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Paramount+ with Showtime vs. Peacock Premium vs. ESPN+: Which Sports Add-On Fits Your Viewing Habits?
If you're tired of juggling three different apps just to catch your favorite games, you're not alone. In 2025, live sports on streaming platforms isn't just an option-it's a necessity. But with Paramount+ with Showtime, Peacock Premium, and ESPN+ all pushing their own sports packages, choosing the right one feels like picking a team in a playoff series where every player has a different jersey. This isn’t about who has the flashiest logo. It’s about who actually delivers the games you care about, when you care about them, without making you pay for stuff you’ll never watch.
What You Actually Get with Each Service
Paramount+ with Showtime bundles NFL, UEFA Champions League, and UFC fights under one roof. If you follow the NFL’s Thursday Night Football or want to watch Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich without a cable bill, this is your go-to. It also includes Showtime’s original series, which isn’t sports, but it’s a nice bonus if you like dark dramas. The catch? You need the Paramount+ with Showtime plan-$12.99/month-just to get the sports. The base plan won’t cut it.
Peacock Premium, on the other hand, is NBC’s surprise weapon. It carries Premier League matches-every single one, 380+ per season. That’s more than any other U.S. streaming service. Plus, you get WWE Thursday Night SmackDown, Premier League highlights, and Olympic coverage every four years. Peacock’s free tier has ads and limited content, but the $5.99/month Premium plan gives you ads and full access. Want no ads? Pay $11.99 for Premium Plus. For soccer fans, especially those who follow English football, this is the most cost-effective option on the market.
ESPN+ is the quiet workhorse. It doesn’t have the big-name leagues like the NFL or Premier League, but it owns the niche. Want to watch MLS, UFC prelims, college sports from the Big Ten, ACC, and SEC? ESPN+ has them. It also streams exclusive content like 30 for 30 documentaries and live NHL games (not all, but enough to matter). The price? $11.99/month. But here’s the trick: if you bundle it with Disney+ and Hulu, you get the whole package for $16.99. That’s a steal if you already watch those services.
Live Sports Coverage: Who Wins?
Let’s cut to the chase: if you only care about one sport, your choice is simple.
- Premier League? Peacock Premium. No competition. It’s the only place in the U.S. to stream every match live.
- NFL? Paramount+ with Showtime. Only place for Thursday Night Football and select Sunday games.
- UFC? Both Paramount+ and ESPN+ carry it, but ESPN+ has more prelims and pay-per-views at a discount if you bundle.
- College football and basketball? ESPN+ dominates. If you follow teams like Alabama, Ohio State, or Duke, this is your daily fix.
- NHL? ESPN+ has 75+ games per season, but not all. You’ll still need your local broadcaster for some.
Paramount+ doesn’t carry NBA, NHL full-season, or MLB. Peacock doesn’t carry NFL regular season outside of Thursday nights. ESPN+ doesn’t carry any of the top European soccer leagues. None of them are complete. That’s why you’re comparing them.
Price vs. Value: The Real Math
Let’s break down the real cost per sport.
| Service | Monthly Price | Key Sports Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paramount+ with Showtime | $12.99 | NFL (Thursday), UEFA Champions League, UFC, NASCAR | Fans of Thursday night football and European soccer |
| Peacock Premium | $5.99 (ads) / $11.99 (no ads) | Premier League (all 380+ matches), WWE SmackDown, Olympics | Soccer fans who want every Premier League game |
| ESPN+ | $11.99 | MLS, UFC prelims, college sports, NHL (75+ games), 30 for 30 | College sports lovers and mixed martial arts fans |
Peacock Premium at $5.99 is the cheapest way to get elite-level soccer. If you’re a Premier League fan, you’re paying less than a coffee a day for 380+ live games. That’s a bargain. Paramount+ is more expensive, but if you care about NFL and Champions League, it’s the only option. ESPN+ is the most versatile for niche sports-but you’re paying $12 a month for a lot of content you might not use.
