Hulu Live TV Adds Marquee Sports Network for Cubs Fans

The landscape of live TV streaming is shifting fast. With Marquee Sports Network launching on Hulu + Live TV on March 18, 2026, and Fubo Sports Network joining the lineup just weeks earlier, cord-cutters have more reasons than ever to evaluate their streaming options. But Hulu + Live TV isn't the only game in town. Whether you're a Chicago Cubs fan hunting for in-market games or a sports generalist who wants everything from NFL to UFC, choosing the right live TV streaming service can save you hundreds of dollars a year — or cost you if you pick wrong.

This guide breaks down the top live TV streaming platforms available right now, comparing features, pricing, channel lineups, and sports coverage so you can make an informed decision.

1. Hulu + Live TV — Best All-Around Value for Sports and Entertainment

Hulu + Live TV continues to separate itself from the pack by bundling on-demand streaming with a robust live TV package. The service now offers over 100 channels, ESPN+ integration, and access to Disney+ — all in one subscription. Its recent additions of Fubo Sports Network (February 10, 2026) and Marquee Sports Network (March 18, 2026) signal an aggressive push into niche sports content.

Key Features

• 100+ live TV channels including all major broadcast networks
• Bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+ at no extra cost
• Unlimited DVR storage
• Fubo Sports Network with over 1,200 hours of annual live content (UEFA World Cup Qualifiers, Professional Bull Riders, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, World Poker Tour)
• Marquee Sports Network for in-market Chicago Cubs fans
• Full Hulu on-demand library included

Pros

• Unmatched bundling — Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu's on-demand library in one bill
• Steadily expanding sports lineup with Fubo Sports Network and regional sports networks
• Unlimited cloud DVR is a major upgrade from earlier storage caps
• Strong original content library for non-sports viewing

Cons

• Base price of $89.99/month has climbed significantly over the past two years
• Regional sports network coverage still has gaps depending on your market
• Only two simultaneous streams on the base plan

Price: $89.99/month (base plan with ads) | $102.99/month (no ads)

2. YouTube TV — Best for Channel Selection and DVR

YouTube TV remains one of the most popular live TV streaming services, known for its clean interface, reliable performance, and generous DVR. It competes directly with Hulu + Live TV and often edges ahead in raw channel count.

Key Features

• 100+ channels including all major broadcast and cable networks
• Unlimited DVR with recordings stored for nine months
• Up to three simultaneous streams
• NFL Sunday Ticket add-on available
• Strong integration with Google ecosystem (Chromecast, Google TV)

Pros

• Nine-month DVR storage is the best in the industry
• Three simultaneous streams included in the base plan
• Excellent app performance across devices
• NFL Sunday Ticket availability is a major differentiator for football fans

Cons

• No bundled on-demand streaming library like Hulu offers
• Price increases have been frequent
• Limited regional sports network coverage in some markets

Price: $82.99/month

3. Amazon Prime Video (with Marquee Sports Network Add-On) — Best for Cubs Fans on a Budget

Amazon entered the regional sports conversation in a big way on March 18, 2026, when Marquee Sports Network launched as a $19.99/month add-on channel on Prime Video. This is not a full live TV replacement, but for Chicago Cubs fans who don't need 100+ channels, it's the most affordable way to watch games.

Key Features

• Marquee Sports Network available as a standalone $19.99/month subscription
• Access to all Cubs games and Marquee programming (in-market only)
• Thursday Night Football and other Amazon-exclusive live sports
• Full Prime Video on-demand library
• No long-term contract required

Pros

• Far cheaper than subscribing to a full live TV package just for Cubs games
• Cancel anytime — ideal for seasonal baseball viewing
• Growing live sports portfolio with TNF, select MLB games, and international soccer
• Prime membership includes shipping benefits, Music, and more

Cons

• Not a full cable replacement — limited live channel selection
• In-market restrictions apply; out-of-market fans still need MLB TV
• Requires existing Prime membership ($14.99/month) plus the Marquee add-on
• Live sports navigation can feel fragmented within the Prime Video interface

Price: $14.99/month (Prime) + $19.99/month (Marquee add-on) = $34.98/month total

4. FuboTV — Best for International and Niche Sports

FuboTV has long positioned itself as the sports-first live TV streaming service. While its Fubo Sports Network content is now available on Hulu + Live TV, the standalone FuboTV platform still offers deeper sports coverage, particularly for soccer and international competitions. As recent rankings of live TV platforms note, FuboTV punches above its weight in sports depth.

