Stream CBS Sports Network: Watch 4 Cable-Free Ways in 2024

DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu Live TV, and YouTube TV are the main platforms that stream CBS Sports Network, making it easy for fans to watch without cable. These services provide comprehensive sports coverage, including FOX, ESPN, and ACC Network, ideal for college football and NCAA basketball fans

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Four streaming services let you watch CBS Sports Network without cable: DIRECTV STREAM, fubo, Hulu Live TV, and YouTube TV. 

These services provide live access to CBS Sports Network (CBSSN), eliminating the need for a traditional cable subscription. Paramount Plus offers some CBS Sports coverage, but not the complete CBSSN experience.

This guide covers how to watch CBS Sports Network without cable, frequently asked questions, and reviews all available options. These streaming platforms are compatible with nearly any Smart TV or streaming device, making CBS Sports Network a go-to channel for live college football, NCAA basketball, WNBA, and UEFA Champions League.

Hulu Live TV is currently the most cost-effective way to stream CBS Sports Network at $76.99 per month, and comes with the added perks of subscriptions to ad-supported ESPN+ and Disney+. DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo and YouTube TV all offer free trials of their streaming TV services.

Mountain West, Atlantic 10 & Conference USA on CBS Sports

CBS Sports Network broadcasts a wide range of men’s and women’s college sports, including baseball, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, wrestling, and volleyball, across major conferences such as the Mountain West, Atlantic 10, Conference USA, Patriot League.

These conferences are home to some of the nation’s most competitive college sports programs, showcasing future stars in a variety of disciplines.  CBSSN also features Army and Navy football. 

For fans of lacrosse and wrestling, CBS Sports Network provides a front-row seat to matches and tournaments that often define the collegiate athletic experience. The network’s commitment to covering these sports underscores its dedication to the breadth of college athletics, beyond the mainstream focus on football and basketball.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the Mountain West’s dynamic football matchups, the Atlantic 10’s competitive basketball showdowns, or Conference USA’s diverse sporting events, CBS Sports Network is a go-to sports channel. 

Its inclusion of niche sports like lacrosse and wrestling highlights the network’s role in bringing the full spectrum of college sports to a national audience.

How to Watch CBS Sports Network

DIRECTV STREAM, fubo, and YouTube TV offer free trials and carry CBS Sports Network.

Cutting the cord and streaming live sports online has become a popular way for sports fans to replace cable or satellite service. Instead of using a cable box, you can rely on your own Smart TV or streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Apple TV. 

Choosing the right service can be challenging, especially for those seeking CBS Sports Network and other sports channels such as ESPN, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, and more. Coverage of NFL, MLB, and other sports is extensive across these networks.

However, you should prioritize local channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX, especially with the Big Ten Conference airing more games on these networks. 

Be sure to check each service’s channel lineup before subscribing to ensure it meets your needs for both cable networks and local broadcasts. Streaming services support more than just streaming devices and smartphones, you can also watch live sports across gaming consoles like Xbox and PlayStation.

DIRECTV STREAM: Watch CBSSN Online

DIRECTV STREAM offers CBS Sports Network in its new add-on Sports Pack, or Ultimate and Premier packages. 

You can subscribe to the entry-level Entertainment bundle, which has 75 sports, entertainment and news networks for $79.99 per month. Entertainment plan subscribers get  ESPN, CNN, FS1, TNT, TBS, and MTV. 

The DIRECTV STREAM Sports Pack  adds 23 sports networks to any of the main bundles for an additional $14.99 per month. The Sports Pack includes CBSSN, NFL RedZone, ACC Network, MLB Network, NBA TV and more.

Ultimate and Premier are the premium choices for accessing CBSSN, with the Ultimate package featuring over 140 channels including sports networks like ACC Network, Big Ten Network, and ESPN. Entertainment and news channels such as A&E, CNN, and FOX News are also included.

The Premier package has more than 150 channels, adding premium cable networks like Max and Showtime. You can go hands-on with any DIRECTV STREAM by using the company’s 5-day free trial.

Subscribers can enjoy three months of complimentary access to Max, Showtime, Cinemax, and MGM+. You will need to cancel those channels before the trial ends so you won’t get billed. 

Subscribers get unlimited Cloud DVR storage and a vast library of on-demand content.

You can stream on unlimited devices at home with compatibility across Roku, Android TV, Fire TV, Apple TV, and more. DIRECTV STREAM’s flexibility allows for month-to-month subscriptions, ensuring you can cancel anytime without hassle.

Fubo: Stream CBS Sports Network

Fubo carries CBS Sports Network across three sports-focused plans. 

The Pro package alone has over 189 channels, covering essential local and sports channels necessary for college football and NCAA basketball fans, including ESPN, Big Ten Network, and SEC Network.

ESPN and ABC
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Entertainment isn’t sidelined, with channels like HGTV and Disney in the mix. Fubo’s unique “look back” feature allows subscribers to catch up on missed games, providing a robust 1,000 hours of Cloud DVR storage.

Pricing for Fubo starts at $79.99 per month, with options to explore higher-tier plans like the Elite and Premier for additional sports and entertainment channels. You can easily stream live sports and other TV shows across various devices in your home, from Roku to smartphones.

