Yes, you can watch Monday Night Football on YouTube TV
Monday Night Football is available on YouTube TV, but only if your account includes the ESPN+ add-on subscription. YouTube TV's base package does not include ESPN+—you have to add it separately for an extra monthly cost. Once you have ESPN+, you can stream most Monday Night Football games through the ESPN app or ESPN.com using your YouTube TV login.
Some Monday Night Football games also air on ABC, which is included in the base YouTube TV package at no extra cost. You can watch those games on the ABC channel without any add-on. The tricky part is knowing which games are on ESPN+ (requiring the add-on) and which are on ABC (included in your base package). ESPN publishes its schedule in advance, so you can check before the season starts.
Key Takeaways
- Monday Night Football games on ESPN require the ESPN+ add-on to YouTube TV; games on ABC are included in the base package.
- You can add ESPN+ to your YouTube TV account for a monthly fee, and then stream those games on the ESPN app or ESPN.com.
- ESPN publishes its full schedule before the season, so you can see which games air on which network ahead of time.
- You must log in with your YouTube TV credentials to watch ESPN+ games on the ESPN app or website.
What the ESPN+ add-on costs and what it includes
The ESPN+ add-on to YouTube TV costs a set monthly amount, though the exact price can change. You pay it as part of your YouTube TV bill each month. ESPN+ through YouTube TV gives you access to live sports on the ESPN app and ESPN.com, including the Monday Night Football games that air on ESPN.
ESPN+ also includes other live sports beyond football—college sports, soccer, hockey, and more—depending on what is in season. The add-on is separate from the ESPN channels (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU) that come in your base YouTube TV package. Those channels are always included; ESPN+ is the streaming service you add on top.
How to add ESPN+ to your YouTube TV account
To add ESPN+ to YouTube TV, open the YouTube TV app or go to youtube.com/tv on your computer. Go to your account settings or the memberships section—the exact location depends on whether you are on a phone, tablet, or computer, but YouTube TV labels it clearly. Look for the option to add a membership or add-on.
Select ESPN+ from the list of available add-ons. You will see the monthly cost and what is included. Confirm the purchase, and ESPN+ will be added to your next bill. Once it is active, you can stream ESPN+ content right away through the ESPN app or ESPN.com by signing in with your YouTube TV username and password.
Watching Monday Night Football on ABC without an add-on
When Monday Night Football airs on ABC, you do not need ESPN+ or any add-on—it comes with your base YouTube TV package. You can watch it on the ABC channel just like any other broadcast network. The ABC channel is available in YouTube TV's standard package in most parts of the United States, though availability can vary by location.
To find out which Monday Night Football games air on ABC versus ESPN, check the NFL schedule on ESPN.com or the official NFL website before the season. Both sites list the network for each game. This way you can plan ahead and know whether you need the ESPN+ add-on for the games you want to watch.
Streaming Monday Night Football on the ESPN app
If you have ESPN+ added to your YouTube TV account, you can watch ESPN Monday Night Football games on the ESPN app (available for iPhone, iPad, Android, and other devices) or on ESPN.com through a web browser. Open the app or website, tap or click the sign-in button, and choose "TV Provider" or "YouTube TV" as your provider.
Enter your YouTube TV username and password. Once you are signed in, the ESPN app will recognize that you have ESPN+ and let you watch live games. You can also set reminders for upcoming games so you do not miss kickoff. The app works the same way whether you are at home or away.
What to do if a game is blacked out
Occasionally, a Monday Night Football game may be blacked out in your area, meaning you cannot stream it even if you have ESPN+. Blackouts happen when a local or regional broadcaster has exclusive rights to show the game in your location. This is rare for Monday Night Football, but it can occur.
If you see a blackout message, check whether the game is airing on a local or regional sports channel in your area. You can also try using a VPN (virtual private network) if you are traveling, though YouTube TV's terms of service require you to stream from your home location most of the time. If you have questions about a specific blackout, YouTube TV's support team can explain why a particular game is not available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay extra for ESPN+ if I already have YouTube TV?
Yes. ESPN+ is an add-on that costs extra per month on top of your YouTube TV base package. Games that air on ABC are included in your base package, but ESPN games require the ESPN+ add-on.
Can I watch Monday Night Football on my phone or tablet?
Yes. read the ESPN app on your phone or tablet, sign in with your YouTube TV credentials, and stream the game. You can also watch on ESPN.com through a mobile web browser if you prefer not to use the app.
What if I only want ESPN+ for football season?
You can add ESPN+ to your YouTube TV account whenever you want and remove it whenever you want. There is no contract. You can add it before the football season starts and cancel it when the season ends, paying only for the months you use it.
Will I see the same commercials on YouTube TV as on regular TV?
Yes. Monday Night Football on YouTube TV includes the same commercials as the broadcast version. YouTube TV does not offer a commercial-free option for live sports.
Can I record Monday Night Football games on YouTube TV?
Yes. YouTube TV includes unlimited cloud storage for recordings. You can record Monday Night Football games and watch them later on any of your devices. The recording is saved for up to nine months.