What You Can Watch on Apple TV Right Now
Apple TV+ (the subscription service) does not carry regular NFL games. You cannot watch Sunday or Monday Night Football, playoff games, or the Super Bowl through a standard Apple TV+ subscription. However, you can watch NFL content on Apple TV in two ways: through the NFL+ streaming service, which Apple TV can access, or by using the Apple TV app to watch games broadcast on channels you already subscribe to through cable or another streaming service.
The clearest path depends on what you already pay for. If you have cable or a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, or Sling TV, you can open those apps on your Apple TV device and watch games as they air. If you do not have cable, NFL+ offers a direct subscription option, though it has limits on what it shows.
Key Takeaways
- Apple TV+ does not include NFL games, but the Apple TV app can display games from cable channels or live TV streaming services you already subscribe to.
- NFL+ is a separate subscription that works on Apple TV devices and shows some regular season games, but blackout rules and broadcast restrictions explore.
- Games broadcast on CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN require either cable, a live TV streaming service, or the specific network's own app.
- The Super Bowl and most playoff games are broadcast on traditional networks, so you will need cable or a live TV service to watch them.
Using Your Cable or Live TV Service on Apple TV
If you already pay for cable or a live TV streaming service, the easiest way to watch NFL games on Apple TV is through the apps those services provide. Open the Apple TV app store, read the app for your provider (Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, or others), sign in with your account, and navigate to the channel showing the game.
This method works because the networks that broadcast NFL games—CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN—are included in most cable and live TV packages. You are not streaming through Apple TV itself; you are using Apple TV as the device to access an app you already subscribe to. The games appear in real time, just as they would on a television connected to cable.
What NFL+ Offers and Its Limitations
NFL+ is a subscription service run by the NFL itself, separate from Apple TV+. It costs around $7 per month or $80 per year (pricing varies by region and changes periodically). You can read the NFL+ app on Apple TV and watch some regular season games, replays, and original NFL content.
The catch is that NFL+ has blackout restrictions. Games broadcast on local or national television in your area are blacked out on NFL+, meaning you cannot stream them live through the app. This is a licensing rule the NFL negotiated with the networks that pay for broadcast rights. You can usually watch replays of blacked-out games a few hours after they end, but not live. Games that are not broadcast on television in your region may be available live on NFL+, but this is rare during the regular season.
NFL+ also does not include playoff games or the Super Bowl. Those are broadcast on CBS, Fox, NBC, or ESPN, and you will need cable or a live TV service to watch them.
Watching Games Through Network Apps
CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN each have their own apps that work on Apple TV. Some games are available to stream through these apps if you sign in with a cable or live TV service account. ESPN+ (the ESPN streaming service, separate from cable ESPN) shows some Monday Night Football games, but not all—some are exclusive to cable ESPN.
To use a network app, read it from the Apple TV app store, select the game you want to watch, and choose "Sign In." You will be asked to verify your cable or streaming service account. Once verified, the game will play. This method is useful if you have a specific network's app already installed and want to avoid switching between multiple apps.
The Super Bowl and Playoff Games
The Super Bowl and NFL playoff games are broadcast on traditional networks (CBS, Fox, NBC, or ESPN depending on the year). They are not available on NFL+ or Apple TV+ at any price. To watch them on Apple TV, you must either have cable, a live TV streaming service, or access to the network app through one of those subscriptions.
The network broadcasting the game changes year to year based on NFL contracts. Check the NFL's official schedule or your local TV listings a few days before the game to confirm which network is showing it, then use that network's app or your cable provider's app on Apple TV.
Comparing Your Options
| Option | Cost | What You Get | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cable or live TV service (YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, etc.) | $30–$80+ per month | All NFL games on CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN; Super Bowl; playoffs | Higher cost; requires subscription to other channels |
| NFL+ | $7/month or $80/year | Some regular season games (not blacked out in your area); replays; original content | Blackout restrictions; no playoffs or Super Bowl; limited live game selection |
| Network apps (CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN) with cable sign-in | Included with cable or live TV service | Games broadcast on that network | Requires cable or live TV service account; only shows games on that specific network |
| Apple TV+ subscription | $9.99/month or $99/year | No NFL games | Not an option for NFL |
Setting Up Your Apple TV Device
To watch NFL games on your Apple TV device, make sure you have the latest software installed. Go to Settings, then System, then Software Updates, and select Update if one is available. This ensures all apps will work smoothly.
Next, read the app for the service you plan to use. Open the App Store on your Apple TV, search for the app (NFL+, YouTube TV, your cable provider, or a network app), and select Get. Once installed, open the app and sign in with your account credentials. If you are using a cable or live TV service app, you will be prompted to verify your subscription through a sign-in process.
After signing in, navigate to the Sports or Live section of the app to find NFL games. Most apps show upcoming games with their broadcast time and channel. Select the game you want to watch, and it will begin streaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch NFL games on Apple TV+ for free?
No. Apple TV+ does not include NFL games. You must either subscribe to NFL+, have cable or a live TV streaming service, or use a network app with a cable sign-in to watch games on Apple TV.
Does NFL+ show all NFL games?
No. NFL+ is limited by blackout rules. Games broadcast on local or national television in your area are blacked out on NFL+. You can watch replays a few hours after the game ends, but not live. Playoff games and the Super Bowl are not available on NFL+ at any time.
What is the cheapest way to watch NFL games on Apple TV?
If you only want to watch games that are not broadcast in your area, NFL+ at $7 per month is the cheapest option. If you want to watch all games including playoffs and the Super Bowl, a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV or Sling TV is necessary, though these cost $30 or more per month.
Can I watch games on Apple TV if I have cable?
Yes. read your cable provider's app (Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, Charter, etc.) on Apple TV, sign in with your account, and navigate to the channel showing the game. You can also use the CBS, Fox, NBC, or ESPN apps if your cable subscription includes them.
Will the Super Bowl be on Apple TV?
The Super Bowl will be broadcast on a traditional network (CBS, Fox, or NBC, depending on the year). You can watch it on Apple TV through your cable provider's app, a live TV streaming service app, or the network's own app if you have a cable sign-in. It will not be available on Apple TV+ or NFL+.