Sportsnet NOW is a leading digital platform where users can watch or live stream sports events.
It is a premium service that brings you all original content provided by Sportsnet. Therefore, you require a subscription to access its programs.
Its line-up of programs includes NHL, MLB, NBA, soccer, WWE, IndyCar, hockey, and rugby, among others. But before choosing to subscribe to Sportsnet NOW, you must first understand several things.
Note that you can only access Sportsnet NOW either by subscribing through a participating TV provider or directly through the website.
If you sign in with a participating TV subscriber, you must activate Sportsnet NOW before using the service.
5 facts about Sportsnet NOW
While Sportsnet NOW is one of the best platforms in Canada for watching live sports, you must understand several factors before signing up. They include:
1. Sportsnet NOW has two premium plans
Before streaming any sports action on Sportsnet NOW, you must subscribe to one of its plans.
Sportsnet NOW has two premium plans, namely Standard and Premium.
Sportsnet NOW Standard
The Sportsnet NOW Standard is the monthly plan. It costs $14.99 monthly, giving you access to Sportsnet’s elite content line-up.
The monthly package also has a limited-time offer of four months at $49.96. Once the offer elapses, Sportsnet NOW will bill you $14.99 per month.
Another option is to subscribe for the annual pass of $149.99.
Sportsnet NOW Premium
The Sportsnet NOW Premium package costs $34.99 per month. Its monthly cost is higher because it offers more sports content than the Standard package.
In other words, you will get more sports events not offered in the Standard package, including NHL, MLB, NBA, WWE, and Bundesliga.
Furthermore, the Premium plan has limited blackouts. Sportsnet NOW also charges you $249.99 per year to subscribe to the Premium package.
Apart from subscribing directly on Sportsnet NOW by choosing a package, you can also get content if you have a subscription with a participating TV, cable, or satellite provider. The subscription will let you access all sporting events at no extra cost.
The difference between Sportsnet NOW Standard and Premium is that the Standard plan only airs 100+ regular-season NHL games while the Premium plan airs 200+ regular-season games.
2. Sportsnet NOW has regional blackouts
Sportsnet NOW will not broadcast specific NFL games in some regions.
However, the advantage is that the service has two different packages. Each package allows you to select how many games you want to stream.
Your subscription will be subject to regional blackouts if you choose the Sportsnet NOW Standard package.
The plan will allow you to watch teams like the Flames, Oilers, and Canucks. You’ll also watch all national games, including the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, you may not watch games for other teams in the league.
But if you want to watch all hockey games, including those for teams not in your locality, you require the Sportsnet NOW Premium package.
Furthermore, the Premium plan will give you access to more sports content, including WWE, Bundesliga, FA Cup, and rugby championships.
3. You require high-speed internet and enough bandwidth to stream on Sportsnet NOW
Sportsnet NOW content is in high-definition, with some games streaming in 4K.
Therefore, a high-speed internet connection is necessary to ensure uninterrupted streaming. In addition, if you stream on your mobile device, you must ensure a good data plan.
Generally, data consumption is about 1GB per hour when streaming on Sportsnet NOW using your smartphone.
The number can increase to 3GB per hour for HD video streams on tablets and connected devices.
However, the actual usage may vary depending on the stream quality, game length, and network conditions. But you can enjoy a better experience by using an unlimited Wi-Fi connection to stream.
4. You can use Sportsnet NOW on a connected device
Sportsnet NOW is available on connected devices.
You can stream its content if you have the 4th generation Apple TV, Xbox, PlayStation, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Ignite TV, Samsung Smart TVs (2018 and newer models), and Chromecast.
However, you must first download the Sportsnet NOW app from your device’s application store and sign in with your credentials.
But since you use a connected device, you will also have to activate Sportsnet NOW, especially if you have subscribed to a TV provider.
Here is how:
- Launch the Sportsnet NOW app on your device.
- Choose Sign in with SN Now.
- An activation code will display.
- Go to watch.sportsnet.ca/activate.
- Enter the credentials from your TV provider.
- Enter the activation code displayed on your screen
If the activation code is correct, wait 15 seconds for your TV to refresh and start streaming.
5. Sportsnet NOW is only accessible on one device
Sportsnet NOW is a premium service designed for personal use. Therefore, it only allows users to get one concurrent stream.
However, you can authenticate your account on as many devices as possible. The difference is that the stream is only available on one device at a time.
FAQs about Sportsnet NOW
Here are some of the most common questions about Sportsnet NOW:
Is Sportsnet NOW free?
Sportsnet NOW is a premium service that requires a subscription with a participating TV subscriber or direct purchase of a plan on its website to stream.
However, Sportsnet also offers a 24/7 free channel that you can stream for free without a plan, a TV subscription, or sign-in.
How do I watch Sportsnet for free?
You can watch Sportsnet for free by doing the following:
- First, go to the web player page at sportsnet.ca.
- Then, click on the tile titled SN NOW FREE.
The page will allow you to stream select free games, including hockey, curling, tennis, and some Sportsnet original programming.
Because of the free 24/7 channel, you will not get a Sportsnet NOW free trial when you subscribe to the premium version.
What is the difference between Sportsnet and Sportsnet NOW?
Sportsnet is a channel and a primary television outlet for Major League Baseball in Canada. It is also a television outlet that brings other sports content, including soccer, tennis, motorsport, hockey, and rugby.
Furthermore, Sportsnet is a group of regional sports networks that offers sports programs tailored to your region. It has three TV channels to broadcast its content: Sportsnet One, Sportsnet World, and Sportsnet 360.
On the other hand, Sportsnet NOW is a premium streaming platform. It allows you to live stream Sportsnet regional sports networks, including Sportsnet Ontario, Sportsnet Pacific, Sportsnet West, Sportsnet One, Sportsnet 360, and Sportsnet World.
What channel is Sportsnet NOW?
Sportsnet NOW is not a TV channel. Instead, it is an online platform for streaming sports events.
You require a high-speed internet connection, a data plan, and a streaming device to access the service. You will not find Sportsnet NOW on your TV as a channel.
Wrapping up
Sportsnet NOW is an online platform that gives you access to all Sportsnet content. It costs $14.99 per month to get limited features or $34.99 per month to get premium features.
Alternatively, you can subscribe using a TV provider or access the 24/7 free channel with limited content.
You can watch sports programs on your preferred device, but you cannot stream on two or more devices at a time.