Stream NHL Network in 2024: 3 Cable-Free Options

The best 3 cable-free options to stream NHL Network in 2024 are Sling TV, Fubo and DIRECTV STREAM. This breakdown has the most convenient and affordable ways to watch your favorite hockey games live without a cable subscription.

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Hockey fans have a few to watch NHL Network without cable.

Sling TV stands out as an affordable choice. At $51 per month, the Sports Extra bundle includes NHL Network.  

DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo both cost more, but have more robust channel lineups especially for in-market NHL games. Fubo and DIRECTV STREAM offer a free trial to any plan, and carry Bally Sports regional sports networks, NBC Sports RSNs, ROOT Sports and NESN. 

NHL Network offers an extensive lineup of live hockey games, in-depth analysis, highlights, and exclusive programming dedicated to all things hockey. Whether you’re following your favorite team or keeping up with league-wide action, NHL Network is a go-to source for hockey fans.

How to Get NHL Network Without Cable

Choosing a live TV streaming service is a good option for cord-cutters looking to break away from cable. But getting NHL Network means you will pay extra for an add-on bundle or a pricier plan. 

For live hockey, you should consider other channels that offer in-market games. Services like Fubo and DIRECTV STREAM provide access to regional sports networks (RSNs) such as NESN, MSG, and ROOT Sports. DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo also carry Bally Sports RSNs.

NHL Network is unavailable on YouTube TV and Hulu Live TV, but carry regional NBC Sports networks, which carry some local NHL games.

For out-of-market games, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN+ broadcast over 1,000 events during the 2023-2024 NHL season. A subscription to NHL Power Play on ESPN+ gives you access to out-of-market NHL games for $10.99 per month via the ESPN app.

All of these streaming services support a variety of Smart TVs and streaming devices, including Rokus, Amazon Fire TVs, Google Chromecasts, and Apple TVs.

Sling TV: Stream NHL Network Live

Sling TV offers an affordable way to watch NHL Network without a cable subscription. You need to add the Sports Extra bundle for an additional $11 per month. 

This bundle adds to the channel lineup of Sling Orange or Sling Blue roughly a dozen channels. It’s important to note that the Sports Extra bundle is slightly different, depending on whether you choose the Orange or Blue plan. You will get NHL Network with either Sling Orange or Blue.

Sling Orange delivers 31 channels such as ESPN and TNT for $40 per month, supporting single-screen streaming. Sling Blue, at the same price, provides 45 channels including FS1 and NFL Network, with three-screen streaming capability.

You can combine Sling Orange and Blue for $55 per month to boost your overall channel lineup. Every plan gets 50 hours of Cloud DVR storage. Subscriptions run month to month without hidden fees or contracts.

Sling TV supports multiple devices, allowing you to stream NHL Network on Roku, Fire Stick, Apple TV, and more. For the latest Sling TV promotions, visit their website.

PLANPRICECHANNELS
Orange$40/month32
Blue$40/month41 (Locals included)
Orange + Blue$55/month88
Device support: AirTV Mini, Amazon Echo Show, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast along with Smart TVs from LG, Samsung, Sony Bravia and VIZIO SmartCast.

Fubo: Streaming NHL Network and Bally Sports

Fubo (formerly fuboTV) integrates NHL Network within its Sports Plus bundle. 

The entry-level Fubo Pro plan has ESPN, regional sports networks like Bally Sports, NESN and MSG. Subscribers get local broadcast channels such as ABC, alongside entertainment and cable news networks. 

The Sports Plus bundle adds NFL RedZone and PAC-12 Networks among its 30 channels.

Subscribers have access to local ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX stations in many U.S. areas. 

Fubo’s Pro package is priced at $79.99 per month, with the Sports Plus add-on available for an extra $10.99. All subscribers get 1,000 hours of Cloud DVR storage. You can add NHL Network through the Elite and Premier plans as well with Sports Plus.

Fubo supports a wide range of devices, enabling subscribers to watch live TV on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and Smart TVs. You can Fubo’s channel lineup to discover available locals and regional sports networks in your area. Fubo offers a 7-day free trial for new customers.

