How to Watch Live Sports on Roku

June 18, 2025 By Nick Anderson No Comments 7 minutes

Streaming live sports has flipped the script on how fans keep up with their teams, and Roku makes it easy to jump into the action. Whether you’re all about football, basketball or into offbeat sports like pickleball or MMA, Roku’s loaded with apps to keep you glued to the screen. This guide breaks down how to watch live sports on Roku, covering the best apps, free and paid options, setup steps, and tricks to dodge location restrictions so you never miss a play.

Note: Some sports apps lock content based on where you are, which is a pain when traveling or abroad. FastestVPN masks your IP address, letting you connect to servers in other countries. 

Why Roku’s a Winner for Sports

Roku’s a crowd-pleaser because it’s cheap, simple to use, and packed with apps. Channels like ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports bring you the NFL, NBA, Premier League soccer, UFC, and more. You’ve got free and paid options, making it great for cord-cutters or casual viewers. The interface is straightforward so that you can flip through sports apps without a headache. If location locks block your streams, FastestVPN can hook you up to servers worldwide to get around them. 

How to Watch Live Sports on Roku

How to watch live sports on Roku? To catch live sports, you need your Roku set up right. Here’s how to do it:

1. Hook It Up: Plug your Roku stick, box, or TV into your television with an HDMI cable. Connect to Wi-Fi and sign into your Roku account.
2. Hit the Channel Store: From the home screen, click “Streaming Channels” to check out sports apps.
3. Grab Sports Apps: Search for apps like ESPN, FuboTV, or Peacock in the “Sports” section. Hit “Add Channel” to install.
4. Log In or Pay Up: Most apps need a subscription or TV provider login. Some toss-in free trials, which we’ll get to later.

With your Roku ready, you’re set to explore sports apps.

Top Apps for Live Sports on Roku

Roku’s Channel Store is stuffed with options for sports fans. Here’s the rundown on the best apps, from heavy hitters to hidden gems:

1. ESPN+

ESPN+ is a slam dunk for sports fans, delivering live NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA games, and UFC fights, plus exclusive shows and documentaries. It’s a paid service but loaded with content. If you’re traveling or hitting location blocks, FastestVPN can connect you to a US server for smooth access.

2. FuboTV

FuboTV is built for sports, with channels like ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, and local ones like Bally Sports. It’s perfect for football, basketball, baseball, and more, with cloud DVR to save games for later. You get a seven-day free trial to test it. If you’re abroad, FastestVPN can unlock the full lineup by dodging geo-locks.

3. Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV blends live sports from ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports with a huge on-demand library. It’s great for folks wanting sports and entertainment, with cloud DVR to record games. It’s US-only, but a VPN can get you in from other countries.

4. Peacock

Peacock’s your go-to for Premier League soccer, NFL, golf, and Big 10 college sports. It’s got a 24/7 sports channel and on-demand highlights. Affordable plans and wide coverage make it a fan favorite.

5. Fox Sports

Fox Sports streams NFL, MLB, NASCAR, college football, and soccer. It offers replays, highlights, and live scores. Some content needs a TV provider login, but there’s free stuff, too.

6. The Roku Channel

The Roku Channel is free and has a Sports Zone with NBA G League games, MLB Sunday Leadoff games, and sports like pickleball. It’s not for big NFL Sundays, but it keeps you in the game without paying.

7. Pluto TV

Pluto TV, another free option, serves up sports like the NFL Channel, CBS Sports Golazo Network for soccer, and MLB Channel. It’s solid for highlights, classic games, and niche sports like motor racing.

8. Tubi

Tubi’s sports section includes NFL Channel, MLB Channel, and NASCAR content. It’s free, ad-supported, and perfect for those watching their wallet.

Watching Sports on Roku for Free

You don’t need to drop cash to catch sports on Roku. Here’s how to watch for free:

Free Trials

Lots of services offer free trials to catch live sports:

• FuboTV: A seven-day trial gets you ESPN, NBC Sports, and more.
• Hulu + Live TV: A three-day trial includes ESPN+ for events like UFC 313.
• YouTube TV: Usually a seven-day trial with over 85 channels, including NFL Sunday Ticket.

Sign up before a big game and cancel before the trial’s up to avoid charges. Check if the service works in your area, as some are US-only.

Free Sports Apps

The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, and Tubi dish out free sports content like highlights, classic games, and some live events. The Roku Sports Channel has daily talk shows like The Rich Eisen Show and live smaller leagues.

Tips for Smoother Streaming

To make Roku sports streaming better, try these:

• Solid Internet: Aim for at least 25 Mbps for HD to avoid buffering.
• Clear Roku’s Cache: Go to Home, Settings, System, Advanced System Settings, and Device Storage to clear the cache and speed up the apps.
• Keep Apps Updated: Update sports apps to dodge bugs and get new features.
• VPN for Privacy: A VPN stops ISP throttling and keeps your streaming private.

Expanding Your Options

To get the most out of Roku for sports, explore beyond the big names. Apps like Sling TV offer customizable packages with sports channels, while DAZN focuses on boxing and MMA for fight fans. For international sports, services like Paramount+ cover the UEFA Champions League and other soccer leagues. If you’re into niche sports, check out apps like FloSports for wrestling, gymnastics, and more. Combining these with free trials or free apps can keep your sports fix going year-round without breaking the bank.

Another way to enhance your experience is by pairing Roku with a smart TV or soundbar for better visuals and audio. This can make watching the Super Bowl or a buzzer-beater feel like you’re courtside. Also, consider setting up alerts in sports apps to get notified about upcoming games or scores so you never miss a key moment. If you’re sharing Roku with family, create separate profiles in apps like Hulu + Live TV to personalize your sports preferences.

For those on a budget, mixing free apps with occasional trials can cover most major events. For example, use The Roku Channel for daily sports talk and Pluto TV for highlights, then time a FuboTV trial for the playoffs. If you’re a multi-sport fan, services like ESPN+ or FuboTV give you the most bang for your buck, covering multiple leagues in one app.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, streaming hits a snag. If an app crashes, restart your Roku by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If buffering persists, test your internet speed or move your router closer to your Roku. For geo-blocked content, double-check that your VPN server location matches the app’s region. If you’re still having issues, uninstall and reinstall the app or check Roku’s support site for updates. 

FAQs – How to Watch Live Sports on Roku

Wrapping Up

Catching live sports on Roku is a breeze with its massive app selection. From freebies like The Roku Channel and Pluto TV to premium apps like ESPN+ and FuboTV, there’s something for every fan. If you’re looking for how to watch live sports on Roku, then follow the steps mentioned above. FastestVPN lets you dodge location blocks and stream securely from anywhere. Follow these steps, try free trials, and use these tips to catch every second of your favorite sports, from the NFL to the Premier League.

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