Key Features

• 190+ channels on the Pro plan
• Heavy emphasis on soccer, with beIN Sports, Liga MX, and international competitions
• 1,000 hours of cloud DVR storage
• Up to 10 simultaneous streams on home network
• 4K streaming available for select events

Pros

• Best platform for soccer and international sports fans
• Generous simultaneous stream limits for households
• 4K content available for major sporting events
• Strong regional sports network coverage

Cons

• Higher price point than most competitors
• Entertainment and news content is secondary to sports
• DVR storage is capped at 1,000 hours (vs. unlimited on Hulu and YouTube TV)

Price: $79.99/month (Pro) | $89.99/month (Elite) | $99.99/month (Premier)

5. Sling TV — Best Budget Option for Casual Viewers

Sling TV remains the most affordable entry point into live TV streaming. Its modular, à la carte approach lets you pay only for the channels you actually watch. It won't match the depth of Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV, but for viewers who need a handful of key channels, the savings are substantial.

Key Features

• Two base packages: Sling Orange (ESPN-focused) and Sling Blue (FOX/NBC-focused)
• Add-on packages for sports, news, comedy, and more
• 50 hours of cloud DVR (upgradeable)
• Works on most major streaming devices

Pros

• Starting price nearly half of most competitors
• Modular design means you only pay for what you watch
• ESPN, TNT, and other key sports channels available on Orange plan
• No contract or hidden fees

Cons

• Missing major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, NBC) on some plans
• Limited DVR on the base plan
• Only one stream at a time on Sling Orange
• No regional sports networks in most markets

Price: $40.00/month (Orange or Blue) | $55.00/month (Orange + Blue combined)

6. DirecTV Stream — Best for Regional Sports Network Coverage

DirecTV Stream is the premium option in this space. It's the most expensive service on this list, but it also offers the broadest regional sports network (RSN) coverage — something that matters enormously for fans of local MLB, NBA, and NHL teams. If your primary frustration with other services is missing your local team's games, DirecTV Stream is often the answer.

Key Features

• 75–150+ channels depending on the plan
• Most comprehensive RSN coverage of any streaming service
• Unlimited cloud DVR storage
• Up to 20 simultaneous streams on home network
• HBO Max included on the Choice plan and above

Pros

• Widest regional sports network availability — a lifeline for local sports fans
• 20 in-home streams is unmatched in the industry
• Unlimited DVR across all plans
• Premium channels often included at higher tiers

Cons

• Most expensive live TV streaming service by a wide margin
• Entertainment plan lacks RSNs — you must step up to Choice ($108.99/month)
• Interface has historically lagged behind YouTube TV and Hulu

Price: $79.99/month (Entertainment) | $108.99/month (Choice) | $124.99/month (Ultimate)

Comparison Summary

Here's how these six platforms stack up across the categories that matter most:

• Best overall value: Hulu + Live TV — the Disney+/ESPN+ bundle and expanding sports lineup (including Marquee and Fubo Sports Network) make it the most complete package at its price point.
• Best DVR: YouTube TV — unlimited storage with a nine-month retention window is hard to beat.
• Best for Cubs fans on a budget: Amazon Prime Video with Marquee add-on — at $34.98/month total, it's the cheapest way to watch every Cubs game.
• Best for soccer and international sports: FuboTV — deeper international sports coverage than any competitor.
• Best for tight budgets: Sling TV — starting at $40/month, it's the only option under $50.
• Best regional sports coverage: DirecTV Stream — the broadest RSN availability, though you pay for it.

Key context: As recent coverage of Hulu + Live TV's subscription model explains, understanding exactly what's included in each tier is critical before committing. Add-ons and premium channels can quietly push your monthly bill past $120.

