Sports regional channels remain excluded [3] .

Current Hulu Live TV Sports Coverage

Despite the absence of Bally Sports, Hulu + Live TV still provides a robust sports lineup. Subscribers can watch live events from:

ESPN and ESPN2
FS1 (Fox Sports 1)
CBS Sports Network
NFL Network
ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC (local channels where available)

This selection covers major national matchups, college sports, and professional leagues like the NFL, NBA (national broadcasts), MLB (national broadcasts), and more. However, if you want to watch local pro teams that are exclusive to Bally Sports-such as many MLB, NBA, and NHL teams-you will need to consider other options [5] .

What Are Bally Sports Networks?

Bally Sports is a group of regional sports networks (RSNs) that hold broadcast rights for a large number of local MLB, NBA, and NHL teams. These channels are essential for fans who want consistent coverage of their home teams. Bally Sports was formerly branded as Fox Sports Regional Networks before being acquired and rebranded by Sinclair Broadcast Group. In 2025, the network continues to operate but has faced financial and legal challenges, impacting negotiations with streaming platforms [2] .

Are There Plans for Bally Sports to Return to Hulu Live?

Currently, there are no active agreements between Hulu + Live TV and Bally Sports. Bally Sports’ parent company has expressed a desire to strike new distribution deals with Hulu and YouTube TV, potentially through a direct-to-consumer subscription add-on, but as of mid-2025, no such agreement has been finalized. Any updates to this situation would be announced on Hulu’s official website or through Bally Sports’ corporate communications [2] .

How to Watch Bally Sports Without Hulu Live

If watching your local teams on Bally Sports is a priority, you still have several actionable alternatives. Here are the most reliable methods available in 2025:

1. DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream is one of the only major streaming services that carries the full lineup of Bally Sports regional networks. Plans start at $84.99 per month. This makes it a preferred option for fans who want comprehensive local sports coverage, including Bally Sports Sun and other RSNs. You can sign up directly on the official DirecTV Stream website and select a plan that includes regional sports [4] .

2. Fubo

Fubo (formerly FuboTV) also offers Bally Sports channels in most markets, though availability can vary by region. Start by visiting the official Fubo website, enter your ZIP code, and check if Bally Sports is included in your area’s channel lineup. Plans typically start at a similar price point to DirecTV Stream.

3. Bally Sports+

Bally Sports+ is the network’s direct-to-consumer streaming platform, launched to provide access to live local games for a monthly fee. As of 2025, Bally Sports+ is available in select markets and with certain teams. Pricing is typically around $19.99 per month, but coverage depends on your home team and geographic location. To check eligibility, visit the official Bally Sports website and search for Bally Sports+ availability in your region.

4. Cable or Satellite TV

Traditional cable and satellite providers such as Xfinity, Spectrum, or DirecTV (satellite) also carry Bally Sports channels as part of certain packages. Contact your provider directly to confirm local channel availability and package pricing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing Bally Sports Coverage

To help you watch your favorite teams, here’s a detailed step-by-step process for accessing Bally Sports channels:

Determine Your Home Team and Bally Sports Region: Use the Bally Sports website to identify which regional network covers your team.
Check Streaming Service Availability: Go to the official DirecTV Stream or Fubo websites and enter your ZIP code to confirm whether Bally Sports is in your area’s channel lineup.
Compare Plans and Pricing: Review each service’s offerings, paying close attention to regional and sports package inclusions. Note that prices can exceed $80/month for plans with RSNs.
Sign Up Through the Official Site: Always subscribe through the service’s verified website to ensure you get the correct channel access and customer support.
Download the App: Install the relevant streaming app on your preferred device (Smart TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, mobile device).
Log In and Navigate to Bally Sports: Once subscribed, you can access Bally Sports channels through the app’s live TV guide or by searching for your team.
If Unavailable in Your Area: If streaming isn’t available for your location or team, consider traditional cable or satellite providers, or check if Bally Sports+ covers your team directly.

Alternative Approaches for Watching Local Sports

If Bally Sports access remains out of reach, consider these alternatives:

Follow National Broadcasts: National games for MLB, NBA, and NHL are often carried by ESPN, TBS, FOX, or ABC, which
are
available on Hulu + Live TV.
League Streaming Services: MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, and NHL.TV provide out-of-market game access. Note that in-market games are often blacked out due to local rights.
Official Team Apps: Some pro teams offer highlights, replays, and radio broadcasts via their own mobile apps or websites.
Local Over-the-Air (OTA) Channels: Occasionally, local games are simulcast on local affiliates, which can be accessed with an HD antenna.

Each approach has limitations, particularly with blackout restrictions for in-market games. Always check the latest blackout rules for your team and location.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

The biggest challenge for sports fans is the absence of Bally Sports on many major streaming platforms. High costs, complicated rights negotiations, and the fragmentation of sports media make it difficult for consumers to get all their local sports in one place. The best solution is to:

Identify your most-watched teams and prioritize streaming or cable services that include those channels.
Combine national streaming services (like Hulu Live) with local RSN services (like DirecTV Stream or Bally Sports+) if your budget allows.
Stay informed about ongoing negotiations, as channel lineups can change with new contracts.

Summary: Making the Right Choice for Your Sports Streaming Needs

As of 2025, Hulu + Live TV does not include Bally Sports channels. Fans seeking local team coverage must explore alternative streaming services or direct subscriptions to Bally Sports+. While Hulu remains a strong choice for national sports and entertainment, it is not the answer for die-hard local sports fans who rely on Bally Sports networks. Always check official service websites for the most current channel lineups, and consider a combination of services to meet your sports viewing needs.