FX and Stig, thanks for the info I'll look into it.
reddit has a curated forum for every major sport.
Google search for "reddit
sportstreams". i.e. - nflstreams, nbastreams, soccerstreams, etc....
the streams available will change as games go live and end, the mods keep everything tidy
now that it's been brought up i feel obligated to provide a PSA of sorts for BARFers who may try this at home. apologies in advance if this offends anyone's sensibilities. i just want to help BARFers not make avoidable mistakes if this is something they're going to explore
if you choose to look into this here are a few tips
- never pay any money
- always protect yourself
- understand the risks and limitations
- find the reputable streamers and stick to them
1. - these sites are free, they make money off ad overlays. if you're prompted for a credit card or money close the site and never go back, they're trying to scam you
2. - preferably use a PC running AV on a web browser with AdBlock and FlashBlock extensions installed and running
if you choose to view a stream on mobile understand you're going to have to click through a few ad overlays
3. - related to the above, understand these streams can be a way for malware to spread via the ad overlays and flash. do not view streams that force you to use flash, there are plenty of alternative options such as Ace streams, YouTube streams, etc
back up all your irreplaceable data on another device. better yet, use an older "throwaway" laptop specifically for streaming sports. if you're comfortable do a full wipe and OS install and only use a browser that has never been logged in to your facebook, email, or bank accounts, etc. (I'm paranoid, ya)
i have an old laptop that i connect to my TV via DVI-to-HDMI cable for just this purpose (i've been playing with W10's screen mirroring via my Roku3, as well)
limitations to be mindful of are streams can be unreliable (buffering/stutters), low quality (i.e. 480p), funky sound (echo-y), and cut off (DMCA takedowns occur around 3rd or 4th qtr usually, sooner for prime time games), and sometimes the streamer will "change the channel"
with those limitations said.... if one stream is buffering there will usually be several others to choose from (or refreshing the page will help). every year the streamers get better and better and often are 720p or better quality. when a stream goes down the owner usually gets a new link up within 10 minutes. and the channel changers usually just do this during timeouts or commercial breaks, hope over to another game or movie, then go back when the game resumes.
as far as legal risk goes, it's minimal. the main targets of DMCA recourse are the sharers, not the consumers. i've been safely doing this for 4-5 years now
4. - the reddit moderators do a good job of deleting the spammy or malware infested links and promoting the good quality links from verified streamers
if you find a good quality and reliable stream with minimal advertisement bullshit go back to reddit and look at the posters screen name. as you watch more and more events keep an eye out for that particular streamer and stick to them.
YMMV and no I won't help you unlock your ransom-wared PC. you've been warned
Party on Wayne.
arty Party on, Garth.
arty
for your track bike