The Bigger Picture: Why Sports Are Reshaping Live TV Streaming

The additions of Marquee Sports Network and Fubo Sports Network to Hulu + Live TV aren't isolated moves — they're part of a seismic shift in how sports content gets distributed. Traditional cable TV revenue is in steep decline, forcing regional sports networks to find new homes. Marquee Sports Network itself shut down its standalone digital product and laid off multiple employees within the past six months as it pivoted toward distribution through established streaming platforms.

Cubs president Crane Kenney confirmed in January 2026 that Marquee has over 100,000 direct subscribers since launching its direct-to-consumer option three years ago. But that number pales in comparison to the reach that Hulu and Amazon Prime Video provide. The negotiations between Marquee and Hulu began in late summer 2025, and the resulting multiyear agreement gives Cubs fans more viewing options than they've had in years.

For consumers, this means more choice — but also more complexity. The days of one cable bill covering everything are gone. Watching all the sports you care about now requires evaluating multiple platforms, understanding blackout restrictions, and often subscribing to more than one service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Chicago Cubs games on Hulu + Live TV?

Yes. As of March 18, 2026, Marquee Sports Network is available on Hulu + Live TV as part of the base $89.99/month plan. However, this is for in-market viewers only. If you're outside the Cubs' broadcast territory, you'll need MLB TV to watch games. Alternatively, Amazon Prime Video now offers Marquee as a $19.99/month add-on, also restricted to in-market fans.

What sports channels does Hulu + Live TV include?

Hulu + Live TV includes ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, CBS Sports Network, TNT, TBS, and the NFL Network among others. It also integrates ESPN+ and recently added Fubo Sports Network (featuring UEFA World Cup Qualifiers, Professional Bull Riders, and World Poker Tour) and Marquee Sports Network. The full package includes over 100 channels.

Is Hulu + Live TV worth it compared to YouTube TV?

It depends on your priorities. Hulu + Live TV costs more ($89.99 vs. $82.99) but includes Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu's full on-demand library. YouTube TV offers superior DVR (nine-month storage) and an extra simultaneous stream on its base plan. For households that would subscribe to Disney+ or ESPN+ separately, Hulu's bundle often works out cheaper overall.

What happened to Marquee Sports Network's standalone streaming app?

Marquee shut down its standalone digital streaming product within the past six months and laid off multiple employees. The network has pivoted to distributing its content through established platforms like Hulu + Live TV and Amazon Prime Video. Marquee still retains over 100,000 direct subscribers from its DTC service, but the future of Cubs viewing clearly runs through major streaming platforms rather than proprietary apps.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Live TV Streaming Service

Start with your must-have channels

Before comparing prices, list the five to ten channels you can't live without. If regional sports are on that list, your options narrow quickly — DirecTV Stream and Hulu + Live TV typically have the broadest RSN coverage. If you mainly want national sports (ESPN, FOX, CBS), nearly any service will work.

Factor in existing subscriptions

If you already pay for Disney+ and ESPN+ separately, switching to Hulu + Live TV effectively saves you $20+ per month since those services are bundled in. Likewise, if you have Amazon Prime for shipping, adding Marquee for $19.99 is far cheaper than a full live TV subscription just for Cubs games.

Check simultaneous stream limits

Households with multiple viewers watching different content should pay close attention to stream limits. Sling Orange allows only one stream. Hulu + Live TV allows two. YouTube TV allows three. FuboTV and DirecTV Stream offer the most generous limits for home networks.

Understand blackout rules

Live sports blackouts remain a frustration across every platform. Regional sports networks like Marquee are only available to in-market subscribers. Out-of-market fans need league-specific packages like MLB TV. No live TV streaming service can override these restrictions — they're set by the leagues themselves.

Try before you commit

Most live TV streaming services offer free trials ranging from three days to a week. Use them. Test the interface on your primary devices, check channel availability in your zip code, and verify that your must-have sports are actually watchable before locking in a monthly payment. Streaming quality, app stability, and channel switching speed vary more than you might expect between platforms.