Apple TV does not carry the Super Bowl
Apple TV+ does not broadcast the Super Bowl. The streaming service focuses on original shows, films, and documentaries — not live sports. If you want to watch the Super Bowl, you will need to use a different service or a traditional television broadcast.
The Super Bowl airs on one of three networks each year: CBS, NBC, or Fox. Which network carries it rotates on a set schedule. You can watch through that network's app, cable subscription, or antenna if you have one. Some streaming services that carry live TV — like YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, and Sling TV — also offer the game, but Apple TV+ itself does not.
Key Takeaways
- Apple TV+ does not stream the Super Bowl; the game airs only on CBS, NBC, or Fox depending on the year.
- You can watch the Super Bowl free over the air with an antenna, or through the network's app if you have a cable login.
- Streaming services that carry live TV — YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, and Sling TV — include the Super Bowl broadcast in their packages.
- The network broadcasting the Super Bowl changes yearly, so check which channel has it before the game date.
How to watch the Super Bowl on your TV
The simplest route depends on what you already have. If you own an antenna, you can pick up the broadcast for free — the Super Bowl airs in standard definition on the network that holds the rights that year. If you have a cable or satellite subscription, you can watch through the network's app (CBS, NBC, or Fox) by signing in with your cable credentials.
If you do not have cable, a live TV streaming service is your next option. YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, and Sling TV all carry the network broadcasting the Super Bowl. These services cost between $40 and $76 per month, depending on the package. You can sign up for one month, watch the game, and cancel afterward if you do not want to keep the subscription.
Which network broadcasts the Super Bowl each year
The Super Bowl rotates among CBS, NBC, and Fox on a three-year cycle. CBS and NBC alternate years, with Fox appearing every third year. This means the same network does not broadcast it two years in a row.
To find out which network has the game this year, search "Super Bowl [year] channel" or check the NFL's official website. The network's app will stream the game if you have a cable login. If you do not have cable, you will need an antenna or a live TV streaming service.
Free ways to watch the Super Bowl
An antenna is the only truly free option. The Super Bowl broadcasts in standard definition on the network that holds the rights, and you can receive it with a basic indoor or outdoor antenna. Reception quality depends on your distance from the broadcast tower and your antenna type, but most people in urban and suburban areas can pick up the signal.
Some networks also stream the game free through their website or app without requiring a cable login, though this varies by year and network. Check the network's website a few days before the game to see if they offer a free stream. NBC has historically offered free streaming on their website and app, but CBS and Fox policies change year to year.
Live TV streaming services that carry the Super Bowl
YouTube TV includes all major networks and costs $76 per month. Hulu with Live TV includes the same networks and costs $76 per month as well. Sling TV is cheaper at $40 per month but carries only some major networks depending on your location and package — you will need to check whether it includes the network broadcasting that year's game in your area.
All three services offer a free trial period, though the length varies. YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV typically offer seven days free; Sling TV sometimes offers three days. You can sign up for the trial, watch the Super Bowl, and cancel before you are charged if you do not want to keep the service.
Why Apple TV+ does not have sports
Apple TV+ is a subscription service built around scripted shows, films, and documentaries. It does not carry live events or sports because Apple has not purchased the rights to broadcast them. Sports broadcasting rights are expensive and sold separately by league to individual networks and streaming platforms.
Apple has invested in sports content — it produces documentaries about athletes and teams — but live game broadcasts are not part of the service. If you want live sports on Apple TV+, that would require Apple to buy broadcasting rights from the NFL, which it has not done for the Super Bowl.
Other Apple devices and Super Bowl viewing
You can watch the Super Bowl on an Apple device — iPhone, iPad, or Mac — but only through the network's app or a live TV streaming service, not through Apple TV+. read the CBS, NBC, or Fox app and sign in with your cable credentials, or use YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, or Sling TV on your device.
If you have an Apple TV box connected to your television, you can read these apps and watch the game there as well. The Apple TV box itself is just a device that runs apps; it does not create the content or determine what is available to watch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch the Super Bowl on Apple TV+ with a free trial?
No. Apple TV+ does not carry the Super Bowl at all, whether you pay for a subscription or use a free trial. The game airs only on CBS, NBC, or Fox. You would need to watch through one of those networks' apps, an antenna, cable, or a live TV streaming service.
Does the Super Bowl cost extra on YouTube TV or Hulu with Live TV?
No. The Super Bowl is included in the standard package on both services. You do not pay an additional fee to watch it. Both services cost $76 per month, and that price includes access to all live broadcasts on the included networks.
What if I only want to watch the Super Bowl and do not want a full streaming subscription?
An antenna is your cheapest option if you can receive the broadcast in your area. If not, you can sign up for a free trial on YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, or Sling TV, watch the game, and cancel before you are charged. Some networks also stream the game free on their website without a cable login, though this varies by year.
Can I watch the Super Bowl on my iPhone with Apple TV+?
No. Apple TV+ does not carry the Super Bowl. You can watch on your iPhone through the network's app (CBS, NBC, or Fox) if you have a cable login, or through YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, or Sling TV if you subscribe to one of those services.