Pay-Per-View Sports vs Streaming Day Passes: The Cheapest Way to Watch One Big Game
Updated
You don't always need a full monthly sports subscription to watch the one game or fight you care about. Between pay-per-view events, single-game purchases, and short streaming passes, there are cheaper ways to catch a big night. And some events that used to cost $70 or more are now included in a regular streaming plan.
Here's what the main options cost as of October 1, 2026, and how to pick the cheapest one for the event you want.
Your options at a glance
| Option | What it costs | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sling 1, 3, or 7 Day Pass | $4.99, $9.99, or $14.99 | One game, or one weekend, on ESPN, TNT, or TBS |
| UFC on Paramount+ | Included with plans from $8.99/mo | UFC numbered events and Fight Nights |
| DAZN pay-per-view | Typically $69.99 per event in the U.S. | Major boxing cards |
| DAZN Ultimate | $44.99/mo for 12 months, at least 12 PPVs included | Fans who buy several fights a year |
| NBA League Pass | $16.99/mo, or $24.99/mo for Premium | Following out-of-market NBA games |
| Live TV streaming service | Roughly $80+/mo | Fans who watch several leagues all season |
Pay-per-view: still around, but shrinking
Traditional pay-per-view means a one-time payment for a single event. It's most common in boxing now. DAZN says its U.S. pay-per-views typically cost $69.99, with no subscription required. If you buy several fights a year, DAZN's Ultimate tier, at $44.99 a month for 12 months, includes at least 12 pay-per-views. That can cost less than buying them one at a time.
The biggest change is UFC. As of 2026, every UFC numbered event and Fight Night streams live on Paramount+ as part of the subscription. There's no pay-per-view charge, and plans start at $8.99 a month. For UFC fans, that's one of the best values in sports streaming.
Day passes: the budget hack
Sling sells short passes that work like a mini subscription and end on their own. There's nothing to cancel:
- 1 Day Pass: $4.99 for 24 hours
- 3 Day Pass: $9.99 for any three days in a row. One example: Saturday college football through Monday night football.
- 7 Day Pass: $14.99
Each pass includes the 34 channels in Sling Orange, including ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and TBS. Extras like Sports Extra, which adds SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPNU, and NBA TV, cost $1 to $3 more depending on the pass. You can also order pay-per-view events through the Sling app with a pass. Note that Sling Orange doesn't include local broadcast channels, so games on your local network affiliate need another option.
Make sure your internet can handle game night
A buffering stream ruins a big moment. Check the internet plans available at your address before kickoff.
Single-game and league passes
The NBA is the major U.S. league that sells individual games. You can buy a single game through League Pass, or subscribe for $16.99 a month, or $24.99 for Premium with no commercials and three devices. Nationally televised games are blacked out on League Pass, so check where a game airs before you buy. Some teams in other sports have tried per-game passes too, but the NFL and MLB mostly still require a subscription.
How to choose
- Find out where the event airs. A cable network game may be a $4.99 day pass. A streaming-exclusive fight could be included in a plan you already have.
- Count how many events you'll watch this month. One or two? Go with a pass or pay-per-view. Several a week? A monthly live TV service may cost less overall.
- Check what's included. Before paying for a pay-per-view, see whether a subscription you already have now carries it, as with UFC on Paramount+.
- Watch for blackouts and local channels. Local and national broadcasts are the most common reason a stream won't show the game you paid for.
Comparing full live TV services? See our YouTube TV vs Fubo vs Hulu Live vs Sling guide. For football, read whether NFL Sunday Ticket is worth it.
Don't let your internet ruin the big moment
Live sports are less forgiving than movies, because a buffering stream can cost you the winning play. As a guide, Netflix recommends at least 5 Mbps for 1080p HD and 15 Mbps for 4K for each stream. Add headroom for everyone else in the house on phones, laptops, and other TVs. If you're hosting a watch party, plug the TV into your router with an Ethernet cable if you can, and pause big downloads during the game.
Streaming more sports this season?
Compare internet plans that can handle live sports in HD or 4K on every TV in the house.
Frequently asked questions
What's the cheapest way to watch one game on ESPN?
A Sling 1 Day Pass costs $4.99 and includes ESPN and ESPN2 for 24 hours, with no subscription to cancel. If the game is on another ESPN network, check whether it needs Sling's Sports Extra add-on.
Is UFC still pay-per-view?
No. As of 2026, UFC numbered events and Fight Nights stream live on Paramount+ as part of the subscription, with plans from $8.99 a month.
What internet speed do I need to stream a game?
For one stream, plan on about 5 Mbps for 1080p HD and 15 Mbps or more for 4K. Add more headroom for every other device using the connection at the same time.