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Colin Kirk

Does Sling TV have local channels?

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Sling TV is a live TV streaming service that offers incredible value and customization options. It features live programming, on-demand content, and pay-per-view events like boxing. Plans start at $45.99, making it among the best values in streaming. 

The platform also offers a la carte options to supplement your viewing. You can purchase add-ons to your packages to access more sports, movies, news and family programming. The only limitation with Sling TV is the availability of local channels. 


Limited local channel availability

Does Sling have local channels? Yes, in some areas. There are three Sling TV packages to choose from. The Sling Orange plan is the cheapest option. With this option, you won’t have access to local channels. But you will get ESPN, CNN, the Disney Channel, TBS, TNT and more.

With Sling Blue, depending on your area, the number of live channels you have access to may vary. This plan includes the Discovery Channel, Fox NewsFox Sports 1, the USA Network, FX and AMC. If you live in an area with local channel availability, you’ll also have access to locals which can include ABC, Fox and NBC. 

Another option is to combine both plans to form the Sling Orange & Blue plan. This choice includes 48 channels and three concurrent streams. Again, if local channel availability is in your area, you can access sports and live programming on ABC, NBC, and Fox

Markets where you can watch locals with Sling TV

One of the main challenges of using Sling TV is local channel availability isn’t an option for every viewer. If you don’t live in a larger city, chances are you won’t have access to any local choices. Below is a look at which cities receive local channels:

ABC

  • Chicago
  • Fresno
  • Houston
  • Los Angeles
  • New York
  • Philadelphia
  • Raleigh-Durham
  • San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose

Fox

  • Atlanta
  • Austin
  • Chicago
  • Dallas/Fort Worth
  • Detroit
  • Gainesville
  • Houston
  • Los Angeles
  • Milwaukee
  • Minneapolis-St. Paul
  • New York
  • Orlando/Daytona/Melbourne
  • Philadelphia
  • Phoenix
  • San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose
  • Seattle
  • Tampa/St. Petersburg
  • Washington, D.C.

NBC

  • Boston
  • Chicago
  • Dallas/Fort Worth
  • Miami/Fort Lauderdale
  • Hartford/New Haven
  • Los Angeles
  • New York
  • Philadelphia
  • San Diego
  • San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose
  • Washington, D.C.

Sling TV logo
  • Pricing begins at $45.99/mo.
  • 35+ live TV channels
  • Free trial currently unavailable

Regional sports networks on Sling TV

Thanks to the sheer glut of sports networks available, you might need regional sports networks to stream your favorite team, particularly if you’re an MLB fan. Some examples of regional sports networks include NBC Sports, FanDuel Sports Network and the MSG Network. Unfortunately for sports fans, Sling TV doesn’t carry these kinds of networks. 


Watching local channels with AirTV

If you're a Sling TV subscriber and want to watch local channels, you can do so with an HD antenna, an AirTV device and a Sling subscription.

Here's how:

  1. Connect your antenna to your AirTV device.
  2. Plug the AirTV device into your preferred streaming device.
  3. Open the Sling TV app or mobile device.
  4. Stream all local channels, including CBS, PBS, and The CW.

To ensure this setup will work for you, connect an HD antenna directly to your TV before purchasing an AirTV device.

Sling offers a few deals to reduce or eliminate the cost of an AirTV device:

  • You’ll receive a free AirTV mini when you prepay for two months of service. 
  • If you prepay for three months, you can buy the AirTV2 including an HD antenna or an AirTV Anywhere including an HD antenna. 

Is Sling TV’s channel list worth it?

It will depend on your viewing habits and budget. If you’re a casual TV viewer hoping to stream some sports or other programs live, Sling TV has a diverse mix of choices in each package to appeal to you. Sling also offers add-ons, allowing you to stream more specialized content. To demonstrate, you can add the Big Ten Network to stream collegiate sports. Or, if movies and hit shows are your muse, add the Paramount Plus with Showtime package. The benefit of Sling TV is it's affordable enough that you can add some additional content and still save money compared to other streaming providers. 

However, if you’re an avid sports fan wanting to stream every game live or live in a smaller town without access to local channels, Sling TV might be a limited option without an HD antenna. Therefore, it’s ideal to give the service a test drive first. If you’re a new customer, Sling TV allows you to try their service for free. In turn, you'll see if the service meets your needs. 


FAQ

Does Sling have local channels like ABC, CBS, and NBC?

Sling TV offers ABC, NBC and Fox in select markets. Subscribe to the Sling Blue or Sling Orange & Blue plan so you can access them. 

Can I watch local sports teams on Sling TV?

You can stream your favorite local sports teams on Sling TV. If Sling TV doesn’t offer local channels in your area, supplement your viewing with an HD antenna. 

How do I know if Sling has local channels in my area?

You can enter your zip code on Sling TV’s website to find out if local channels are available in your area. After you supply your zip code, tap on enter to see any local channels available. 

Luke Daugherty is a freelance writer, editor, and former operations manager based in St. Louis. His work covers business, marketing, and personal finance, as well as many of his personal passions, including coffee, music, and social issues.