How to watch the 2025-26 NHL hockey season without cable
Cord-cutting is a challenging proposition for any sports fan, but puckheads just might have it the worst. Unlike the NFL, which broadcasts most of its games on channels available over the air in every major U.S. city, the NHL’s TV schedule still leans heavily on cable and subscription platforms.
For the 2025-26 season, ABC, ESPN, ESPN+, Hulu, and TNT will air a combined 172 nationally televised games during the regular season, with only ABC’s games available over the air. ESPN will stream its games via its direct-to-consumer app, while TNT’s coverage will stream on HBO Max. For the Stanley Cup Final, ABC holds exclusive broadcast rights in even-numbered years such as 2026, so the full Final series will be on over-the-air television (and simulcast via ESPN). But to follow your local team, you’ll still need access to its regional or in-market broadcaster, which varies by team.
That’s a tall order, but not an impossible one. We’ve put together a guide to all your options, so you can catch every game that matters to you.
Table of Contents
Watch hockey over the air
Most streaming services advertise ABC as being included in their subscription packages, but its actual availability will depend on your local market (most services offer an easy way to check availability based on your zip code). In the event the network is not available to stream in your area, consider picking up an over-the-air antenna to reach your local ABC affiliate. Check out the best picks by category in our guide to the best TV antennas for cord-cutters.
ESPN and ESPN+ will host regular season broadcasts with ABC, Hulu, and TNT.
ESPN
Sling TV
Sling TV offers ESPN and TNT, and you can get them together in the Sling Orange package for $45.99 a month. You can round out your hockey coverage with the NHL network with the Sports Extra package for an additional $11 a month.
Sling TV typically includes device discounts with prepaid commitments. Check the current promotions—they change frequently—but you can usually expect some combination of streaming-device deals or introductory discounts when you sign up.
DirectTV Stream
DirectTV Stream offers ABC, ESPN, and TNT in its Entertainment package for $84.99 a month. You can get the NHL Network as well by upgrading to the Ultimate package for $119.99 a month. DirecTV Stream frequently runs promotional discounts on its plans, so check for current offers when signing up.
DirectTV Stream is also a great choice to follow your local team’s broadcasts. Over the last few years, Sling TV, FuboTV, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV have all dropped various regional sports networks from their product offerings. DirectStream TV is the only service to offer a full complement of regional sports networks, including the NBC Sports regional networks, Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, New England Sports Network, YES Network, and Spectrum SportsNet LA. It also offers ESPN, FS1, TBS, and MLB Network.
FuboTV
Sports-centric streaming service FuboTV offers ABC and ESPN, in its $84.99-per-month Pro package. That includes unlimited Cloud DVR space that can be used for recording games, so you don’t miss a minute of action. You can add the NHL Network with the Sports Lite add-on for $10.99 a month.
A Hulu + Live TV subscription gives you ABC, ESPN and TNT in their single one-size-fits-all offering.
Hulu
Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV
Both Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV offer live TV services for a flat fee, and both include ABC, ESPN, and TNT in their base packages. Hulu + Live TV currently costs $82.99 a month with ads ($89.99 effective October 21) or $95.99 without ads ($99.99 effective October 21), and the plan also includes access to Disney+ and ESPN+. That gives hockey fans an edge, since many out-of-market NHL games stream exclusively on ESPN+. YouTube TV is $82.99 a month and also includes unlimited DVR storage.
ESPN Streaming
Out-of-market NHL games are available through ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer service, which launched in August 2025. The Select tier (essentially the legacy ESPN+) carries live out-of-market games, on-demand replays, and exclusive NHL coverage for $11.99 a month. Hockey fans who also want access to ESPN’s linear channels and simulcasts of ABC games can upgrade to the Unlimited tier, which costs $29.99 a month. Both tiers can be bundled with Hulu and Disney+.
Catch all the action on the ice
While streaming hockey can still require a bit of juggling, fans have more legitimate options than ever. With national broadcasts spread across major platforms and every out-of-market game available to stream, following the NHL no longer depends on a cable subscription. The landscape will keep evolving, but for cord-cutters the direction is finally headed in the right direction.
