Yes, you can watch Bears games on YouTube TV, but which channel depends on the game
YouTube TV carries the channels that broadcast Chicago Bears games: CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN. Most regular-season games air on one of these four networks. The specific channel changes week to week based on the NFL schedule — CBS and Fox split Sunday games, NBC handles Sunday Night Football, and ESPN shows Monday Night Football when the Bears play.
Your ability to watch depends on your YouTube TV location and subscription. YouTube TV requires you to set a home location, and that location determines which local channels you receive. If you live in the Chicago market, you will have access to the local CBS and Fox affiliates that carry Bears games. If you live outside Chicago, you may still see Bears games on national broadcasts (NBC, ESPN, or Fox national games), but you will not see local Chicago broadcasts.
YouTube TV does not carry NFL+, the league's own streaming service, so you cannot watch games through that app on YouTube TV. You would need a separate subscription to NFL+ if you wanted that option.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV includes CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN — the four networks that broadcast Bears games during the regular season.
- Your home location setting on YouTube TV determines which local channels you receive, so Chicago-area subscribers see local Bears broadcasts while out-of-market viewers see only national games.
- Most Bears games fall on Sunday afternoon (CBS or Fox), Sunday night (NBC), or Monday night (ESPN), and the channel rotates based on the NFL schedule.
- You cannot watch Bears games through NFL+ on YouTube TV; those are separate services that require different subscriptions.
How to find which channel your Bears game is on
Check the NFL schedule on NFL.com or ESPN.com before game day. Both sites list the broadcast channel for each game. You can also check YouTube TV's guide directly — open the app or website, search for "Bears" or the opponent's name, and the channel will appear next to the game listing.
Your local TV listings also show which channel carries the game. If you have a cable or antenna guide, the Bears game will appear under the CBS, Fox, NBC, or ESPN listing for that time slot. YouTube TV's guide mirrors these same listings, so you will see the same channel there.
What to do if you cannot find the game on your YouTube TV
First, confirm your home location is set correctly. Open YouTube TV settings, go to "Location," and verify it matches where you actually live. If you recently moved, update this setting — it controls which local channels appear in your guide.
If your location is correct but you still do not see the game, check whether it is a national broadcast or a local one. National games (NBC Sunday Night Football, ESPN Monday Night Football, or Fox national games) appear for all YouTube TV subscribers. Local games broadcast only to the Chicago market, so if you live outside Chicago, you will not see them in your guide. In that case, the game may be available through NFL+, the league's streaming service, which requires a separate subscription.
If the game should be on a channel you have (like CBS or Fox) and it is not showing up, refresh your YouTube TV app or clear your browser cache. Sometimes the guide takes a few minutes to update, especially close to game time.
Blackout rules and when games might not be available
The NFL enforces blackout rules that can affect streaming availability. If a game does not sell out at Soldier Field within a certain timeframe, the local broadcast may be blacked out in the Chicago market on all platforms, including YouTube TV. This is rare for Bears games, but it can happen.
Blackouts do not affect national broadcasts — if the game airs on NBC or ESPN, you will see it on YouTube TV regardless of ticket sales. Local blackouts only explore to the CBS and Fox local broadcasts in the Chicago area.
YouTube TV channel lineup for Bears broadcasts
YouTube TV's base plan includes all four networks that carry Bears games. You do not need an add-on package or premium tier to watch them. The base plan costs the same whether you watch one channel or all of them.
If you want to watch games on other sports channels (like NFL RedZone, which shows live look-ins from multiple games), those require an add-on subscription through YouTube TV. The base plan alone is enough for Bears games on CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN.
Streaming quality and device compatibility
YouTube TV streams in up to 4K on compatible devices, though most games broadcast in standard HD. Your streaming quality depends on your internet speed — YouTube TV recommends at least 3 Mbps for HD and 15 Mbps for 4K.
You can watch on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, streaming devices (Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV), and gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox). YouTube TV allows simultaneous streams on different devices depending on your plan, so you can watch on your TV while someone else watches on a phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Bears games on YouTube TV if I do not live in Chicago?
You can watch national broadcasts (NBC Sunday Night Football, ESPN Monday Night Football, and some Fox national games) from anywhere. Local CBS and Fox broadcasts are only available in the Chicago market. If you live outside Chicago and want to watch local games, you would need NFL+, which is a separate subscription from YouTube TV.
Do I need a cable login to watch Bears games on YouTube TV?
No. YouTube TV is a standalone streaming service — you do not need a cable subscription or cable login. You only need a YouTube TV subscription, which you can start and cancel anytime.
Can I record Bears games on YouTube TV?
Yes. YouTube TV includes cloud DVR storage, so you can record games and watch them later. Recorded games stay in your library for up to nine months, and you can fast-forward through commercials.
What if the game is on a channel YouTube TV does not have?
YouTube TV carries all four networks that broadcast regular-season Bears games (CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN), so this should not happen during the regular season. If a game airs on a channel outside this list, it would be a playoff or preseason game on a specialty channel, which would require a different service.
Can I watch Bears games on YouTube TV while traveling?
You can watch national broadcasts from anywhere. Local broadcasts are tied to your home location setting, so if you travel outside Chicago, you will not see local games in your guide. You can update your home location, but YouTube TV limits how often you can change it.