YouTube TV carries most NFL games, but not all of them
YouTube TV gives you access to the major networks that broadcast NFL games — CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN — so you will see most regular-season and playoff games. However, some games air on channels YouTube TV does not carry, and a few games stream only on services outside YouTube TV's lineup. The games you can watch depend on which network has the broadcast rights that week and whether YouTube TV includes that network in your region.
The NFL schedule spreads games across multiple broadcasters each week. CBS and Fox split Sunday afternoon games. NBC handles Sunday Night Football. ESPN carries Monday Night Football. Thursday Night Football moved to Amazon Prime Video in 2022, so those games do not appear on YouTube TV. If a game airs on one of YouTube TV's included networks, you can watch it live or on demand through the app.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV includes CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN, which together broadcast the majority of NFL regular-season and playoff games.
- Thursday Night Football streams exclusively on Amazon Prime Video and is not available through YouTube TV.
- Some games may air on regional sports networks or cable channels that YouTube TV does not carry in your area.
- You can watch games live or rewatch them on demand through the YouTube TV app if they aired on a network in your subscription.
- Playoff games and the Super Bowl air on the major networks, so YouTube TV typically carries them if they are broadcast on CBS, Fox, or NBC.
What networks YouTube TV includes for NFL broadcasts
YouTube TV's base package includes the four main NFL broadcasters. CBS and Fox split the Sunday afternoon games, with CBS typically showing AFC matchups and Fox showing NFC games. NBC broadcasts Sunday Night Football, the prime-time slot that usually features the most competitive matchups. ESPN carries Monday Night Football, which airs two games most weeks during the season.
These four networks cover the vast majority of regular-season games. Playoff games and the Super Bowl rotate among these same broadcasters based on NFL scheduling. If you have YouTube TV's base plan and live in a market where these channels are available, you will have access to most of the season's games without needing add-ons or separate subscriptions.
Games you cannot watch on YouTube TV
Thursday Night Football is the biggest gap. Amazon Prime Video holds the exclusive streaming rights to Thursday games, which means they do not air on any traditional broadcast network. If you want to watch Thursday games, you need a Prime Video subscription or a Prime membership — YouTube TV cannot fill that gap.
Some games may also air on regional sports networks or cable channels that YouTube TV does not include. This happens rarely during the regular season but can occur depending on your location and the specific game. A few games each season air on NFL+, the league's own streaming service, though these are usually games that also air on a broadcast network you can access through YouTube TV.
International games and preseason games have different broadcast patterns. Most preseason games air on the NFL Network or local stations, and YouTube TV's coverage of those varies. Check the NFL schedule for the specific network broadcasting any game you want to watch.
How to find which network is broadcasting a specific game
The easiest way is to check the official NFL schedule on NFL.com. The schedule lists every game with the broadcast network next to the matchup. You can also search for the game by team name or date, and the network will be displayed clearly.
YouTube TV's own guide also shows upcoming games on the networks in your subscription. Open the YouTube TV app, go to the Sports section, and look for NFL. The app displays games coming up on your available channels. If a game does not appear in YouTube TV's listings, it is likely on a network you do not have access to through your subscription.
Watching games on demand after they air live
YouTube TV stores recorded games in your library for a set period. Games that air on CBS, Fox, NBC, or ESPN are automatically recorded and available to watch later, usually for several days or longer depending on YouTube TV's retention policy. You can search for the game by team name or date and rewatch it whenever you want.
This is useful if you cannot watch live but want to avoid spoilers and see the full game later. The on-demand version includes the full broadcast, including halftime and all commentary, just as it aired.
Regional blackout rules and local games
The NFL has blackout rules that can affect which games you see, though these rules have loosened in recent years. If a game does not sell out locally, it may be blacked out in that region on broadcast television. YouTube TV respects these blackouts, so you might not be able to watch a local game even if it airs on a network you subscribe to.
Blackouts are rare now and explore mainly to Sunday afternoon games in the home team's market. If you are outside the local area, you will usually see the game. Check the NFL schedule or YouTube TV's guide to see if a specific game has a blackout notice in your region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Thursday Night Football on YouTube TV?
No. Amazon Prime Video holds exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football, so those games do not air on YouTube TV or any traditional broadcast network. You need a Prime Video subscription or Prime membership to watch Thursday games.
Will YouTube TV let me watch playoff games and the Super Bowl?
Yes, if they air on CBS, Fox, or NBC — which they do. Playoff games and the Super Bowl rotate among these networks, and YouTube TV includes all three, so you can watch the postseason without additional subscriptions.
What happens if a game airs on a channel YouTube TV does not have?
You will not be able to watch it through YouTube TV. This is rare during the regular season but can happen with certain regional broadcasts or cable channels. Check the NFL schedule to see which network is broadcasting before game day.
Can I rewatch games I missed?
Yes. Games that air on CBS, Fox, NBC, or ESPN are automatically recorded and stored in your YouTube TV library. You can search for the game and watch it on demand, usually for several days or longer.
Do I need NFL+ to watch games on YouTube TV?
No. YouTube TV's subscription is separate from NFL+. Most games that air on YouTube TV's included networks do not require NFL+ as well. However, a small number of games air exclusively on NFL+, which is a separate service.