Best Streaming Options for Watching New England MLB and NHL Games

Cord-cutters no longer have to worry about missing out on their favorite Boston teams! Keep reading, and we’ll show you the excellent streaming options available for NESN. It’s much simpler than you might think!

NESN Streaming Services

The leading live TV streaming services provide access to some Regional Sports Networks (RSNs). While Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV offer a limited selection, FuboTV offers a wider range. However, DirecTV is the clear winner, giving you access to almost every RSN.

Currently, FuboTV and DirecTV are the only streaming services that offer access to NESN. Furthermore, they both provide NBC Sports Boston, another RSN in the area that covers the Boston Celtics (NBA).

FuboTV for NESN

FuboTV NESN

At present, FuboTV is likely the best option for watching NESN. Although originally a soccer streaming service, it has evolved into one of the most comprehensive streamers available, offering a wide range of news, entertainment, and family programming. It is also arguably the best sports streaming service, with extensive coverage and a plethora of 4K events each year, including home Red Sox games.

The Fubo Standard plan costs $88.98 per month and includes 130+ channels, including NESN. Additionally, FuboTV offers 38 sports channels, such as ESPN, FS1, and 7 beIN Sports channels, along with 11 from TUDN. It also provides local channels in most areas and a wide variety of other channels.

If you want more information about FuboTV, check out these articles:

  • FuboTV Review
  • FuboTV Packages
  • FuboTV Local Channels
  • FuboTV Devices

Sign up for a free FuboTV trial today!

DIRECTV STREAM for NESN

If you’re looking for an alternative to FuboTV, DIRECTV STREAM is another excellent option. However, keep in mind that the Entertainment plan, which costs $74.99 per month, does not offer access to RSNs. To access NESN, you’ll need the Choice plan ($99.99 per month) or above.

DIRECTV STREAM boasts an impressive channel lineup, featuring news, entertainment, and family-friendly content. It also offers a solid selection of sports channels, including those that broadcast Red Sox games in case they make it to the playoffs.

One standout feature of DIRECTV STREAM is the ability to stream on up to 20 screens simultaneously, making it an ideal choice for larger households.

Check out these articles for more information about DIRECTV STREAM:

Get DIRECTV STREAM free for 5 days!

NESN 360

NESN was the first Regional Sports Network (RSN) to introduce its own direct-to-consumer streaming service, NESN 360. However, it is currently limited to subscribers in its traditional broadcasting markets.

NESN 360 offers the same content as watching NESN through a streaming service or cable/satellite provider. You’ll have access to the NESN channel and NESN+ for overflow games. There are two subscription plans available:

  • Monthly: $29.99 per month
  • Yearly: $329.99 per year (equivalent to $27.50 per month), which includes 4 Red Sox game tickets but doesn’t offer significant savings.
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NESN 360 also provides on-demand access to nationally broadcasted Red Sox and Bruins games that are not shown live on NESN. These games become available after they have finished.

However, there are a few drawbacks to NESN 360:

  • You won’t have access to other channels like CBS Sports Network, ESPN, or FS1.
  • NBC Sports Boston, which airs most Boston Celtics games, is not available.
  • NESN 360 currently supports viewing only through its website (nesn.com) or dedicated apps on platforms such as Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, Roku, and mobile devices running Android or iOS (iPhone, iPad).

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Other Ways to Access NESN?

If you don’t live in the New England area, there are a couple of options to watch live Red Sox and Bruins games:

  • MLB.tv: This service provides live access to every non-nationally televised out-of-market game during the regular season.
  • ESPN+: The former NHL.tv, now part of ESPN+, grants access to all out-of-market NHL games and offers additional content even without the NHL coverage.

NESN also has its own website and app for live streaming. However, it’s important to note that this is not an exclusive way to access the channel. You still need a subscription to DirecTV or FuboTV. Nevertheless, having the NESN app may be worthwhile.

TVs and Mobile Devices for Live Streaming NESN

Both FuboTV and DirecTV provide dedicated apps for smart TVs and other devices. While both services are compatible with most devices, FuboTV supports slightly more. Here are the details:

Devices Supported by FuboTV Only

FuboTV supports smart TVs from Hisense and LG. Additionally, any device that supports Android TV, such as Sony, Sharp, and TCL TVs, should work with FuboTV. Xbox One is also compatible.

