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How to Watch the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2023.

Writer's picture: Jake RickerJake Ricker

Updated: Oct 6, 2023


Steven Stamkos and GM Julien BriseBois during their 2023 Exit Interviews

One of the most frequent questions we see is: "Where can I watch the Lightning?" Despite being in the 21st century, finding the game can be pretty challenging; no worries, we have you covered! In this article, we will look at every place you can watch the Lightning for the upcoming 2023-24 season.


Please keep in mind all of this information is subject to change and is mainly focused on local viewing. Be sure to check a platform's other restrictions and prices if you choose one of them.


Overview

Unfortunately, there is no perfect way to watch Lightning hockey. There are only a few ways to get almost every game with one subscription since Bally is only carried by Spectrum, Comcast, Direct TV/Direct TV Stream, and Fubo. (this is for the Tampa area; go to https://getmyhometeams.com to see who carries Bally in your area).


The only way to watch every Lightning game is to get multiple streaming subscriptions. I am using YouTube TV and Bally Sports to get Lightning games this year. If you want to use YouTube TV and get $45 off, you can use our referral link here! I personally went with this combination because YouTube TV offers the best coverage for other sports at a good price, and you can still get Lightning games with Bally until they hopefully reach a deal with YouTube TV.

Most Games With One Subscription

Cheapest access

Best Overall

Best Combination

Personal Choice

Spectrum/ Direct TV

Bally Sports

Spectrum

Hulu +Bally

Youtube TV + Bally


Bally Sports

As of the start of the season, Bally Sports is still broadcasting the majority of Tampa Bay Lightning games. Although, with their money issues, it is still being determined how long that could be. Until there is a change, you are able to get a subscription straight through Bally. There are a few different options for packages. You can get the Lightning and Rays for $19.99 a month or 189.99 a year. You can also bundle the Rays, Lightning, Magic, and Marlins for 29.99 a month. The teams you get are dependent on your location.


I do not recommend this option if you are trying to watch Lightning games, as you are only allowed two streams at a time, there is no customer support, and there are issues with the stream when watching on mobile or desktop. But it is a good option if you're looking for a simple way to access just Lightning hockey. It is also important to note you will not have access to games that are not broadcasted through Bally.


There are rumors that Bally is attempting to work out a deal with YouTube TV and Hulu to get Bally back on those providers' channel lists. If this does happen, we will update the article accordingly, as it would make Youtube TV one of the top choices, but time is running out for Bally.

Spectrum

Spectrum is one of the only local cable companies that carries Bally Sports. Depending on the package you get, you will be able to get most Lightning games except for the few that are streamed on Hulu and ESPN+. If you are not worried about cutting the cord and want something that will get you the most Lightning games as possible with one subscription, they are a good option. Spectrum offers NHL Center ice for viewers outside of Tampa, but blackouts will still apply.


Direct TV Stream

Like Spectrum, Direct TV Stream has most Lightning games, except for ESPN+ and Hulu. The biggest issue with Direct TV stream is the price. By far the most expensive at almost $180 a month if you have the biggest package. Personally, I just left because of the price and customer service. However, if you're looking at just access to Lightning games, it is a good option, and they do carry most channels.


Direct TV

Direct TV is the same as Direct TV stream, just satellite-based and not streaming-based. Just like Direct TV Stream, Direct TV does have Bally, and depending on the package you choose, you should be able to watch just about every Lightning game, excluding ESPN+ and Hulu. Direct TV also offers NHL Center ice for viewers who are not in Tampa, but blackouts apply.


Fubo

Fubo is one of the better streaming options but has one major downfall. While Fubo does have Bally and most national channels, they do not have TNT, which means no NHL Playoffs. While the Lightning may not always be on TNT, they are in the rotation for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, so you would miss out on some of the year's biggest games. The Lightning will also be on TNT three times during the 2023-24 regular season.


Other sites

Now, there are other Streaming platforms like YouTube TV or Hulu. YouTube TV is personally what I am using this year, but you will need a Bally Sports Subscription to watch all of the Lightning games. These platforms are great for other sporting needs but not for hockey. The positive with Hulu is you get the few games that are exclusively on ESPN+ and Hulu, but they also do not have Bally Sports.


ESPN+

While ESPN+ is a great way to watch a lot of sorting events and carries many games, they are often blacked out when your local cable company offers the game. While ESPN+ could be a decent option for viewers not in the Tampa area, please keep in mind it will not get you every game. Be sure to check blackout restrictions and your local channels before buying.





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