The United Football League (UFL) has quickly become a thrilling addition to the American sports landscape, offering fans high-energy football action during the NFL offseason. Born from the merger of the XFL and USFL in December 2023, the UFL delivers exciting games with eight competitive teams: the Arlington Renegades, Birmingham Stallions, DC Defenders, Houston Roughnecks, Memphis Showboats, Michigan Panthers, San Antonio Brahmas, and St. Louis Battlehawks. For fans eager to catch every tackle, touchdown, and game-changing moment, streaming UFL games live online is the way to go. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the options for watching UFL games live, ensuring you never miss a play, whether you’re at home or on the go.
Understanding the UFL and Its Appeal
The UFL is a professional American football minor league that plays in the spring and early summer, filling the gap left by the NFL’s offseason. The 2025 season, which ran from March 28 to June 14, featured a 10-week regular season with 40 games, followed by two Conference Championship games and the UFL Championship. The Michigan Panthers faced the DC Defenders in the 2025 Championship at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, a game that captivated fans with its intensity. The league’s innovative rules, such as the inability to kick extra points after touchdowns and a dynamic kickoff system, add a unique flavor to the game, making it a must-watch for football enthusiasts.
Streaming UFL games live online offers flexibility, especially for cord-cutters or fans without access to traditional cable. With games broadcast across major networks like ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, FOX, and FS1, there are multiple ways to watch, from free trials to affordable subscriptions. Below, we’ll explore the best platforms, services, and tips for streaming UFL games live, tailored to various budgets and viewing preferences.
Streaming Platforms for UFL Games
1. ESPN+
Cost: $12/month or $120/year
Channels: ABC, ESPN, ESPN2
Best For: Budget-conscious fans who want to watch select UFL games
ESPN+ is one of the most affordable ways to stream UFL games live, particularly those broadcast on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2. In 2025, ESPN+ aired the UFL Championship and several regular-season games, making it a go-to option for fans. While it doesn’t cover games on FOX or FS1, its low price point and access to additional sports content, like UFC, MLB, and college sports, make it a great value. ESPN+ offers a user-friendly app available on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles, ensuring you can watch from virtually anywhere. New subscribers can sometimes take advantage of promotional offers, such as discounted bundles with Disney+ and Hulu.
To stream UFL games on ESPN+, simply sign up on their website, download the app, and log in. Check the UFL schedule on ESPN’s website to confirm which games are available, as not all games are broadcast on ESPN networks. For example, the 2025 Championship was available on ESPN+ with an alternate “AudioCast” viewing experience, offering unique commentary and insights for fans.
2. Sling TV
Cost: $61/month (Sling Orange + Blue)
Channels: ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, FOX, FS1 (ABC and FOX availability varies by region)
Best For: Fans wanting to watch every UFL game without cable
Sling TV’s Orange + Blue combo plan is the most cost-effective way to stream all 40 UFL games in the 2025 season, as it includes all the necessary channels: ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, FOX, and FS1. Priced at $61/month, Sling offers flexibility with no long-term contract, and you can cancel anytime. The Orange plan covers ESPN and ESPN2, while the Blue plan includes FOX and FS1, with ABC available in select markets. Before subscribing, check Sling’s website to confirm channel availability in your area.
Sling TV supports a wide range of devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and mobile devices. Its cloud DVR feature allows you to record games and watch them later, which is perfect for fans with busy schedules. Sling occasionally offers promotional discounts or free trials, so keep an eye out for deals, especially around the start of the UFL season in March.
3. Fubo
Cost: $85/month (Pro plan), $20 off first month, 7-day free trial
Channels: ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, FOX, FS1
Best For: Sports fans seeking comprehensive channel coverage
Fubo is a top choice for sports enthusiasts, offering over 150 channels, including all UFL broadcasters: ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, FOX, and FS1. The Pro plan, starting at $85/month, provides robust coverage, and new subscribers get a $20 discount on their first month plus a seven-day free trial. Fubo’s extensive sports library includes regional and international leagues, making it ideal for fans who follow multiple sports. The service supports 4K streaming for select events, ensuring a high-quality viewing experience, and includes 1,000 hours of cloud DVR storage.