DirecTV Set-Top Box

DirecTV offers its own set-top box for accessing its service. This option may be more suitable for less tech-savvy individuals, as it replicates the traditional cable distribution model. Using a DirecTV set-top box means you only have to deal with a single company for both hardware and streaming service support.

Devices Supported by DirecTV and FuboTV

Both services support Samsung smart TVs from the past five years. If you have a TV with Chromecast support, you should be able to stream with a compatible mobile device:

  • Android: Any smartphone running the Android operating system.
  • iOS: Apple devices such as iPhones and iPads.

Both FuboTV and DirecTV are compatible with major streaming media players:

  • Amazon Fire TV
  • Apple TV
  • Roku

Additionally, you can watch these streaming services on your computer. If you have a laptop, you can connect it to your TV using an HDMI cable for an even better viewing experience.

In conclusion, both DirecTV and FuboTV are compatible with most hardware options. If you have any concerns, it’s best to reach out to them directly for confirmation.

NESN 4K

NESN offers Boston Red Sox games in stunning 4K resolution. While DIRECTV STREAM currently does not support 4K broadcasting, FuboTV does offer this feature.

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Sign up for a free FuboTV trial to experience it yourself!

About NESN

New England Sports Network (NESN) is a regional sports network based in Watertown, MA. It is the official broadcaster of the Boston Red Sox (MLB) and the Boston Bruins (NHL).

Founded in 1984, NESN is jointly owned by Fenway Sports Group (the parent company of the Red Sox, and owner of Fenway Park) and Delaware North (the concessions company that owns TD Garden, the Bruins’ home arena).

NESN Regional Availability

As with all RSNs, NESN is only available within a limited broadcast area, but in this case, the coverage extends over a fairly large region.

NESN is available to subscribers throughout Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island. It is also accessible in most areas of Connecticut, with the exception of the southwest corner, which falls within the New York broadcasting area (MSG, SportsNet New York, and YES Network).

NESN Content: Live Games and More

NESN focuses on broadcasting live games of its primary teams. It covers the vast majority of Red Sox’s 162 games and the Bruins’ 82 games, including pregame and postgame shows featuring news and analysis.

Unlike some RSNs that fill their schedules with infomercials, NESN offers a variety of engaging content. It airs a considerable amount of college athletics, focusing on UMass and featuring men’s and women’s basketball games, as well as ACC and Hockey East events.

NESN also broadcasts live games of the Connecticut Sun (WNBA) and Worcester Red Sox (AAA baseball). In addition, it features other sporting events, both live and recorded, and includes programming related to fantasy sports and sports betting, such as new episodes of Follow the Money.

The network offers several original shows that cater to both Bruins and Red Sox fans, including Charlie Moore Outdoors, Dining Playbook, Dirty Water TV, Friday Night Fenway, Golf Destination, NESN Clubhouse, The Red Sox Report, The Ultimate Red Sox Show, and Wicked Bites.

For fans of classic games, NESN showcases notable old matches under the titles Bruins Classics and Red Sox Classics.

NESN Live Broadcast Commentators

NESN boasts a roster of well-known announcers and on-air talent.

Dave O’Brien took over as the Red Sox play-by-play announcer in 2016, following the departure of longtime announcer Don Orsillo (who moved to Bally Sports San Diego). Mike Monaco also lends his play-by-play commentary skills on occasion. Color analysts include Dennis Eckersley, Tony Massarotti, Kevin Millar, and Kevin Youkilis, with Jahmai Webster serving as a sideline reporter.

At TD Garden, fans can enjoy Jack Edwards’ enthusiastic play-by-play commentary and Andy Brickley’s analysis during Boston Bruins games. Edwards has been providing commentary since the 2005-06 season, while Brickley joined in 2000-01.

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Wrapping Up

NESN is the ultimate channel for watching Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins games. Fortunately, cord-cutters have two excellent options to access NESN without a traditional cable/satellite subscription: FuboTV and DIRECTV STREAM. Both services also provide NESN+ and NBC Sports Boston, ensuring you never miss a home run or a goal.