Bundling: The Hidden Advantage
Most people don’t realize how much you can save by combining services. If you already have Disney+, adding ESPN+ costs just $1.99 extra. That gives you access to Hulu’s live sports, Disney+’s original content, and ESPN+’s college games and UFC. That bundle is worth it if you watch any of those three.
Paramount+ doesn’t have a bundle deal with other major services. You’re stuck paying full price. Peacock doesn’t bundle either. So if you’re trying to cut costs, ESPN+ through the Disney bundle is your smartest move.
What You’re Missing
None of these services give you everything. If you want NBA, MLB, or NFL Sunday games, you still need a traditional TV provider or a service like YouTube TV or FuboTV. These are add-ons, not replacements. They’re designed to fill gaps, not replace cable.
Also, regional blackouts still exist. If you live in New York and want to watch the Yankees, you might be blocked from streaming them on ESPN+ if your local network has rights. Same goes for Premier League games on Peacock-if you’re in a market with a local NBC affiliate carrying the game, you might not see it on the app.
Who Should Choose What?
Here’s the simple guide:
- Choose Paramount+ with Showtime if: You watch Thursday night NFL, follow the Champions League, or love UFC pay-per-views. You’re okay paying $13 a month for a few big events.
- Choose Peacock Premium if: You’re a soccer fan who wants every Premier League match. You don’t mind ads, or you’re willing to pay $12 for ad-free. You’re not worried about missing NFL or college sports.
- Choose ESPN+ if: You follow college sports, MLS, or UFC prelims. You already have Disney+ or Hulu. You want the most variety of niche sports without paying for leagues you don’t care about.
If you watch multiple sports? You might need two. Many fans pair Peacock (for soccer) with ESPN+ (for college and UFC). It’s $18 a month-but you’re getting 500+ live events a year. That’s still cheaper than cable.
Final Tip: Try Before You Commit
All three services offer free trials. Paramount+ gives you 7 days. Peacock gives you 7 days for Premium. ESPN+ gives you 7 days too. Use them. Watch one game from each service. See how the app feels. Check the video quality on your TV. See if the schedule matches your time zone.
Don’t just pick the cheapest. Pick the one that shows up when you need it. Because in 2025, your favorite team shouldn’t be stuck behind a paywall you didn’t sign up for.
Can I watch the NFL on Peacock Premium?
Only Thursday Night Football. Peacock doesn’t carry any other NFL games. If you want Sunday games, Monday Night Football, or playoffs, you’ll need another service like Paramount+ with Showtime, YouTube TV, or a cable provider.
Does ESPN+ include UFC pay-per-views?
No, UFC pay-per-views are sold separately on ESPN+. But ESPN+ subscribers get a discount on them-usually $5 to $10 off. You still need to pay extra, but it’s cheaper than buying them without a subscription.
Is Peacock Premium worth it without Premier League?
Not really. Peacock’s main draw is the Premier League. Without it, you’re left with WWE, some Olympics content, and a few original shows. If you don’t care about soccer, you’re better off with a cheaper service like YouTube Free or Tubi.
Can I use these services outside the U.S.?
No. Paramount+, Peacock, and ESPN+ are all U.S.-only services. If you’re in Australia, you’ll need to use local providers like Kayo Sports, Foxtel, or Stan Sport for live games. These U.S. services won’t work without a VPN, and even then, streaming quality and legality become issues.
Do any of these services offer 4K streaming?
Yes, but only for select events. Paramount+ offers 4K for some NFL and Champions League games. ESPN+ streams select UFC and college games in 4K. Peacock offers 4K for Premier League matches and the Olympics. You need a compatible device and a fast internet connection-100 Mbps or higher.
If you’re still unsure, start with Peacock Premium. At $5.99, it’s the lowest-risk way to get major live sports. If you find yourself missing college games or UFC prelims, add ESPN+ later. You can always cancel. But if you start with the most expensive option and realize you’re not using half the content, you’ll be stuck paying for it for months.
