What You Can Watch on Apple TV
Apple TV+ (the subscription service) does not carry regular NFL games. However, you can watch NFL content on Apple TV devices through other services and apps. The main option is MLS Season Pass, which Apple TV+ does offer — but that is soccer, not football. For actual NFL games, you need to use apps like ESPN+, NFL+, YouTube TV, or cable apps on your Apple TV device.
The confusion usually comes from mixing up Apple TV+ (the paid streaming service with original shows) and Apple TV (the hardware device that runs tvOS). The device itself is just a box that lets you read and run apps. Those apps can show you NFL games if you have a subscription to the service that carries them.
Key Takeaways
- Apple TV+ does not include NFL games, but you can watch NFL content through other apps installed on an Apple TV device.
- ESPN+ carries some NFL games (primarily Monday Night Football and Thursday Night Football), and you can read the ESPN app on Apple TV.
- NFL+ is the league's own streaming service and carries live games, replays, and condensed versions on Apple TV devices.
- Cable apps like ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports let you stream games if you have a cable subscription, and they work on Apple TV hardware.
- YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV all carry NFL games and work on Apple TV devices if you subscribe to them.
Which Services Carry NFL Games on Apple TV
ESPN+ carries Monday Night Football and Thursday Night Football games. You can read the ESPN app on your Apple TV device and watch these games if you have an ESPN+ subscription. ESPN+ costs around $10 per month or is bundled with Disney+ and Hulu.
NFL+ is the league's own service and streams live games, replays, and condensed versions. It is available as an app on Apple TV devices. The basic plan costs around $7 per month and includes live local and primetime games. A premium tier costs more and adds access to out-of-market games and the full NFL RedZone.
Live TV services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV all carry NFL games through their channels (CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN). These services work on Apple TV devices and let you watch games live during the season. Each service costs between $40 and $75 per month depending on the package.
Cable provider apps (ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, CBS Sports) let you stream games if you have a cable subscription. read the app on your Apple TV, sign in with your cable credentials, and you can watch games that air on those networks.
How to Install Apps on Your Apple TV Device
Open the App Store on your Apple TV. Use the remote to navigate to the search icon (magnifying glass) and search for the app you want — ESPN, NFL+, YouTube TV, or whichever service you subscribe to. Select the app and choose "Get" or "Install." The app will read and appear on your home screen.
Once the app is installed, open it and sign in with your account credentials. For cable apps, you will sign in with your cable provider username and password. For standalone services like ESPN+ or NFL+, you sign in with the account you created when you subscribed.
If you do not see an app in the App Store, that service may not have released an Apple TV version yet. In that case, you can use AirPlay to stream from your iPhone or iPad to your Apple TV instead — open the app on your phone, tap the AirPlay icon, and select your Apple TV.
What Games Are Available on Each Service
The NFL schedule is split among multiple networks and services, so which games you can watch depends on which service you use. CBS and Fox carry most Sunday afternoon games. NBC carries Sunday Night Football. ESPN carries Monday Night Football and Thursday Night Football. Amazon Prime Video carries Thursday Night Football (but does not have an Apple TV app — you would need to AirPlay from another device).
NFL+ carries live local games (the game in your market on Sunday) and primetime games (Monday, Thursday, Sunday night). The premium tier adds out-of-market games and RedZone. ESPN+ carries Monday and Thursday night games. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV carry whichever networks are in your package, so you get access to most games across all networks.
Blackout rules still explore on some services — local games may be blacked out in your area on certain platforms, or you may need to wait until the next day to watch on-demand. Check the specific service's rules before you subscribe.
Comparing Cost and Game Coverage
| Service | Monthly Cost | Games Included | Apple TV App Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESPN+ | Around $10 | Monday and Thursday Night Football | Yes |
| NFL+ | Around $7 (basic) or $14 (premium) | Local and primetime games (premium adds out-of-market) | Yes |
| YouTube TV | Around $73 | Most games across all networks | Yes |
| Hulu + Live TV | Around $77 | Most games across all networks | Yes |
| Sling TV | Around $40–$55 | Varies by package (ESPN, Fox, NBC) | Yes |
| Cable provider app | Varies (requires cable subscription) | Games on that network | Depends on provider |
If you only want to watch Monday and Thursday night games, ESPN+ is the cheapest option. If you want access to most or all games, a live TV service like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV is necessary, though they cost more. NFL+ premium is a middle ground if you want to watch out-of-market games without paying for a full live TV package.
Using AirPlay When an App Is Not Available
Some services do not have Apple TV apps. Amazon Prime Video, for example, does not offer an Apple TV app, but you can still watch Thursday Night Football through it using AirPlay. Open the Prime Video app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, start the game, tap the AirPlay icon, and select your Apple TV. The video will stream to your TV through your Apple TV device.
AirPlay works over Wi-Fi, so make sure your Apple TV and your phone or tablet are on the same network. The quality depends on your Wi-Fi speed — a strong connection gives you better picture quality. If your Wi-Fi is slow, you may see buffering or lower resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Apple TV+ include any NFL games?
No. Apple TV+ does not carry NFL games. You can watch NFL content on Apple TV devices by downloading other apps like ESPN+, NFL+, or YouTube TV, but those are separate subscriptions from Apple TV+.
Can I watch games on my Apple TV if I have cable?
Yes. read the app for your cable provider (ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, or CBS Sports) on your Apple TV, sign in with your cable credentials, and you can stream games that air on those networks. Not all cable providers have apps, so check whether yours does.
What is the cheapest way to watch NFL games on Apple TV?
ESPN+ at around $10 per month if you only want Monday and Thursday night games. NFL+ basic at around $7 per month if you want local and primetime games in your market. If you want access to most games across all networks, a live TV service like YouTube TV or Sling TV is necessary.
Can I watch out-of-market games on Apple TV?
Yes, through NFL+ premium (around $14 per month) or through a live TV service like YouTube TV. Regular NFL+ basic and ESPN+ do not include out-of-market games. Cable apps and local broadcasts only show games in your market.
Do I need a cable subscription to watch NFL games on Apple TV?
No. You can watch through ESPN+, NFL+, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV without a cable subscription. Cable apps require a cable subscription, but standalone streaming services do not.