You can get NFL Sunday Ticket through other services, but YouTube TV is currently the only place to buy it as a standalone product
NFL Sunday Ticket is available through YouTube TV, but you have other routes if you don't want a YouTube TV subscription. The main alternative is to get it bundled with a DirecTV package — either DirecTV Stream (the streaming version) or traditional satellite DirecTV. A third option exists if you're a student: the NFL offers a discounted Sunday Ticket package through the YouTube TV student plan, but that still requires YouTube TV. If none of those work for your situation, you can watch some games through your cable or streaming provider's NFL app, though this won't give you access to all out-of-market games.
Key Takeaways
- DirecTV Stream and satellite DirecTV both include NFL Sunday Ticket as part of their packages, making them the main alternative to YouTube TV.
- DirecTV Stream costs more than YouTube TV but does not require a satellite dish or long-term contract.
- Traditional satellite DirecTV requires installation and a two-year commitment but is often the cheapest option if you bundle it with other services.
- Your cable provider's NFL app may show some games, but it won't give you the full Sunday Ticket package of out-of-market games.
- Student pricing through YouTube TV is cheaper than the regular plan, but you still need a YouTube TV subscription to access it.
Getting Sunday Ticket through DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream is a streaming service that includes NFL Sunday Ticket in all of its packages. You don't need a satellite dish, and there's no long-term contract — you can cancel anytime. The trade-off is cost: DirecTV Stream packages start higher than YouTube TV's base price, and you'll pay more per month than you would for YouTube TV alone.
DirecTV Stream bundles Sunday Ticket automatically, so you're not buying it separately. The service gives you access to live TV channels plus the full Sunday Ticket catalog of out-of-market games. If you already subscribe to other streaming services and want to consolidate, DirecTV Stream might make sense, but if Sunday Ticket is your main reason for switching from YouTube TV, the monthly cost will likely be higher.
Getting Sunday Ticket through satellite DirecTV
Traditional satellite DirecTV also includes NFL Sunday Ticket in its packages. This option requires professional installation of a satellite dish and typically involves a two-year service agreement. The upfront installation cost varies, and some promotions waive it entirely.
Satellite DirecTV is often the cheapest way to get Sunday Ticket if you're willing to commit to the two-year term and don't mind the dish. However, it's the least flexible option — you're locked in, and canceling early means paying an early termination fee. This route makes sense if you plan to keep the service for at least two years and want the lowest monthly cost.
Watching games through your cable or streaming provider's app
Many cable and streaming providers offer an NFL app or in-app access to some football games. Verizon, for example, has streaming rights to certain games. Your cable provider may also let you stream some games through their app if you have an NFL-included package.
This option won't give you the full Sunday Ticket experience — you won't have access to all out-of-market games, and the selection changes week to week depending on broadcast rights. It's useful if you want to catch some games without paying extra, but it's not a complete replacement for Sunday Ticket.
Student pricing through YouTube TV
If you're a student, YouTube TV offers a discounted plan that includes NFL Sunday Ticket at a lower price than the regular plan. You'll need to verify your student status through SheerID, YouTube TV's verification service. The student plan is cheaper than buying YouTube TV and Sunday Ticket separately at regular prices.
The catch is that you still need a YouTube TV subscription — the student discount just makes the bundle more affordable. If you're looking to avoid YouTube TV entirely, this won't help, but if you're open to YouTube TV and want the lowest price, the student plan is worth checking.
Comparing your options side by side
| Service | Sunday Ticket Included | Equipment Needed | Contract | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | Yes, separate purchase | None (streaming) | Month-to-month | YouTube TV + Sunday Ticket |
| DirecTV Stream | Yes, included | None (streaming) | Month-to-month | Higher than YouTube TV |
| Satellite DirecTV | Yes, included | Satellite dish | Two years | Often lowest monthly cost |
| Cable/Streaming App | Partial access only | Existing subscription | Varies | Included with service |
What to consider before switching services
Before you switch from YouTube TV to get Sunday Ticket elsewhere, think about what else you watch. YouTube TV includes many channels beyond sports, and if you use those channels regularly, the cost of switching might not be worth it. DirecTV Stream and satellite DirecTV also bundle in other channels, but the monthly cost may be higher overall.
Also consider the setup time. DirecTV Stream starts when ready once you sign up. Satellite DirecTV requires scheduling an installation, which can take a week or two. If football season is starting soon, that timing matters. YouTube TV, by contrast, is ready to use within minutes of signing up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Sunday Ticket without any subscription service at all?
No. NFL Sunday Ticket is only available through YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, or satellite DirecTV. There's no standalone purchase option outside those services. Some games air on broadcast networks or cable channels, but Sunday Ticket specifically covers out-of-market games that wouldn't otherwise be available in your area.
Is DirecTV Stream cheaper than YouTube TV with Sunday Ticket?
Usually not. DirecTV Stream's base package costs more per month than YouTube TV's base plan, and when you add Sunday Ticket to YouTube TV, the combined cost is often lower than DirecTV Stream alone. However, prices change, so compare current rates on both services before deciding.
Do I have to sign a contract with DirecTV Stream?
No. DirecTV Stream is month-to-month with no contract. Satellite DirecTV, however, typically requires a two-year agreement. If flexibility matters to you, DirecTV Stream is the better choice, though it costs more than satellite.
Will my cable provider let me watch Sunday Ticket games through their app?
Some cable providers offer limited NFL game access through their apps, but it's not the same as Sunday Ticket. You'll see some games, but not all out-of-market games. Check your provider's app to see what's available in your area, but don't expect full Sunday Ticket coverage.
Can I use a VPN to get Sunday Ticket in a different region?
Sunday Ticket's blackout rules are tied to your billing address, not your IP address, so a VPN won't help you bypass regional restrictions. The service is designed to show you games that aren't broadcast in your local market, and that information is based on where you live, not where you're connecting from.