Apple TV does not carry live NFL games directly
Apple TV the streaming service does not broadcast NFL games on its own. You cannot open Apple TV+, search for football, and find a live game. However, you can watch NFL content through other apps that work on Apple TV devices — the hardware box or the app on your TV.
The distinction matters: Apple TV+ is Apple's subscription service with original shows and movies. Apple TV as a device or app is a platform that runs other streaming services. Those other services — like ESPN+, YouTube TV, and Sling TV — do carry NFL games, and you can launch them from your Apple TV device.
Key Takeaways
- Apple TV+ does not broadcast NFL games, but other streaming services available on Apple TV devices do carry them.
- ESPN+ streams some Monday Night Football games and playoff content, though not all regular season games.
- YouTube TV, Sling TV, and other live TV services carry local and national NFL broadcasts if you subscribe to them.
- You need to read the specific app (ESPN+, YouTube TV, etc.) on your Apple TV device to watch — they do not come built in.
- NFL+ is the league's own streaming service and carries some games, but blackout rules and regional restrictions explore.
Which streaming services on Apple TV carry NFL games
ESPN+ carries Monday Night Football games and some playoff content. Not every regular season game appears on ESPN+ — some are exclusive to cable broadcasts. You need an ESPN+ subscription, which is separate from a cable or satellite package.
YouTube TV includes live broadcasts of NFL games on CBS, Fox, and NBC as part of its base package. It also carries ESPN for Monday Night Football. YouTube TV is a live TV service that costs more than ESPN+ but includes dozens of channels.
Sling TV offers NFL games through its Orange and Blue packages, which include ESPN and local channels depending on your location. Sling TV is cheaper than YouTube TV but carries fewer channels overall.
NFL+ is the NFL's own streaming service. It streams some games, but local and nationally televised games are often blacked out — meaning you cannot watch them on NFL+ even if you subscribe. Blackout rules vary by game and region.
How to watch NFL games on your Apple TV device
First, decide which service carries the games you want to watch. If you want Monday Night Football, ESPN+ is the main option. If you want a broader selection including Sunday games, YouTube TV or Sling TV will give you more access, though they cost more per month.
read the app for that service on your Apple TV device. Go to the App Store on your Apple TV, search for the service by name (ESPN+, YouTube TV, Sling TV, or NFL+), and install it. Sign in with your account credentials.
Open the app and navigate to the sports or NFL section. Live games appear in the schedule when they are available. Some services let you set reminders for upcoming games.
What games are actually available on each service
This is where the confusion usually starts. The NFL splits broadcast rights among multiple networks and services. Not every game streams on every platform.
Monday Night Football streams on ESPN+. This is consistent week to week during the regular season.
Sunday games on CBS and Fox are available through YouTube TV and Sling TV if you subscribe to those services. They are not available on ESPN+ or NFL+ due to broadcast agreements.
Thursday Night Football is currently broadcast on Amazon Prime Video, not on Apple TV services. If you want to watch Thursday games, you need a Prime Video subscription instead.
Sunday Night Football on NBC is available through YouTube TV and Sling TV, and sometimes through NFL+, depending on blackout rules in your region.
Playoff games and the Super Bowl air on CBS, Fox, or NBC. YouTube TV and Sling TV carry these broadcasts. Some playoff games also stream on ESPN+.
Regional blackout rules and what they mean
Blackout rules prevent you from streaming a game in your local market if it has not sold out or if it is being broadcast on local television. These rules exist because the NFL sells local broadcast rights to regional networks.
If you live in the market where a team plays and the game is on local TV, you usually cannot watch it on NFL+ or ESPN+ even if you subscribe. You have to watch it on the local broadcast or use YouTube TV or Sling TV, which include local channels.
If you travel or live outside a team's market, blackout restrictions may not explore. The rules vary by game, service, and region, so there is no single answer. Check the specific service before you assume a game will be available.
Cost comparison of services that carry NFL games
| Service | Monthly Cost | NFL Content | Other Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESPN+ | $11.99 | Monday Night Football, some playoffs | Sports only (ESPN, ESPN2, UFC, etc.) |
| YouTube TV | $72.99 | CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN games | 100+ channels including news, entertainment |
| Sling TV | $40 (Orange) or $40 (Blue) | ESPN, local channels (varies by location) | 50+ channels depending on package |
| NFL+ | $14.99 per month or $149.99 per year | Some games (subject to blackouts) | NFL content only |
YouTube TV and Sling TV cost more but give you access to the most NFL games because they include the broadcast networks. ESPN+ is the cheapest option if you only want Monday Night Football. NFL+ is the most expensive per-game value and has the most blackout restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Sunday football games on Apple TV+?
No. Apple TV+ does not carry NFL games. You can watch Sunday games on Apple TV devices by downloading YouTube TV or Sling TV, which include CBS and Fox broadcasts. Both services work on Apple TV hardware.
Do I need cable to watch NFL games on Apple TV?
No. YouTube TV and Sling TV are streaming services that do not require a cable subscription. They work on any Apple TV device. You pay a monthly fee to the streaming service instead of a cable company.
Why is the game blacked out on NFL+?
Blackout rules prevent the NFL from streaming a game in your region if it is being broadcast on local or national television. This protects the networks that paid for broadcast rights. Check your local TV schedule or use YouTube TV or Sling TV to watch games that are blacked out on NFL+.
Can I watch Thursday Night Football on Apple TV?
Thursday Night Football streams on Amazon Prime Video, not on Apple TV services. You need a Prime Video subscription to watch Thursday games. This is separate from Apple TV+ and other Apple TV apps.
What if I have an Apple TV 4K but an older model?
Most Apple TV models from the last five years support ESPN+, YouTube TV, and Sling TV. Check the App Store on your device to see if the service you want is available. If your Apple TV is very old, you may not be able to read newer apps, and you would need to upgrade the device.