PLANPRICECHANNELS
Pro$79.99/month189
Elite $89.99/month255
Premier$99.99/month264 & Showtime
Device support: Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast with Google TV, Xbox One, along with Smart TVs by Hisense, Samsung, LG, Sony Bravia and VIZIO SmartCast TV. Android, iPhones and iPads with current iOS.

Hulu + Live TV: Streaming CBSSN Live

Hulu Live TV features over 90 channels, including CBS Sports Network, ESPN, and SEC Network.

It covers local ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX stations, alongside popular networks like A&E and HGTV. Subscribers can watch live TV or on-demand programs on two screens simultaneously. You get unlimited Cloud DVR storage. 

Hulu Live TV offers a unique, comprehensive sports package with the addition of ESPN+. College football fans gain access to scores of live games through ESPN Plus, featuring teams from the Big 12 Conference, Ohio Valley, Southeastern Conference and more.

Subscribers also get Disney+, and Hulu’s extensive on-demand library with a vast selection of movies and TV shows. 

Priced at $76.99 per month, Hulu Live TV has no contracts, and delivers a lot of value with its bundled streaming plan. 

The Hulu app integrates live and on-demand services, compatible across major streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. You can use the Disney+ and ESPN+ apps to access your two other subscriptions. 

You can explore the channel lineup to find out about the local and regional sports offerings in your area.

PLANPRICECHANNELS
Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads)$76.99/month90+
Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads)$89.99/month90+
Device support: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast with Google TV along with Smart TVs by Samsung, VIZIO SmartCast, Sony Bravia, PlayStation, XBox, Xfinity Flex and Xumo TV.

YouTube TV: Watching CBS Sports Network

YouTube TV offers around 128 TV channels for $72.99 per month, making it a prime choice for sports fans with channels like CBSSN, ESPN2, and ESPNU in its base plan. 

It stands out for its single-plan simplicity, ensuring users have access to CBS Sports Network and other essential sports channels, including TNT and NFL Network.

The service has unlimited Cloud DVR storage and allows for the creation of up to six profiles per household. YouTube TV’s flexibility allows you to enjoy CBS Sports Network both at home and on the go, supported on devices such as Roku, Apple TV, and Chromecast.

PLANPRICECHANNELS
YouTube TV$72.99/month128
Device support: Android TV, Google TV, Smart TVs by Samsung, LG, VIZIO, Hisense, Sharp and Sony; Chromecast, Google TV, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox, PlayStation and Google Nest Hub; Android and iOS devices.

FAQs: Streaming CBS Sports Network Without Cable

Explore common questions about accessing CBS Sports Network live, without a traditional TV provider.

Is CBS Sports Network Available for Free?

No, CBS Sports Network requires a subscription. However, DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, and YouTube TV offer free trials allowing temporary access to CBS Sports Network. 

Note that CBS Sports HQ is a separate, free digital platform providing highlights and analysis. Originally named National College Sports Network, CBS Sports Network has been a staple for cable viewers seeking NFL and college sports coverage. Remember, over-the-air CBS broadcasts are free and distinct from CBS Sports Network’s cable offerings.

Does Paramount Plus Include CBS Sports Network?

Paramount Plus does not feature CBS Sports Network as a live channel, but offers select live sports events from CBS Sports

This includes NFL games, college football, UEFA Champions League and NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball among others. Many of these live sporting events are available over-the-air on local CBS stations.

The Essential plan is priced at $5.99 per month, with the combined Paramount Plus with Showtime plan at $11.99, also offering a CBS live stream. 

Is CBS Sports Network on Sling TV?

CBS Sports Network is not available on Sling TV. While Sling TV provides a range of sports and entertainment channels, including ESPN and Big Ten Network, it does not include CBS Sports Network in its lineup.

Can I Watch CBS Sports Network on Amazon Prime?

CBS Sports Network is not offered through Amazon Prime. It remains accessible via cable, satellite, and specific live TV streaming services like DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu Live TV, and YouTube TV, unlike CBS Sports programming on Paramount Plus.

Which Services Offer CBS Sports Network?

DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu Live TV, and YouTube TV are the main platforms that stream CBS Sports Network, making it easy for fans to watch without cable. These services provide comprehensive sports coverage, including FOX, ESPN, and ACC Network, ideal for college football and NCAA basketball fans

What’s the Most Cost-Effective Way to Get CBS Sports Network?

For cost-conscious viewers, Hulu Live TV presents the most affordable option at $76.99 per month, featuring ESPN, CNN, and more. Hulu Live TV also includes Disney+ and ESPN+, potentially offering additional savings for subscribers of these services.

Methodology

I spend hundreds of hours throughout the year conducting hands-on testing of streaming services, including Peacock, DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV. I do the same rigorous testing for TV antennas and TV-related hardware. Check out the review policy to see how I compare products and services. The Cord Cutting Report is a reader-supported publication, and may earn affiliate commissions when you pick a streaming service through a recommendation. Read our affiliate policy for more information.

Jim Kimble is a seasoned industry expert with over two decades of journalism experience. He has been at the forefront of the cord-cutting movement since 2016, testing and writing about TV-related products and services. He founded The Cord Cutting Report in 2016, and serves as the editor.

Major publications, including MarketWatch, Forbes, and South Florida Sun Sentinel, have interviewed Kimble for his years of expertise. He gives advice on the complexities consumers are navigating with streaming options, and over-the-air TV. Kimble has been a staff writer or correspondent for several award-winning, daily newspapers, including The Boston Globe.