What you can and cannot watch on Apple TV
Apple TV does not carry live NFL games through its standard streaming service. The NFL's broadcast rights are split among CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video — Apple is not part of that arrangement. If you want to watch live regular-season or playoff games, you will need one of those services or a cable subscription.
Apple TV+ (the subscription service) focuses on original shows, movies, and documentaries. It does not include sports programming. You can use the Apple TV app to access other services that do carry NFL games, but that is different from Apple TV+ itself.
The one exception: Apple TV+ will stream some Friday Night Baseball games during the MLB season, but this does not extend to football.
Key Takeaways
- Apple TV+ does not carry live NFL games; the rights belong to CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video.
- You can use the Apple TV app to subscribe to or access other streaming services that do show NFL games, such as ESPN+ or Amazon Prime Video.
- Cable providers like Comcast, Charter, and DirecTV still carry most NFL broadcasts if you have a traditional TV subscription.
- The NFL app itself shows highlights and some games, but requires a cable login or a paid NFL+ subscription for live access.
Which services actually broadcast NFL games
CBS shows AFC games on Sunday afternoons. Fox shows NFC games on Sunday afternoons. NBC carries Sunday Night Football. ESPN shows Monday Night Football. Amazon Prime Video streams Thursday Night Football. Each of these requires either a cable login or a paid subscription to that specific service.
ESPN+ (the streaming version of ESPN) carries some games, but not all Monday Night Football broadcasts — you may still need cable or a traditional ESPN subscription for certain matchups. Amazon Prime Video's Thursday Night package is included with a Prime membership, which costs around $15 per month or $139 per year.
If you have cable through Comcast, Charter, Dish, or DirecTV, you can watch most games through your provider's app or website using your cable login credentials.
How to access NFL games through the Apple TV app
The Apple TV app itself is a hub that lets you subscribe to multiple services in one place. You can add ESPN+, Amazon Prime Video, or other apps directly through Apple TV and watch their content without switching between separate apps.
Open the Apple TV app on your device. Search for the service you want — ESPN+, Amazon Prime Video, or your cable provider's app. Select "Subscribe" or "Sign In" depending on whether you already have an account. Once you are signed in, you can browse and watch NFL games that service carries.
This is convenient if you want to manage multiple subscriptions in one app, but it does not give you access to games you would not otherwise have. You are still paying for each service separately.
Using the NFL app for highlights and some live games
The official NFL app (available on Apple TV) shows highlights of every game for free, usually within hours of the game ending. It also streams some live games, but access depends on your location and the specific game.
To watch live games on the NFL app, you typically need either a cable login or an NFL+ subscription. NFL+ costs around $7 per month or $70 per year and includes live local and primetime games, plus full game replays. It does not include all games — some are exclusive to cable or other streaming services.
The NFL app is useful for staying current with scores and replays, but it is not a complete solution for watching every game live.
Cable login as an alternative
If you have a cable subscription through a major provider, you can watch most NFL games through that provider's app or website. Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, Dish, and DirecTV all offer apps that let you stream live TV to your devices.
You log in with your cable account credentials, and you get access to CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN broadcasts. This is often the cheapest option if you already pay for cable, but it requires maintaining an active cable subscription.
Some cable providers also offer streaming-only packages that include sports channels, though these are usually more expensive than traditional cable and may have data limits or blackout restrictions.
Comparing your options and costs
| Service | What it includes | Cost | How to access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Thursday Night Football | $15/month or $139/year | Prime membership; can add to Apple TV app |
| ESPN+ | Some Monday Night Football and select games | $11/month or $110/year | Standalone or bundled with Disney+; can add to Apple TV app |
| NFL+ | Local and primetime games, full replays | $7/month or $70/year | NFL app on Apple TV |
| Cable provider app | Most CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN broadcasts | Varies; typically $50–$150/month | Login through provider app |
| Apple TV+ | No NFL games | $10.99/month | Not applicable |
The cheapest option for casual viewers is Amazon Prime Video if you already use Prime for shopping and other content. If you watch multiple games per week, combining ESPN+ with Amazon Prime Video covers most of the schedule. Cable remains the most complete option but also the most expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Apple TV+ include any sports?
Apple TV+ does not carry live sports. It focuses on original series, films, and documentaries. The service has no NFL, NBA, or other major sports programming.
Can I watch NFL games on Apple TV if I have cable?
Yes. You can use your cable provider's app (Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, Dish, or DirecTV) on Apple TV by logging in with your cable account. You can also add these apps to the Apple TV app hub for easier access.
Is NFL+ the same as NFL Game Pass?
No. NFL Game Pass is available outside the United States and includes full game replays but not live games. NFL+ is the U.S. streaming service and includes some live games plus replays. They are separate products with different pricing and content.
What happens if a game is blacked out on my streaming service?
Blackout rules vary by service and location. Local games are often blacked out on streaming services to protect local TV broadcasts. Check your specific service's blackout policy, or use a cable login, which typically has fewer blackout restrictions.
Can I watch playoff games on Apple TV?
Playoff games air on CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN depending on the round. You can watch them through those services' apps or your cable provider's app on Apple TV, but not through Apple TV+ itself.