Does Hulu Live TV Have Bally Sports? Everything You Need to Know.
Streaming services have changed the way we watch TV, offering flexibility and a wide variety of channels. But for sports fans, especially those who love their local teams, regional sports networks (RSNs) like Bally Sports are a big deal. If you’re wondering whether Hulu Live TV includes Bally Sports, the answer is no.
Let’s dive into why Hulu Live doesn’t offer Bally Sports, your alternatives, and what you can do to keep up with your favorite games.
Why Hulu Live TV Doesn’t Include Bally Sports
Hulu Live TV used to carry Bally Sports, but in recent years, they dropped it. This happened because Bally Sports, owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group, has high licensing fees. These fees made it tough for Hulu and other platforms, like YouTube TV, to justify keeping the channel.
Instead, Hulu Live focuses on national sports networks like ESPN, NBC Sports, and Fox Sports, which cover major events but don’t broadcast most local games.
Options to Watch Bally Sports Without Hulu live Tv
If Bally Sports is essential for following your local teams, don’t worry. There are other ways to get access. Here are your best options:
1. DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM is one of the only services that still offers Bally Sports. To get it, you’ll need their Choice package, which costs about $114.99 per month. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s great for sports fans since it includes other regional sports networks too.
2. Fubo
Fubo is another streaming service that offers Bally Sports. It costs $94.99 per month, and while it’s a little cheaper than DIRECTV STREAM, it still offers a lot of sports-focused content, especially soccer and basketball.
3. Bally Sports+
For a more affordable option, there’s Bally Sports+, which is the network’s own streaming platform. It costs $19.99 per month and gives you direct access to Bally Sports without needing a cable or streaming bundle.
4. Traditional Cable
If streaming isn’t a must for you, traditional cable or satellite providers like Spectrum and Xfinity still include Bally Sports. While not as flexible as streaming, these options are reliable for watching local games.
What Hulu Live TV Does Offer
Even though Hulu Live TV doesn’t have Bally Sports, it still has plenty to offer. For $76.99 per month, you get access to:
- ESPN and ESPN+: National sports coverage and exclusive events.
- NBC Sports: Premier League soccer, NFL games, and more.
- Fox Sports: College football, MLB playoffs, and other big events.
- Disney+ Bundle: Hulu Live TV subscriptions come with Disney+ and ESPN+, making it a great deal for families.
For general sports fans or those who don’t need RSNs, Hulu Live TV remains a strong choice.
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Why Bally Sports is Important for Local Sports Fans
Bally Sports is a go-to channel for fans of MLB, NBA, and NHL teams in many regions. It broadcasts live games, pre- and post-game shows, and exclusive interviews.
Some popular teams covered by Bally Sports include:
- MLB: Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals, Miami Marlins.
- NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Dallas Mavericks.
- NHL: Tampa Bay Lightning, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators.
If you’re a fan of these teams, not having Bally Sports means missing out on a lot of local action.
Is Bally Sports Worth the Extra Cost?
The answer depends on how much you care about local teams. For die-hard fans, Bally Sports is a must-have, as it offers comprehensive coverage of your favorite games.
However, if you’re on a tight budget, pairing Hulu Live TV with Bally Sports+ might be the best solution. You get Hulu’s vast library and national sports channels while still being able to follow your local teams for an extra $19.99 per month.
Regional Availability of Bally Sports
Bally Sports operates across multiple regions in the U.S., focusing primarily on states like Michigan, Ohio, Texas, and Florida. To find out if Bally Sports covers your local teams, check their official website or consult your local TV provider.
Insights into the Licensing Dispute
The absence of Bally Sports on Hulu Live TV and similar platforms stems from long-standing licensing disputes. RSNs like Bally Sports demand high carriage fees to offset their operational costs, but streaming platforms prioritize affordability to attract subscribers.
As streaming services aim to keep subscription prices competitive, many choose to drop RSNs. This tension between regional sports providers and streaming platforms remains a significant challenge in the industry.
Tips for Cord-Cutters to Watch Local Sports
For those who have cut the cord, here are some additional ways to catch local sports:
- Over-the-Air Antenna: Local broadcast channels may air some games for free.
- League-Specific Apps: Apps like MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, and NHL Center Ice offer team-specific packages for streaming games.
- Social Media and Highlights: Follow your team on social media for live updates and game highlights.
Devices and Viewing Options
Most streaming services offering Bally Sports, like DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, and Bally Sports+, are compatible with popular devices such as:
- Roku
- Amazon Fire TV
- Apple TV
- Smart TVs
- Gaming consoles
Check the compatibility of your preferred service to ensure it works with your home setup.
FAQS
1. Does Hulu Live TV Include Bally Sports?
No, Hulu Live TV does not carry Bally Sports. The service dropped Bally Sports and other regional sports networks (RSNs) due to licensing disputes and high carriage fees.
2. What Are the Best Alternatives to Watch Bally Sports?
You can watch Bally Sports on:
- DIRECTV STREAM: Available with the Choice package at $114.99/month.
- Fubo: Offered with the Elite plan at $94.99/month.
- Bally Sports+: A standalone service for $19.99/month or $189.99/year.
3. What Sports Channels Does Hulu Live TV Offer?
Hulu Live TV provides popular national sports channels, including:
- ESPN and ESPN+
- NBC Sports
- Fox Sports
- CBS Sports Network
It also includes access to live games and sports documentaries through its Disney+ bundle.
4. Can I Use Hulu Live TV to Watch Local Sports?
Hulu Live TV offers local broadcast channels in most markets (e.g., ABC, NBC, CBS), but it doesn’t cover regional sports networks like Bally Sports.
5. Why Are Bally Sports Channels Expensive for Streaming Platforms?
Bally Sports charges high licensing fees to offset its operational costs and exclusive broadcasting rights for local teams. Streaming platforms like Hulu Live TV have dropped the network to keep their subscription prices competitive.
6. What Teams Are Covered by Bally Sports?
Bally Sports broadcasts games for local MLB, NBA, and NHL teams, including:
- MLB: Detroit Tigers, Miami Marlins
- NBA: Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers
- NHL: St. Louis Blues, Tampa Bay Lightning
7. Can I Watch Bally Sports for Free?
No, Bally Sports is not available for free. However, some local games may air on free broadcast channels. You can use an over-the-air antenna to access these games.
8. Does Bally Sports+ Offer DVR Features?
Yes, Bally Sports+ allows subscribers to record games and other programming for later viewing. Details about storage limits may vary, so check with Bally Sports directly.
9. Is Hulu Live TV Compatible with My Devices?
Hulu Live TV works with most devices, including:
- Roku
- Amazon Fire TV
- Apple TV
- Smart TVs
- Android and iOS devices
10. Will Hulu Live TV Bring Back Bally Sports?
Currently, there are no official announcements about Hulu Live TV re-adding Bally Sports. Any updates will depend on future negotiations between Hulu and Sinclair Broadcast Group.
Final Thoughts
Hulu Live TV doesn’t carry Bally Sports because of licensing disputes, but it remains a great service for general sports fans. If you need Bally Sports for local games, there are alternatives like DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, or Bally Sports+ to consider.
In the end, your choice will depend on your budget and how important local sports are to you. The good news is that with so many options available, you’re sure to find a solution that works for you.
Whether you stick with Hulu or switch to a Bally Sports-friendly platform, streaming gives you the flexibility to enjoy sports your way!