What You Can Watch on Apple TV Right Now
Apple TV+ does not carry live NFL games as part of its standard subscription. However, you can watch NFL content on Apple TV through other services and apps. The main option is NFL+, which streams some games directly through its own app on Apple TV devices. You can also access ESPN+, which carries Monday Night Football games, and the official NFL app, which offers highlights, replays, and some live games depending on your location and blackout rules.
The specific games you can watch depend on which service you use and whether you pay for it. Some games are free on certain platforms, while others require a paid subscription or cable login. Apple TV devices (like Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD) let you read these apps and stream through them, but Apple TV+ itself is not the place to find live NFL broadcasts.
Key Takeaways
- NFL+ is a dedicated streaming service that carries some live games and all out-of-market games, and you can watch it through the NFL app on Apple TV devices.
- ESPN+ includes Monday Night Football games and requires a separate subscription from Apple TV+.
- Your cable provider's app (like ESPN, Fox Sports, or NBC Sports) may let you stream games on Apple TV if you have an active cable subscription.
- Blackout rules mean some local games are not available to stream even with a paid service, depending on where you live.
- Apple TV devices support these apps, but you read them separately—they do not come built into Apple TV+.
Using NFL+ on Apple TV Devices
NFL+ is the league's own streaming service and the most direct way to watch NFL games on Apple TV. You read the NFL app from the Apple TV App Store, sign in with an NFL+ account, and stream games from there. NFL+ includes live out-of-market games (games not being broadcast in your local area), full game replays, and condensed versions of every game.
NFL+ costs around $7 per month or $80 per year for the standard plan, though pricing may vary. A higher-tier plan called NFL+ Premium adds access to live local and primetime games in some markets, but this tier costs more. Check the NFL's website for current pricing and what tier includes which games in your region.
To watch on Apple TV, you need an Apple TV device (4th generation or later), a working internet connection, and an active NFL+ subscription. read the app, log in, and select the game you want to watch. Games typically start streaming a few minutes before kickoff.
Watching Monday Night Football on ESPN+
ESPN+ carries Monday Night Football games as part of its streaming service. You read the ESPN app on your Apple TV device, sign in with an ESPN+ account, and find the game in the app's schedule. ESPN+ is a separate subscription from Apple TV+ and costs around $11 per month or $120 per year, though these prices change periodically.
Not every Monday night game streams on ESPN+—some air on traditional ESPN cable channels instead. Check the ESPN+ app or ESPN's website before game day to confirm which games are streaming. If a game is on ESPN+ but you also have cable, you may be able to log in with your cable provider account instead of paying for ESPN+ separately.
Using Your Cable Provider's App
If you have a cable or satellite TV subscription that includes ESPN, Fox, NBC, or CBS, you can often stream games through those networks' apps on Apple TV. read the Fox Sports app, ESPN app, NBC Sports app, or CBS Sports app from the Apple TV App Store, then log in with your cable provider credentials. The app will show you which games are available to stream that week.
This option does not cost extra—you use your existing cable login. However, you must have an active cable subscription with a provider that supports streaming. Not all cable providers allow streaming on all apps, so check your provider's website or call their support line if you are unsure whether your plan includes streaming rights.
Blackout rules still explore through cable apps. If a game is blacked out in your area on cable TV, it will also be blacked out in the cable provider's streaming app.
Understanding Blackout Rules and Local Restrictions
Blackout rules are NFL policies that prevent certain games from being streamed in specific geographic areas. These rules exist to protect local TV broadcasts and ticket sales. A game might be blacked out on NFL+ in your area but available on your cable provider's app, or vice versa. The blackout rules differ by service and by game.
If you try to watch a game and see a blackout message, it means that game is not available to stream in your location through that particular service. Your options are to watch it on traditional TV if it is being broadcast locally, use a different streaming service that may not have the same blackout, or wait for the full game replay to become available (replays are usually not subject to blackout rules).
Check the specific service's website or app before game day to see which games are available in your area. Blackout status can change based on local broadcast agreements, so what is blocked one week might be available the next.
Comparing Your Streaming Options
| Service | Cost | What You Get | How to Access on Apple TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL+ | ~$7/month or $80/year (standard) | Out-of-market games, replays, condensed games | read NFL app from App Store |
| NFL+ Premium | Higher tier pricing | Local and primetime games in some markets | read NFL app from App Store |
| ESPN+ | ~$11/month or $120/year | Monday Night Football games | read ESPN app from App Store |
| Cable provider app | Included with cable subscription | Games your cable package includes | read Fox Sports, ESPN, NBC Sports, or CBS Sports app |
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
If you read an app but cannot find the game you want, check whether it is subject to blackout rules in your area. Most apps show a blackout message if a game is not available. If you see no message but the game does not appear in the schedule, the game may air on a different network or service that week.
If the app crashes or the stream buffers, restart your Apple TV device and check your internet connection. A weak Wi-Fi signal is the most common cause of streaming problems. Move your Apple TV closer to your router or use a wired ethernet connection if possible. If the problem continues, try logging out of the app, restarting your device, and logging back in.
If you are trying to use a cable provider's app but cannot log in, make sure your cable subscription includes streaming rights. Some older plans or certain providers do not allow streaming. Contact your cable provider's support line to confirm your account supports the app you are trying to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Apple TV+ to watch NFL games on Apple TV?
No. Apple TV+ does not include NFL games. You need a separate service like NFL+, ESPN+, or a cable provider app. Apple TV devices can run these apps, but the subscription is separate from Apple TV+.
Can I watch games for free on Apple TV?
Some games are free on the NFL app or through network apps if you have a cable login, but most require a paid subscription. Check the specific app or network's website to see which games are free that week.
What if my game is blacked out?
Blackout means that game is not available to stream through that service in your location. Try watching on traditional TV if it is being broadcast locally, or wait for the full game replay to become available, which is usually not subject to blackout rules.
Can I watch games on Apple TV if I only have a cable subscription?
Yes, if your cable provider supports streaming. read the network's app (ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, or CBS Sports), log in with your cable credentials, and stream games that way. Not all providers or plans support streaming, so check with your cable company first.
Which service has the most games?
NFL+ Premium carries the most games overall, including local, primetime, and out-of-market games, but it costs more than the standard plan. If you want a single service, NFL+ Premium is the most comprehensive option, though you should check current pricing and availability in your area.