jimrk I use Roku devices as a way to stream content from other providers. I have several Roku devices, an Apple TV streaming device, three chromecast with Google TV devices, and a Firestick streaming device. Roku devices for me have been inexpensive and dependable streaming devices. The Roku channel does offer several free channels but little or no live sports. For NFL football, MLB baseball, WNBA basketball, NBA basketball, NCAA football, etc.... you either need a TV provider (Roku is not a TV provider) and/or a subscription to one or more services such as Peacock, Amazon Prime, ESPN +. The fact that Roku does provide free channels has led to a somewhat common belief that buying a Roku would provide free access to NFL, NBA, WNBA, etc.....
This is not intended to be a commercial but I have three TCL Roku TV's that were inexpensive and function as expected. I have an elderly friend with a cable box connected to a Roku TV which works great for him as it allows him to access his networks by number on a cable box and also stream games that are on Peacock, Amazon Prime, and ESPN+ all three of which he subscribes to. I have an Apple TV streaming device on my 65 inch main TV. The Apple device is faster than Roku and very easy to use but it cost four times as much as my Roku devices.