While FuboTV is more cost-effective and offers a broader range of channels, especially for sports fans, DIRECTV STREAM offers a great deal for larger households. Regardless of your choice, you won’t miss any of the action from your local MLB and NHL teams!

READ  Is YouTube Premium Worth It? What You Should Know Before You Sign Up

For Red Sox and Bruins fans, we recommend FuboTV. Sign up for a free trial of FuboTV today!

FAQs

Does NESN air New England Patriots games?

No, NESN does not broadcast any New England Patriots games. NFL games are featured on platforms such as Amazon Prime (Thursday Night Football), NBC (Sunday Night Football), ESPN (Monday Night Football), or locally through CBS and Fox affiliates. However, NESN does provide news and commentary related to the Patriots.

What is NESN National?

NESN offers its feed to providers outside its traditional broadcast area, marketing it as NESN National. However, all Red Sox and Bruins games are blacked out. Nevertheless, NESN National still offers a wide range of New England and Boston-focused sports and lifestyle shows, making it a potentially interesting option for fans and those with connections to the area.

Does NESN broadcast Red Sox spring training games?

NESN typically broadcasts the majority of Red Sox spring training games. In 2023, they aired 27 out of 32 total games. The remaining games are usually available on MLB Network. NESN requires the DIRECTV STREAM Choice package for Red Sox spring training coverage. Alternatively, FuboTV offers an add-on subscription for $7.99 per month with the Fubo Extra plan.

Can I get NESN on Hulu?

Currently, NESN is not available on Hulu + Live TV. However, this may change in the future. Hulu currently offers RSNs for the San Francisco Bay Area, California, Chicago, New York (SportsNet, but not MSG or YES), Northwest (Portland), Philadelphia, and Washington DC. Therefore, it’s worth keeping an eye out for updates.

Why did YouTube TV stop carrying NESN?

YouTube TV discontinued its NESN coverage in November 2020 due to an expired contract and unsuccessful negotiations for a new agreement. The decision likely came down to the cost of carrying the channel compared to its value for subscribers. There have been no updates regarding the possibility of NESN returning to YouTube TV since it was dropped.

Does Sling TV offer NESN?

Sling TV does not include NESN in its channel lineup. Being a lower-cost streaming service, Sling TV does not carry any RSNs at this time. RSNs are some of the most expensive channels to license, making their inclusion less feasible for Sling TV. However, you can still subscribe to Sling TV for national channels and supplement it with NESN 360.

What is an RSN?

An RSN, or regional sports network, is a TV channel dedicated to sports in a specific geographic area. These channels are typically distributed to subscribers within that region. While RSNs were initially available only through cable providers, they can now be accessed via certain satellite and streaming services.

What happened to Jerry Remy?

Jerry Remy, a former Red Sox second baseman, passed away on October 30th, 2021, following a lengthy battle with lung cancer. Remy transitioned from playing to become a color commentator for Red Sox games on NESN in 1988. He continued broadcasting until just three months before his death.

Does NESN broadcast Boston Celtics games?

Although NESN’s focus is on Boston sports, it does not air Boston Celtics games. NBC Sports Boston handles the coverage of Celtics games. However, both DIRECTV STREAM and FuboTV offer NBC Sports Boston to subscribers in the New England area.

Does NESN broadcast New England Revolution games?

NESN has never broadcast New England Revolution games or any Major League Soccer (MLS) matches. Previously, NBC Sports Boston covered the Revolution, but they have since joined the new MLS Season Pass. Serious Revolution fans can subscribe to the MLS Season Pass for $14.99 per month or $99 per year.

How can I watch the Red Sox’s divisional rivals?

To watch the other American League East teams, consult the following articles:

  • Baltimore Orioles — MASN
  • New York Yankees — YES Network
  • Tampa Bay Rays — Sun
  • Toronto Blue Jays — Not available

How can I watch the Bruins’ divisional rivals?

For coverage of other teams in the Atlantic Division, refer to these articles:

  • Buffalo Sabres — MSG
  • Detroit Red Wings — Bally Sports Detroit
  • Florida Panthers — Bally Sports Florida
  • Montreal Canadiens — Not available
  • Ottawa Senators — Not available
  • Tampa Bay Lightning — Bally Sports Sun
  • Toronto Maple Leafs — Not available

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