Fubo’s app is available on most streaming devices, and its interface makes it easy to navigate live sports schedules. For UFL fans, Fubo’s comprehensive channel lineup ensures you can watch every game, from the season opener on March 28 to the Championship on June 14. Check Fubo’s website for regional channel availability, as ABC and FOX may vary by location.
4. DirecTV Stream
Cost: $85/month (Entertainment plan), 5-day free trial
Channels: ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, FOX, FS1 (ABC availability varies by region)
Best For: Fans wanting a cable-like experience with a free trial
DirecTV Stream’s Entertainment plan, priced at $85/month, includes over 90 channels, covering all UFL broadcasters. The service offers a five-day free trial, making it a great option for watching select games for free, such as the Conference Championships on June 8 and 9. DirecTV Stream also has a MySports pack for $70/month, which includes 25+ sports channels, but you should verify ABC availability in your area. The platform supports unlimited device streaming at home and includes cloud DVR, allowing you to record and rewatch games.
DirecTV Stream is compatible with most devices, including smart TVs, mobile devices, and streaming sticks. Its interface mimics traditional cable, making it user-friendly for those transitioning from cable subscriptions. For UFL fans, DirecTV Stream ensures access to all games, provided your region receives ABC and FOX.
5. Hulu + Live TV
Cost: $75.99/month (no free trial)
Channels: ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, FOX, FS1
Best For: Fans wanting a bundled streaming experience
Hulu + Live TV offers a robust package with over 75 channels, including all UFL broadcasters, for $75.99/month. While it lacks a free trial, it includes free subscriptions to Disney+ and ESPN+, adding value for fans of varied entertainment. Hulu’s live TV plan supports unlimited cloud DVR, allowing you to record UFL games and watch them on your schedule. The service is available on most devices, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, and mobile devices.
Hulu + Live TV is a great option for fans who want a single subscription for both live sports and on-demand content. Check Hulu’s website for channel availability in your area, as ABC and FOX may vary by region. For UFL fans, this service ensures comprehensive coverage of the 2025 season.
6. YouTube TV
Cost: $72.99/month, occasional free trials
Channels: ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, FOX, FS1
Best For: Fans seeking a user-friendly interface with broad channel access
YouTube TV offers over 100 channels, including all UFL broadcasters, for $72.99/month. It occasionally provides free trials, so check their website for current offers. YouTube TV’s unlimited cloud DVR lets you record games and watch them later, and its intuitive interface makes it easy to find live sports. The service supports streaming on multiple devices, including smart TVs, mobile devices, and computers.
For UFL fans, YouTube TV is a reliable option for watching every game, provided ABC and FOX are available in your area. The platform’s multiview feature allows you to watch multiple games simultaneously, which is great for catching overlapping UFL matchups.
7. Tubi
Cost: Free
Channels: Limited UFL coverage (select games and highlights)
Best For: Budget-conscious fans seeking free content
Tubi, a free streaming service, offers limited UFL coverage, including select games and highlights from the inaugural season. While it doesn’t provide live streaming for all games, it’s a great option for fans who want to catch up on key moments without paying. Tubi is ad-supported, so expect occasional commercial breaks. The service is available on most devices, including smart TVs, mobile devices, and web browsers.
For UFL fans, Tubi is best for watching highlights or replays rather than live games. Check Tubi’s sports section for available UFL content, as coverage may vary.
8. FOX Sports App and Website
Cost: Free with cable login or subscription to services like Sling, Fubo, or DirecTV
Channels: FOX, FS1
Best For: Fans with existing subscriptions wanting to stream FOX games
The FOX Sports app and website allow you to stream UFL games aired on FOX and FS1, provided you have a cable login or a subscription to a service like Sling, Fubo, or DirecTV Stream. FOX also offers a one-hour free preview for live sports on its website, which can be a workaround for watching select games without a subscription. The app is available on most devices, and its high-quality streams make it a great option for FOX-broadcasted games, such as the Conference Championship on June 9.
