Cord-Cutting Apps & Streaming Sports: What You Need to Know
Fisher Custom AV • September 14, 2023

I want my Bally Sports, Big 10 & ESPN on ONE APP!!

a collage of logos for netflix, disney, youtube tv, prime video, apple tv, and hulu

Over the past few years, the number of cord cutters has continued to increase. As is typical in the world of electronics, things have evolved. If you're new to this concept, we recommend reading our first blog article from a few years ago. You can access it through this link. However, if you already have a basic understanding and are seeking more detailed information, keep reading.


Below, we have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions we receive, particularly regarding whether specific channels are available through streaming apps. So, without further ado, let's delve into the most common Q&A's and check out the chart displaying the streaming apps that offer the majority of sports channels (including the ones people often inquire about).

  • Do I keep my Internet Service?

    Yes, you will either keep your exisiting providers internet, or switch to a different provider offering better speeds and better prices.  

  • My TV Channels & Internet are with Spectrum or Buckeye. Do I still need to keep my provider for Internet?

    Probably Yes.  Because usually people will keep Spectrum, or Buckeye just for their internet service.  You have to have an internet provider to stream any apps.  


    A reason why you may not keep Spectrum or Buckeye etc.. is if you find a different internet provider with faster speeds or a lower cost.  

  • Direct TV or Cable lost a local channel. Can I get those channels in an app?

    Yes, see our chart below showing the local channels from Cleveland.  You will see the streaming apps we have listed carry the local channels.  Most live TV streaming apps carry local channels from across the United States.

  • Do I need to keep my Cable or Satellite company for TV channels if I get a TV streaming app?

    If you get a live TV streaming app like those below in the chart, no you do not need to keep your cable or satellite company for TV channels.  


    However, you may still want or need to keep them for internet.  This is where people shop for the best internet provider offering the fastest speeds at the lowest cost. 

  • How fast does my Internet need to be?

    We recommend at least 200MBS download, preferably 300MBS - 600MBS download speeds.  


    If you have a lower speed try it out but be aware if you get buffering, pixelation, or poor focus, you probably want a faster speed.  This is especially true when people are on their devices and watching multiple TV's at the same time. 

  • Do I need to buy a DVR to record for these TV streaming apps?

    No, each TV streaming app (if it offers DVR) stores it in their cloud (servers).  You access these DVR programs through the providers app. 

  • Will my "Smart TV" get these TV streaming apps?

    Most likely Yes, if your TV is a newer smart TV.  Especially with the older smart TV's, not all smart TV's support every streaming app.  


    Generally speaking a new smart TV should get the apps listed in the chart below. (not a guarantee).  

  • What if my "Smart TV" does not get these TV apps?

    If your Smart TV does not get one of these apps, your choices are either replace the TV or purchase a streaming device like a Roku, or Fire Cube.  


    Due to slower speeds, it is not our first recommendation to purchase the lower cost model Roku or Firesticks.  We would recommend the Roku Ultra, or Firecube which offer the fastest processors, and an ethernet port to hardwire these devices to your internet. 

Below, you will find a chart displaying four prominent TV streaming services. These particular services have been selected due to their widespread popularity and extensive offering of sports channels – a frequent inquiry among individuals. While not all of them encompass every requested sports channel, a few do. 


Please take note of the following information. The data presented in the chart is accurate as of September 2023. However, if you are reading this in late 2023 or 2024, there is a possibility that it may have changed. This could be due to alterations in the channel lineup or cost by the provider.


The electronics industry is constantly evolving, after all. Additionally, you will observe that both Directv Stream and Fubo TV offer various TV plans. I have indicated in the chart which plans are required to access the listed channels.

Channel YouTube TV Hulu TV Directv Stream (Choice & Above Plan) Fubo TV (Pro Plan)
Bally Sports No No Yes Yes
Big 10 Network Yes Yes Yes Yes
ESPN Yes Yes Yes Yes
ESPN 2 Yes Yes Yes Yes
NFL Network Yes Yes Yes Yes
3 NBC Cleveland Yes Yes Yes Yes
5 ABC Cleveland Yes Yes Yes Yes
8 Fox Cleveland Yes Yes Yes Yes
19 CBS Cleveland Yes Yes Yes Yes
DVR Yes - Unlimited Yes - Unlimited Yes - Unlimited Yes - 1,000 Hours
Screens 3 - Unlimited screens is add on 2 - Unlimited screens is add on 20 - On Same Wifi Network 10 Screens at Home
Cost $72.99 $69.99 $99.99 - Choice Plan $74.99 - Pro Plan

From a cost comparision (as of September 2023) Fubo TV offers all the channels listed with a DVR for the best price.  In our area Bally Sports network is a big one, people want the Guardians, and Cavs.  With that said we will see what happens to Bally sports in regards to their problems. Will this change in 2024 - 2025....probably so stay tuned.  But for 2023 it was time for a cord cutting update with the current information based on questions I commonly get.


If you happen to have no interest in sports and are only looking for the essential channels, there are a few other options available. However, it is important to note that these alternatives do not currently provide local Cleveland channels. Sling TV and Philo are among the choices you can consider. Please refer to the comparison chart below for more details. While the cost is significantly lower, keep in mind that you will not have access to certain sports programs and local Cleveland channels.

Channel Sling TV Orange Sling TV Blue Philo TV
Bally Sports No No No
Big 10 Network No No No
ESPN Yes No No
ESPN 2 Yes No No
NFL Network No Yes No
3 NBC Cleveland No No No
5 ABC Cleveland No No No
8 Fox Cleveland No No No
19 CBS Cleveland No No No
DVR Yes 50 Hours - 200 Hours add on Yes 50 Hours - 200 Hours add on Yes - Unlimited
Screens 1 3 3
Cost $40 $40 $25

When you're prepared to venture into the realm of cord cutting, simply inform us. If you're ready to upgrade your TV for a smart TV, we're here to assist you (with price matching for comparable models). We frequently install these applications on clients' TVs, set up their app accounts, and provide and install streaming devices to keep you up-to-date with the latest trends.


Understanding the ever-changing nature of this industry, we hope this provides you with some valuable perspective on the cord cutting world. Get in touch with us when you're prepared for an electronics enhancement. We would be delighted to provide you with exceptional service.

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