YouTube TV carries the Super Bowl, but YouTube Premium does not
YouTube TV — the live television service — broadcasts the Super Bowl every year on the network that holds the rights that season. YouTube Premium — the ad-free subscription for regular YouTube videos — does not include live TV channels and cannot show the Super Bowl.
The difference matters because the two services are separate. YouTube Premium removes ads from YouTube's on-demand video library and gives you offline downloads. It does not give you access to live broadcasts. If you want to watch the Super Bowl on YouTube's platform, you need YouTube TV, not YouTube Premium.
The network that airs the Super Bowl changes every few years. CBS, Fox, and NBC rotate the rights. Whichever network has the rights that year will broadcast the game on YouTube TV if you subscribe to that channel in your package.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV includes live TV channels and carries the Super Bowl on whichever network has broadcast rights that year.
- YouTube Premium is for ad-free on-demand videos only and does not include live television or the Super Bowl.
- You can watch the Super Bowl on YouTube TV if your package includes the network broadcasting the game (CBS, Fox, or NBC).
- YouTube TV offers a free trial period, though the length varies and you should check the current offer before signing up.
How YouTube TV differs from YouTube Premium
YouTube TV is a live television service. You pay a monthly fee and get access to dozens of live channels — news, sports, entertainment, local broadcasts — plus the ability to record shows and watch them later. The Super Bowl airs on YouTube TV because it airs on one of those live channels.
YouTube Premium is a subscription to YouTube's video platform. You pay to remove ads from videos you watch on YouTube.com and the YouTube app, and you can read videos to watch offline. It does not include any live TV channels, so it does not carry sports broadcasts, news, or any live events.
Some people have both subscriptions. That is fine — they serve different purposes. But if your goal is to watch the Super Bowl, YouTube Premium alone will not work. You need YouTube TV.
Which network broadcasts the Super Bowl and how to find it on YouTube TV
The Super Bowl rotates between CBS, Fox, and NBC. The network changes roughly every three years. For the 2024 and 2025 Super Bowls, CBS has the rights. For 2026 and 2027, NBC will broadcast it. Fox will have it again in 2028 and 2029.
When you subscribe to YouTube TV, you choose a package. The base package includes CBS, Fox, NBC, and many other channels. If you have the base package, you will have access to whichever network is broadcasting the Super Bowl that year. You do not need to add anything extra.
If you have a limited package that excludes one of the major networks, you may not be able to watch. Check your channel list in the YouTube TV app or on the website to confirm you have the network that is broadcasting the game.
YouTube TV's free trial and how to use it for the Super Bowl
YouTube TV offers a free trial before you pay. The length of the trial changes — it has been anywhere from three days to two weeks depending on when you sign up and what promotions are running. You can check the current trial length on the YouTube TV sign-up page.
If the Super Bowl falls within your free trial period, you can watch it without paying. You will need to provide a payment method to start the trial, but you will not be charged if you cancel before the trial ends.
The trial gives you full access to all the channels in your chosen package, so you can watch the Super Bowl the same way a paid subscriber would. Just remember to cancel before the trial period ends if you do not want to be charged.
Other ways to watch the Super Bowl if you do not have YouTube TV
The network broadcasting the Super Bowl usually streams it on their own website and app. CBS has CBS.com and the CBS app. Fox has Fox.com and the Fox app. NBC has NBC.com and the Peacock app. You may be able to watch through those platforms if you have a cable or streaming login from another provider.
Some years, the Super Bowl is also available through the NFL's own streaming service or through other platforms, though this varies by year and by region. Check the official Super Bowl website closer to game day for a full list of where you can watch.
If you already subscribe to a cable provider like Comcast, Charter, or AT&T, you likely have access to stream the game through that provider's app or website, even if you do not have YouTube TV.
What to expect when you watch on YouTube TV
YouTube TV streams the same broadcast as the television channel. You see the same commercials, the same commentary, and the same picture quality as someone watching on cable. The stream is usually reliable, but like any streaming service, it depends on your internet connection.
You can watch on any device — phone, tablet, computer, or TV if you have a compatible streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, or Google TV. YouTube TV also allows you to watch on multiple devices at the same time, depending on your plan.
If you want to record the Super Bowl to watch later, YouTube TV's cloud DVR feature will save it automatically. You can rewatch it for a set period after it airs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does YouTube Premium let me watch the Super Bowl?
No. YouTube Premium removes ads from YouTube videos and allows offline downloads, but it does not include live TV channels. You need YouTube TV to watch the Super Bowl.
Can I watch the Super Bowl on YouTube TV without paying?
Yes, if you sign up for the free trial before the Super Bowl airs and cancel before the trial ends. The trial length varies, so check the YouTube TV website to see the current offer.
What if my YouTube TV package does not include the network broadcasting the Super Bowl?
The base YouTube TV package includes CBS, Fox, and NBC, so you should have the network that is broadcasting the game. If you have a limited package, check your channel list to confirm. You can upgrade your package if needed.
Can I watch the Super Bowl on the CBS, Fox, or NBC app instead?
Yes, if you have a cable or streaming login from another provider. The network apps usually let you stream the game if you can verify a subscription to that network through another service.