You can get NFL Sunday Ticket through three routes: directly from the NFL, through a DirecTV satellite subscription, or through DirecTV Stream (a streaming service separate from YouTube TV)
YouTube TV carried NFL Sunday Ticket until the 2023 season. Starting in 2024, the NFL moved the package to three providers: you can buy it directly from the NFL's own streaming service, subscribe through DirecTV satellite, or use DirecTV Stream. Each option works differently and costs different amounts depending on what you already have.
The NFL does not require you to bundle Sunday Ticket with another service anymore. That change opened up options that did not exist when YouTube TV held the rights. Your choice depends on whether you want the cheapest entry point, whether you already have DirecTV, or whether you want to avoid satellite altogether.
Key Takeaways
- NFL Sunday Ticket moved from YouTube TV to the NFL's own streaming service and DirecTV in 2024, so YouTube TV no longer carries it.
- The NFL's streaming option costs less than DirecTV but does not include RedZone or out-of-market games in some situations.
- DirecTV satellite and DirecTV Stream both include Sunday Ticket, but DirecTV Stream is a separate streaming service that is not the same as YouTube TV.
- The NFL's service is the only option that does not require a cable or satellite subscription or a separate streaming bundle.
Buying NFL Sunday Ticket directly from the NFL
The NFL sells Sunday Ticket through its own streaming platform, and this is the most straightforward path if you do not have DirecTV. You go to the NFL's website, create an account, and pay for the season. The service streams all out-of-market games on your phone, tablet, computer, or compatible TV device.
The NFL offers two tiers: a standard version and a premium version that includes RedZone (a channel that cuts between games showing scoring plays). Pricing varies by year and whether you pay upfront or monthly. The standard version is the cheaper option and covers the games themselves; RedZone is an add-on if you want it.
One limitation: if you live in the market where a game is being broadcast on regular TV (CBS, Fox, or ESPN), you cannot stream that game through the NFL's service even if you have a subscription. You have to watch it on the local broadcast instead. This is a league rule, not an NFL service limitation.
Getting Sunday Ticket through DirecTV satellite
DirecTV satellite includes NFL Sunday Ticket as part of most of its packages, not as an add-on you buy separately. If you sign up for DirecTV satellite service, Sunday Ticket comes with it at no extra charge. This is the traditional route that existed before YouTube TV and before the NFL's own service.
DirecTV satellite requires a dish installed at your home and a contract. It is the only option that includes Sunday Ticket without paying extra, but it also requires committing to satellite service for other channels. If you already have DirecTV satellite, you already have Sunday Ticket included.
The downside is that satellite requires professional installation, a clear view of the southern sky, and a multi-year commitment. If you are moving, traveling, or do not want a satellite dish, this is not the right option for you.
Using DirecTV Stream for Sunday Ticket
DirecTV Stream is a streaming service that includes NFL Sunday Ticket. It is not YouTube TV and not the same as DirecTV satellite—it is a separate streaming product that DirecTV owns. You stream it on any device with an internet connection, no satellite dish required.
DirecTV Stream bundles Sunday Ticket with live TV channels, so you are paying for both together. The service costs more than buying Sunday Ticket alone from the NFL, but less than adding Sunday Ticket to a DirecTV satellite subscription. If you want live cable channels plus Sunday Ticket in one package, this is the option.
DirecTV Stream works on phones, tablets, computers, Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, and other streaming devices. You can cancel anytime without a contract, unlike satellite. However, you are paying for a full streaming TV service, not just the football package.
Comparing cost and what you get
| Option | What's Included | Installation/Contract | Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL's streaming service (standard) | Out-of-market games only | None | Phone, tablet, computer, compatible TV apps |
| NFL's streaming service (premium) | Out-of-market games + RedZone | None | Phone, tablet, computer, compatible TV apps |
| DirecTV satellite | Sunday Ticket included with TV package | Dish installation + contract | TV receiver box |
| DirecTV Stream | Sunday Ticket + live TV channels | None | Phone, tablet, computer, streaming devices |
The NFL's standard service is the cheapest entry point if you only want Sunday Ticket and do not need RedZone or cable channels. DirecTV Stream costs more but gives you live TV along with it. DirecTV satellite includes Sunday Ticket free but requires installation and a contract. Choose based on whether you want just football, football plus cable channels, or whether you already have satellite.
What changed when the NFL moved from YouTube TV
YouTube TV offered Sunday Ticket as an add-on to its base streaming TV package. You had to subscribe to YouTube TV first, then pay extra for Sunday Ticket on top of that. When the NFL's contract with YouTube TV ended after the 2023 season, the league moved the package to its own service and to DirecTV.
The shift means you no longer need a cable or streaming TV subscription to watch Sunday Ticket. The NFL's direct option lets you buy just the football without paying for channels you do not watch. This is a real change from the YouTube TV model, where Sunday Ticket was always bundled with a larger service.
If you were a YouTube TV subscriber only for Sunday Ticket, you can now cancel YouTube TV and buy the NFL's service instead. You will likely pay less and get the same games, with the exception of local broadcasts in your market.
When to call DirecTV or the NFL directly
If you have questions about your specific market, local blackout rules, or whether a particular game will be available to you, contact the NFL's customer service or DirecTV directly. Blackout rules are complex and depend on your location and the broadcast situation for each game.
If you are considering DirecTV satellite and want to know about installation, pricing, or current promotions, call DirecTV. If you are interested in the NFL's streaming service, visit the NFL's website or contact their support team. Both can answer questions about your specific situation faster than a general guide can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV anymore?
No. YouTube TV stopped carrying NFL Sunday Ticket after the 2023 season. The NFL moved the package to its own streaming service and to DirecTV starting in 2024. If you were using YouTube TV for Sunday Ticket, you will need to switch to one of the three new options.
Do I have to pay extra for Sunday Ticket if I have DirecTV satellite?
No. DirecTV satellite includes Sunday Ticket as part of most packages at no additional cost. If you already subscribe to DirecTV satellite, you already have access to it. Check your account or call DirecTV to confirm it is active on your service.
What is the difference between DirecTV Stream and DirecTV satellite?
DirecTV Stream is a streaming service you watch on internet-connected devices; DirecTV satellite uses a dish and receiver box. DirecTV Stream has no contract and no installation. Both include Sunday Ticket, but DirecTV Stream also includes live TV channels, while satellite is a separate service for cable channels.
Can I watch local games through the NFL's streaming service?
No. If a game is being broadcast on CBS, Fox, or ESPN in your local market, you cannot stream it through the NFL's service. You have to watch it on the local broadcast. Out-of-market games are available through the service.
Is the NFL's streaming service cheaper than YouTube TV was?
The NFL's standard service is typically less expensive than YouTube TV's base package plus Sunday Ticket add-on was. However, pricing changes year to year. Compare the current prices on the NFL's website and YouTube TV's current rates to see what works for your budget.