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.

DIRECTV STREAM: Unrivaled Access to NHL Network and More

DIRECTV STREAM offers NHL Network within its Ultimate plan, providing a comprehensive solution for hockey fans. This plan, priced at $119.99 per month, includes over 140 entertainment and sports networks similar to a satellite package.

The Ultimate and Premier plans feature NHL Network alongside coveted cable networks like ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV. With DIRECTV STREAM, subscribers have access to regional sports networks (RSNs) including Bally Sports, NBC Sports, NESN, ROOT Sports, and Altitude – networks often challenging to find without a traditional cable package.

Sports fans can stream an extensive selection of channels such as CBS Sports Network, FOX Sports 1, NBC Sports Network, Golf Channel, MLB Network, and more. 

All DIRECTV STREAM packages come with local broadcast channels (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX), offering something for everyone in the household. One of the standout features of DIRECTV STREAM is the unlimited Cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record and store countless hours of your favorite TV shows and live sports. 

You can watch live TV on an unlimited number of screens within your home. With no contracts, subscribers have the flexibility to cancel a subscription whenever they like. 

DIRECTV STREAM is compatible with Roku, Android TV, Fire TV, Apple TV, and mobile devices, so you can watch NHL Network and other channels anywhere in your home.

You can get  a 5-day free trial to get a hands-on look at DIRECTV STREAM’s packages.

PLANPRICECHANNELS
Entertainment$79.99/month75+
Choice$108.99/month105+
Ultimate$119.99/month140+
Premier$164.99/month150+
Device support: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast with Google TV along with Smart TVs by Samsung, Sony Bravia

How to Get NHL Network Without Cable: FAQs

Here are answers to common questions on how to watch NHL Network without cable. 

Is NHL Network Available on YouTube TV?

No, YouTube TV does not include NHL Network. YouTube TV has more than 128 live TV channels, including other channels broadcasting NHL games, such as ABC, ESPN, and regional NBC Sports networks. A subscription is priced at $72.99 per month.

Does Hulu Offer NHL Network?

No, Hulu Live TV does not have NHL Network, but provides local ABC stations, ESPN, ESPN2, and regional NBC Sports networks for NHL game broadcasts. With more than 90 channels, Hulu Live TV costs $76.99 per month.

Can You Watch NHL Network Games on ESPN+?

ESPN+ does not carry the same games available on NHL Network. ESPN+ offers more than 1,000 live out-of-market NHL games throughout the 2023-24 season. ESPN+ streams live games through the ESPN app for $10.99 per month.

How Can You Get NHL Network on Roku?

Subscribing to DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, or Sling TV, which all include NHL Network in their channel lineups, allows you to stream NHL Network on Roku. Plan and pricing details vary among these services with Sling TV being the most affordable option.

Is NHL Network Available on Amazon Fire TV?

Yes, Amazon Fire TV users can watch NHL Network by subscribing to DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, or Sling TV.

Does Apple TV Carry NHL Network?

NHL Network is accessible on Apple TV through DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, and Sling TV. NHL Network is not available through the Apple TV+ streaming service. 

How to Stream NHL Network on Smart TVs?

A number of Smart TVs support DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, and Sling TV apps so you can start live streaming of NHL Network along with other popular cable channels without an added streaming device. Smart TVs running on Android TV, Google TV, Hisense, Samsung and LG are compatible with Fubo and Sling. 

Is There a Way to Watch NHL Network for Free?

While there’s no permanent free method to watch NHL Network, DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo provide free trials. Cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges.

What Is the Best Way to Watch NHL Network Without Cable?

Sling TV is the most cost-effective choice at $51 per month, offering the Sports Extra bundle without contracts. Fubo presents a valuable alternative with a broader channel selection and a free 7-day trial.

Does Peacock Offer NHL Games?

No, Peacock does not currently stream live NHL games. It focuses on a variety of other live sports on NBC like Big Ten Basketball, Golf, and Premier League matches. For NHL action, consider other streaming services mentioned above.

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.