Sling TV Has 35 Sports Channels For $76 a Month – Is It a Better Deal Than DIRECTV’s MySports?

By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man – Follow me on X.

TV Answer Man, DIRECTV has this new sports plan for $70. Wouldn’t it make more sense to just get Sling TV which is cheaper? – Dave, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Dave, DIRECTV yesterday introduced a new all-sports plan that includes 44 sports and broadcast channels for $70 a month. (The list includes 17 free channels now available on DIRECTV’s MyFreeDIRECTV streaming service without need of a MySports subscription.)

While DIRECTV is offering $20 off each of the first three months of the plan, called MySports, several readers have sent e-mails such as yours questioning the wisdom of subscribing. And a few suggested that Sling TV would be a better choice for a cost-conscious sports fan.

So, let’s take a look at Sling’s sports lineup.

Sling TV has two base plans, Orange and Blue, which cost $46 a month. Each plan has different sports channels so the way to create the best sports lineup is to subscribe to Sling’s Blue/Orange combination package for $60.99 a month (The first month is half priced.) and get the Sling Sports Extra combo plan for another $15 a month.

Complete list of sports/broadcast channels in the Sling Blue/Orange combo plan ($60.99 a month)

ESPN
ESPN 4K
ESPN 2
ESPN 3
Motortrend

Fox (select markets)
NBC (select markets)
ABC (select markets)
Fox 4K
Fox Sports 1

Fox Sports 1 4K
NFL Network
TBS (baseball and other sports)
TNT (NBA, NHL)
truTV (variety of programming including sports)
USA Network (variety of programming; occasional sports)

Sports Extra Channels With the Blue/Orange Plan (Extra $15 a Month)
beIN SPORTS
Big Ten Network
FS2
Golf Channel
NBA TV

NHL Network
MLB Network
MLB Network Strike Zone
Pac-12 Network

Tennis Channel
ACC Network
ACC Network Extra
ESPNews
ESPNU

Longhorn Network
SEC Network
SEC Network+
Tennis Channel
NFL RedZone Channel

To see the complete list of DIRECTV’s MySports lineup, click here.

That comes to 35 sports and broadcast channels for $73 a month, which is comparable to DIRECTV’s MySports offering which is 44 sports channels for $70 a month. But again, 17 of DIRECTV’s sports channels are freebies while Sling’s lineup consists of traditional basic cable nets which offer higher quality programming.

Like DIRECTV’s MySports plan, Sling does not have CBS or any regional sports networks. Also like MySports, Sling does not carry the ABC, Fox and NBC affiliates in some markets. Sling, however, does have the NFL RedZone Channel while MySports does not.

So how does Sling compare to DIRECTV’s MySports? If it’s just about sports, you could make an argument for either one. DIRECTV’s promotional discount is better now with $20 off each of the first three months while Sling just takes $30.50 off the first month of the Blue/Orange combo. That would give DIRECTV a slight edge for now.

However, when you note that Sling’s Blue/Orange plan also includes some basic channels such as the Disney Channel, E!, Discovery Channel, Bravo, FX, Syfy and National Geographic. the overall best value goes to Sling.

Dave, hope that helps. Happy viewing and stay safe!

Have a question about a favorite show or new TV technology? Send it to The TV Answer Man at swann@tvanswerman.com Please include your first name and hometown in your message.

The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered television for more than three decades. He will report on the latest news and answer your questions regarding new devices and services that are changing the way you watch  television. See the bio for Phillip Swann here.