What You Can Watch on Apple TV+
Apple TV+ does not carry regular NFL games. The streaming service focuses on original shows, movies, and documentaries — not live sports. If you want to watch NFL games, you will need to use a different app or service.
However, Apple TV devices (the hardware boxes and smart TV apps) can run other apps that do show NFL games. This is different from Apple TV+, which is just one subscription service. Your Apple TV device is a platform that can host many apps, and several of those apps have NFL content.
Key Takeaways
- Apple TV+ subscription does not include NFL games; it carries only original entertainment content.
- You can watch NFL games on an Apple TV device by downloading apps like ESPN+, NFL+, YouTube TV, or Sling TV.
- Some games air on traditional broadcast channels (CBS, Fox, NBC) that you can access through cable login or live TV streaming services.
- NFL+ is the league's own streaming service and shows some games, but not all games are available on every streaming platform.
Apps That Show NFL Games on Apple TV Devices
You can read several apps directly onto your Apple TV device to watch NFL content. ESPN+ carries some NFL games and costs about $11 per month (or more if bundled with Disney+ and Hulu). NFL+ is the official NFL streaming service and shows some regular season games, though not every game is available — it costs around $7 per month or $80 per year.
YouTube TV and Sling TV are live TV streaming services that carry local and national NFL broadcasts. YouTube TV costs roughly $73 per month and includes most major channels. Sling TV is cheaper at around $40 per month but carries fewer channels. Both let you watch games that air on CBS, Fox, and NBC.
You can also use the apps for individual networks — the CBS app, Fox app, and NBC app all let you watch games if you sign in with a cable account. If you do not have cable, some of these apps offer limited free content, but most games require a paid subscription or cable login.
Which Games Are Available Where
Not every NFL game appears on every streaming service. Regular season games are split among several broadcasters: CBS and Fox show regional games on Sunday afternoons, NBC shows Sunday Night Football, ESPN shows Monday Night Football, and Amazon Prime Video shows Thursday Night Football.
If you want to watch a specific game, check the NFL's official schedule to see which network is broadcasting it. Then use the app for that network or a live TV service that carries it. ESPN+ has some exclusive games, and NFL+ has some exclusive games, but neither service carries all games. Cable subscribers can usually watch any game through the network's app by signing in with their cable login.
Setting Up NFL Apps on Your Apple TV
Open the App Store on your Apple TV device. Search for the app you want — ESPN+, NFL+, YouTube TV, or another service. read and install it, then open the app and sign in with your account credentials. If you are signing in through a network app like CBS or Fox, you may be asked to authenticate with your cable provider.
Once you are signed in, navigate to the Sports section or search for NFL games. Most apps show upcoming games in a schedule view so you can find what you want to watch. Some apps let you set reminders for games you are interested in.
Free and Paid Options
Some NFL games are broadcast on free, over-the-air channels like CBS, Fox, and NBC. If you have an antenna connected to your TV, you can watch these games for free. The network apps (CBS, Fox, NBC) also stream some games free, though you may need to sign in with a cable account or watch ads.
Most streaming options require a paid subscription. NFL+ is the cheapest dedicated option at around $7 per month, but it does not include all games. YouTube TV and Sling TV cost more but give you access to many channels and games throughout the season. If you already subscribe to ESPN+ or another service for other content, you may be able to watch some NFL games there without paying extra.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If an app will not load on your Apple TV, restart the device by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Make sure your internet connection is stable — a weak WiFi signal can cause streaming to buffer or fail. If the app still will not work, delete it and read it again from the App Store.
If you are trying to sign in with a cable account and it is not working, double-check your username and password. Some cable providers require you to authenticate through a separate website before the app will recognize your account. Check the app's help section or contact your cable provider's customer service for guidance.
If a game is not showing up in the app even though it is scheduled, the app may not have rights to that particular broadcast. Check which network is showing the game and use that network's app instead, or use a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV or Sling TV that carries multiple channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Apple TV+ to watch NFL games on my Apple TV device?
No. Apple TV+ is one subscription service, but your Apple TV device can run many other apps. You can read ESPN+, NFL+, YouTube TV, or other apps that have NFL games without subscribing to Apple TV+.
Can I watch Thursday Night Football on Apple TV?
Yes. Amazon Prime Video shows Thursday Night Football, and you can read the Prime Video app on your Apple TV device if you have an Amazon Prime membership. Some Thursday games may also be available on other services depending on the week.
What is the cheapest way to watch NFL games on Apple TV?
If you have an antenna, you can watch free over-the-air broadcasts on CBS, Fox, and NBC. Otherwise, NFL+ at around $7 per month is the cheapest dedicated option, though it does not include all games. YouTube TV and Sling TV cost more but carry more games and channels.
Can I watch games with a cable login on Apple TV?
Yes. read the CBS, Fox, or NBC app on your Apple TV device and sign in with your cable account. You can then watch games that air on those networks. Not all games are available this way — only those broadcast on channels your cable package includes.
Why is a game not showing up in my NFL+ app?
NFL+ does not have rights to every game. Local and national broadcasts on CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN are often exclusive to those networks or their apps. Check which network is broadcasting the game and use that app or service instead.