To use the FOX Sports app, download it, log in with your provider credentials, and navigate to the UFL section. Check the UFL schedule on FOX Sports’ website to confirm game times and channels.
Free and Low-Cost Options for Watching UFL Games
Over-the-Air Antenna
If you live in an area with good reception, an over-the-air antenna is a cost-free way to watch UFL games on ABC and FOX. The Federal Communications Commission’s TV reception maps can help you determine signal strength in your area. This option is ideal for fans who want to avoid streaming costs and don’t mind watching on a traditional TV setup.
Free Trials
Several streaming services offer free trials, allowing you to watch UFL games without immediate cost:
- Fubo: 7-day free trial
- DirecTV Stream: 5-day free trial
- YouTube TV: Occasional free trials
By timing your trials with key games, like the Conference Championships or the UFL Championship, you can watch for free. Be sure to cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges.
FOX Sports One-Hour Preview
As mentioned, the FOX Sports website offers a one-hour free preview for live sports, which can be used to watch parts of UFL games on FOX or FS1. This workaround is legal and doesn’t require a subscription, but it’s limited to one hour per session.
Watching UFL Games Internationally
For fans outside the U.S., streaming UFL games can be more challenging due to geo-restrictions. Using a VPN like ExpressVPN can help you access U.S.-based streaming services by connecting to a U.S. server. Here’s how to do it:
- Subscribe to a VPN service like ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a U.S. server.
- Log in to a streaming platform like ESPN+, Sling TV, or Fubo.
- Stream the game live.
Note that using a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions may violate some streaming services’ terms of use, so proceed with caution. ExpressVPN offers high-speed servers and supports multiple devices, making it a reliable choice for international fans.
UFL 2025 Schedule and Key Dates
The 2025 UFL season ran from March 28 to June 14, with the following key dates:
- Regular Season: March 28 – June 1 (40 games)
- Conference Championships: June 8 (ABC) and June 9 (FOX)
- UFL Championship: June 14 (ABC, ESPN+)
The full schedule is available on the UFL’s official website (www.theufl.com) or LiveSportsOnTV.com, which provides detailed broadcast information. Notable games included the season opener (Houston Roughnecks vs. St. Louis Battlehawks) and the Championship (Michigan Panthers vs. DC Defenders).
Tips for the Best Streaming Experience
- Check Channel Availability: Confirm that ABC and FOX are available in your area for services like Sling, Fubo, or DirecTV Stream.
- High-Speed Internet: Ensure a stable, high-speed internet connection to avoid buffering. A minimum of 5 Mbps is recommended for HD streaming, with 25 Mbps for 4K.
- Device Compatibility: Verify that your streaming service supports your device, whether it’s a smart TV, smartphone, or gaming console.
- Record Games: Use cloud DVR features on services like Fubo, DirecTV Stream, or YouTube TV to record games for later viewing.
- Stay Updated: Follow the UFL’s official social media accounts or check ESPN and FOX Sports for real-time schedule updates.
Why Watch the UFL?
The UFL offers a fresh take on football with its fast-paced gameplay and innovative rules. It’s a proving ground for talent, with players like Jake Bates moving from the UFL to the NFL after standout performances. The league’s accessibility through multiple streaming platforms makes it easy for fans to follow their favorite teams, whether they’re rooting for the Birmingham Stallions’ back-to-back title hopes or the St. Louis Battlehawks’ playoff push.
By choosing the right streaming service, you can enjoy every moment of the UFL season, from the opening kickoff to the final whistle of the Championship game. Whether you opt for the budget-friendly ESPN+, the comprehensive Fubo, or a free trial with DirecTV Stream, there’s an option for every fan.
Conclusion
Watching UFL games live online is easier than ever, thanks to a variety of streaming platforms catering to different budgets and preferences. ESPN+ offers an affordable entry point, while Sling TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and YouTube TV provide comprehensive coverage for all games. Free options like Tubi and over-the-air antennas are great for budget-conscious fans, and international viewers can use a VPN to access U.S. streams. By following the tips and options outlined in this guide, you’ll be ready to catch every UFL game live, cheering for your favorite team all the way to the Championship.