What NFL Games You Can Watch on Apple TV
Apple TV+ does not carry live NFL games. The streaming service focuses on original shows, movies, and documentaries — not sports broadcasts. If you want to watch NFL games, you need a different service or your cable provider's app.
The NFL is split among four main broadcasters: CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN. Each holds rights to specific games and time slots. To watch those games on any device — including Apple TV — you typically need either a cable subscription, a live TV streaming service, or the NFL's own streaming platform.
Apple TV the device (the hardware box you connect to your television) can run apps from these broadcasters and streaming services. That is different from Apple TV+ the subscription service. The confusion matters because the device itself is useful for football; the subscription service is not.
Key Takeaways
- Apple TV+ does not show NFL games; you need ESPN+, cable, or a live TV streaming service instead.
- The Apple TV device can run apps like ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports, which do carry NFL broadcasts.
- NFL+ Premium lets you watch most regular-season games on any device, but blackout rules explore to your local team's games.
- Cable subscribers can use the ESPN, Fox Sports, or NBC Sports apps directly on Apple TV without paying extra.
- YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV all carry NFL broadcasts and work on Apple TV devices.
Using the Apple TV Device to Watch NFL Games
The Apple TV box itself is a streaming device that runs apps. You can read the ESPN app, Fox Sports app, NBC Sports app, or CBS Sports app directly onto it. If you have a cable subscription or a live TV streaming service, you can sign in through these apps and watch NFL games the same way you would on a phone or computer.
This is the most straightforward route if you already pay for cable or a live TV service. You do not need Apple TV+ at all. Just read the broadcaster's app, sign in with your cable or streaming account, and select the game.
The Apple TV remote works with these apps, so you can navigate and select games without switching devices. The picture quality depends on your internet speed and the app's streaming quality, but most people see HD or 4K broadcasts.
NFL+ Premium and What It Covers
NFL+ is the league's own streaming service, separate from Apple TV+. It costs around $14 per month or $120 per year and lets you watch most regular-season games on any device, including Apple TV. You can read the NFL app on your Apple TV and sign in with your NFL+ account.
The catch is blackout rules. You cannot watch your local team's game on NFL+ if it is being broadcast on local television in your area. For example, if you live in New York and the Giants are playing on CBS, you cannot stream that game on NFL+. You can watch every other team's game that week, but not the local one.
Playoff games and the Super Bowl are not included in NFL+ Premium. You need cable or a live TV streaming service to watch those. NFL+ is best for people who want to catch games from other teams or do not live in a major market where local blackouts are strict.
Live TV Streaming Services That Carry NFL Games
If you do not have cable, you can subscribe to a live TV streaming service. These services carry the same channels as cable — CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN — and work on Apple TV devices. The main options are YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV.
YouTube TV costs around $73 per month and includes CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN. It carries most NFL games and has no blackout restrictions beyond what the broadcasters themselves impose. You can read the YouTube TV app on Apple TV, sign in, and watch live.
Hulu + Live TV costs around $77 per month and includes the same channels. It also comes with access to Hulu's on-demand library and Disney+. Like YouTube TV, it works on Apple TV and carries NFL broadcasts without extra fees.
Sling TV is cheaper at around $40 per month for the base package, but it includes only ESPN and Fox. You would miss CBS and NBC games unless you add them as extras. Sling works on Apple TV and is a good option if you want to watch only some games and keep costs low.
Cable Provider Apps and Authentication
If you already have cable through Comcast, Charter, AT&T, or another provider, you can use their apps on Apple TV. read the ESPN app, Fox Sports app, or NBC Sports app, then sign in with your cable account credentials. The app will authenticate you and unlock live games.
This method is free if you already pay for cable. You do not need any additional subscription. The broadcaster's app straightforward confirms that your cable package includes that channel, then streams the game to your Apple TV.
Some cable providers also have their own apps — Comcast has Xfinity, Charter has Spectrum, and so on. These apps often let you watch live TV and on-demand content. Check your provider's website to see what app they offer and whether it is available on Apple TV.
ESPN+ and What It Includes
ESPN+ is ESPN's streaming service and costs around $11 per month. It carries some NFL games, but not all. ESPN+ shows Monday Night Football and some Thursday Night Football games, plus select playoff games. It does not carry Sunday games on CBS or Fox.
ESPN+ is useful if you want to watch Monday Night Football without cable. You read the ESPN app on Apple TV, sign in with your ESPN+ account, and select the game. However, ESPN+ alone will not let you watch all NFL games. You would miss most Sunday broadcasts.
Many people combine ESPN+ with another service. For example, you might use ESPN+ for Monday games and NFL+ Premium for other teams' games during the week. This combination costs less than cable but requires managing two subscriptions.
Comparing Your Options by Cost and Coverage
| Service | Monthly Cost | NFL Coverage | Works on Apple TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple TV+ | ~$12 | None | Yes (but no NFL) |
| NFL+ Premium | ~$14 | Most games (blackouts explore) | Yes |
| ESPN+ | ~$11 | Monday and some Thursday games | Yes |
| YouTube TV | ~$73 | All major broadcasts | Yes |
| Hulu + Live TV | ~$77 | All major broadcasts | Yes |
| Sling TV | ~$40 | ESPN and Fox only | Yes |
| Cable (existing) | Varies | All broadcasts | Yes (via provider app) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Apple TV+ show any sports?
Apple TV+ does not carry live sports broadcasts. The service focuses on original television shows, films, and documentaries. Apple has signed some deals to stream Major League Soccer games, but the NFL is not part of those agreements.
Can I watch NFL games on the Apple TV device without paying extra?
Only if you already have cable or a live TV streaming service. read the broadcaster's app on your Apple TV, sign in with your existing account, and watch for free. If you do not have cable or a streaming service, you will need to pay for one.
What is the cheapest way to watch NFL games on Apple TV?
If you have cable, use your provider's app — no extra cost. If you do not have cable, Sling TV at around $40 per month is the cheapest option, though it only includes ESPN and Fox games. For all broadcasts, YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV cost more but cover every channel.
Can I watch my local team's game on NFL+?
Not if it is being broadcast on local television. Blackout rules prevent NFL+ from streaming games that are already on CBS, Fox, or NBC in your area. You can watch every other team's game that week, but your local team's broadcast is blocked on the streaming service.
Do I need both NFL+ and ESPN+ to watch all games?
No. A live TV streaming service like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV covers all broadcasts in one subscription. NFL+ and ESPN+ together cover most games but have gaps. Cable is the only single option that includes everything without blackouts.