You can watch Sunday Ticket through other providers, but YouTube TV is currently the only way to get it as a standalone subscription
NFL Sunday Ticket is available exclusively through YouTube TV as a standalone product, meaning you cannot buy it directly from the NFL or through any other streaming service on its own. However, if you have a traditional cable or satellite TV subscription that includes NFL RedZone or certain sports packages, you may already have access to some out-of-market games. The clearest alternative is to subscribe to YouTube TV itself, which includes Sunday Ticket in its base package at no extra cost.
If you want to watch games without YouTube TV, your realistic options depend on what you already subscribe to and whether you have access to a cable login. Some viewers use Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, or YouTube TV's competitors, but none of these services include Sunday Ticket. You would need to find another way to access the games you want to watch.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV is the only service that offers NFL Sunday Ticket as a standalone product, and it is included in the base subscription at no extra charge.
- If you have a cable or satellite TV subscription, check whether your package includes NFL RedZone or sports channels that show out-of-market games.
- Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, and other live TV streaming services do not carry Sunday Ticket and cannot be used as a replacement.
- The NFL app and NFL+ do not include Sunday Ticket games, though they offer other content like replays and some live games.
What YouTube TV includes with Sunday Ticket
When you subscribe to YouTube TV, NFL Sunday Ticket is included at no additional cost. This means you get access to all out-of-market games on Sunday afternoons without paying extra on top of the base YouTube TV subscription. The service costs around $73 per month (prices vary by region and change periodically), and that single fee covers both YouTube TV's regular channels and Sunday Ticket games.
Sunday Ticket lets you watch games from teams outside your local market. If you live in New York but want to watch a Kansas City Chiefs game that is not being broadcast in your area, Sunday Ticket makes that possible. You can watch on phones, tablets, computers, and compatible TV devices through the YouTube TV app or the dedicated Sunday Ticket app.
Cable and satellite TV alternatives
If you already pay for cable or satellite TV through providers like Comcast, DirecTV, or Dish Network, check your current package before switching to YouTube TV. Some traditional TV packages include NFL RedZone, which shows live look-ins and highlights from all Sunday games, though it does not show full games from start to finish. This is different from Sunday Ticket but covers more games than your local broadcast.
A few cable packages also include sports-focused channels that air out-of-market games, depending on your region and plan level. Call your cable or satellite provider and ask whether your subscription includes RedZone or sports packages with out-of-market NFL coverage. If it does, you may not need to switch services at all.
Why other streaming services do not carry Sunday Ticket
Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, and other live TV streaming platforms do not carry NFL Sunday Ticket. The NFL signed an exclusive deal with YouTube TV, which means no other service can offer it. If Sunday Ticket is your main reason for switching streaming services, YouTube TV is your only option among streaming providers.
These other services do carry some live NFL games through their sports channels and local broadcasts, but they cannot show the full range of out-of-market games that Sunday Ticket provides. If you are comparing streaming services for general TV watching and sports, check what local games and sports channels each one includes, but understand that Sunday Ticket is not available anywhere except YouTube TV.
Using the NFL app and NFL+ instead
The NFL app and NFL+ (the league's own streaming service) do not include Sunday Ticket games. NFL+ costs around $7 per month or $70 per year and offers replays of games, some live games during the preseason, and other NFL content, but it does not show live regular-season Sunday afternoon games that are out of your market.
The NFL app is free and shows highlights, scores, and some live content, but again, it does not replace Sunday Ticket. If you want to watch live out-of-market games on Sunday afternoons, you need Sunday Ticket through YouTube TV. The NFL's own services are useful for other content but are not a substitute for this specific product.
Free and low-cost ways to watch local games
You do not need Sunday Ticket to watch your local team's games. Local broadcasts on CBS, Fox, and NBC show games in your home market for free if you have an antenna, or through cable and streaming services that carry these channels. Most Sundays, at least one game airs on a major network in your area.
If you want to watch games beyond your local market without paying for YouTube TV, your options are limited. Some bars and restaurants have Sunday Ticket subscriptions and show games publicly. Checking whether friends or family members have YouTube TV and can share their login is another possibility, though YouTube TV's terms of service restrict sharing outside your household.
Comparing the cost of YouTube TV to other options
YouTube TV's base subscription is around $73 per month, which includes Sunday Ticket plus over 100 channels. If you break this down, you are paying roughly $18 per month for Sunday Ticket alone (a rough estimate based on the service's value), with the rest covering other channels. This is significantly cheaper than the old way of buying Sunday Ticket directly from DirecTV, which used to cost over $300 per season.
If you only want YouTube TV for Sunday Ticket and do not care about the other channels, the cost is still lower than previous options. However, if you already have cable or satellite TV and are happy with it, adding YouTube TV just for Sunday Ticket means paying two bills. In that case, check whether your current provider includes RedZone or sports packages before deciding to switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Sunday Ticket on my phone without YouTube TV?
No. You must have an active YouTube TV subscription to watch Sunday Ticket on any device, including phones. The Sunday Ticket app and YouTube TV app both require a valid subscription to stream games.
Does YouTube TV offer a free trial that includes Sunday Ticket?
YouTube TV occasionally offers free trial periods, and if you sign up during a trial, you would have access to Sunday Ticket during that time. Check YouTube TV's website for current trial offers, as these change seasonally.
What if my internet is too slow for YouTube TV?
YouTube TV requires a stable internet connection of at least 3 Mbps for standard quality and 35 Mbps for 4K. If your internet is slower, you may experience buffering. Contact your internet provider about upgrading your speed, or try watching on a device closer to your router.
Can I share my YouTube TV login with someone in another city to watch Sunday Ticket?
YouTube TV allows streaming on multiple devices, but the account is meant for household members. Sharing login details with people outside your home violates YouTube TV's terms of service, and the service may restrict or cancel accounts that show signs of unauthorized sharing.
Is there a cheaper way to get Sunday Ticket than YouTube TV?
No. YouTube TV is the only way to buy Sunday Ticket as a standalone product, and it is included in the base subscription. There is no cheaper tier or Sunday Ticket-only option available through any other provider.