What the YouTube TV Base Plan Includes for NFL
The YouTube TV base plan does include NFL games, but not all of them. You get access to CBS, Fox, and NBC — the three networks that broadcast most regular-season NFL games on Sunday and Thursday nights. You do not get ESPN, which means you will miss Monday Night Football games unless you add the Sports Plus add-on.
The base plan costs $72.99 per month as of now, though YouTube TV adjusts pricing periodically. This single subscription covers your entire household, and you can stream on multiple devices at once depending on your plan tier.
If you want to watch every NFL game available on television, you will need to add YouTube TV's Sports Plus add-on, which runs about $10.99 per month extra and includes ESPN, ESPN2, and other sports channels. Without it, you are limited to the games that air on CBS, Fox, and NBC.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV's base plan includes CBS, Fox, and NBC, which broadcast most Sunday and Thursday NFL games during the regular season.
- Monday Night Football games on ESPN are not included in the base plan and require the Sports Plus add-on.
- The base plan costs $72.99 per month and covers your whole household across multiple devices.
- Sports Plus add-on costs about $10.99 per month if you want access to ESPN and other sports channels.
Which Networks Carry NFL Games on YouTube TV Base Plan
CBS and Fox split the Sunday afternoon games, with CBS typically showing AFC matchups and Fox showing NFC matchups. NBC carries Sunday Night Football, which is usually the marquee game of the week. These three networks make up the bulk of what most casual NFL fans watch during the regular season.
Thursday Night Football moved to Amazon Prime Video starting in 2023, so you will not see those games on YouTube TV at all — you need a Prime Video subscription for Thursday games. This is a major change from previous years when those games aired on NFL Network.
The base plan does not include NFL Network, RedZone, or any premium sports channels. If you want those, you would need to add Sports Plus or look at other streaming services.
When You Need the Sports Plus Add-On
Add Sports Plus if you want to watch Monday Night Football, which airs exclusively on ESPN. This is the only way to see those games through YouTube TV. The add-on also gives you access to ESPN2, ESPNU, and SEC Network, so it is useful if you follow college football or other sports beyond the NFL.
You do not need Sports Plus just to watch the regular Sunday and Thursday afternoon games. The base plan covers those. You only need it if Monday Night Football is important to you or if you want the extra sports channels for other reasons.
Streaming Quality and Device Limits on Base Plan
YouTube TV's base plan lets you stream on up to three devices at the same time. This means three people in your household can watch different channels simultaneously. If you need more simultaneous streams, YouTube TV offers a higher tier, but the base plan handles most household situations.
The base plan streams at up to 4K resolution on supported devices, though most games will stream at 1080p depending on your internet speed and the device you are using. You need a strong internet connection — YouTube TV recommends at least 3 Mbps for standard quality and 7 Mbps for 4K.
How to Find NFL Games in the YouTube TV Guide
Open the YouTube TV app or website and look for the Sports section in the guide. Games are listed by date and network, so you can see which games are coming up on CBS, Fox, and NBC. You can also search for "NFL" directly to see all upcoming games available to you.
YouTube TV lets you set reminders for games you want to watch. When you find a game, tap the reminder bell icon and you will get a notification when the game is about to start. You can also add games to your library to find them easily later.
Blackout Rules and Local Games
YouTube TV follows the same blackout rules as traditional cable. If you live in a team's local market, some games may be blacked out on certain networks. This usually applies to Sunday afternoon games in your home team's region. The blackout is meant to encourage people to attend games in person or watch on local broadcasts.
You can check YouTube TV's blackout policy for your specific location by entering your zip code on their website. Blackout rules change by game and by network, so it is worth checking before you assume a game will be available.
Comparing YouTube TV to Other Ways to Watch NFL
YouTube TV is one option among several for watching NFL games. If you only want to watch your local team or specific games, you might use the NFL app or the network's own app (like the CBS Sports app or Fox Sports app), which often stream games for free if you have a cable login. Some games are also available on Peacock, Amazon Prime Video, or the NFL+ subscription service.
YouTube TV is best if you want a full cable-like experience with DVR, multiple simultaneous streams, and access to other channels beyond just sports. It costs more than a single-sport subscription but gives you everything in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch playoff games and the Super Bowl on YouTube TV base plan?
Yes. Playoff games and the Super Bowl air on CBS, Fox, or NBC depending on the matchup, and all three networks are included in the base plan. You do not need any add-ons to watch the postseason.
Do I need Sports Plus to watch Sunday football?
No. Sunday games on CBS, Fox, and NBC are included in the base plan. Sports Plus is only necessary if you want Monday Night Football on ESPN or other sports channels.
Why can't I watch Thursday Night Football on YouTube TV?
Amazon Prime Video has the exclusive streaming rights to Thursday Night Football. YouTube TV does not carry those games. You need a Prime Video subscription to watch Thursday games.
Can I watch NFL games on YouTube TV if I travel out of state?
You can watch most games, but local blackout rules still explore based on your location. If you travel to a different market, you may see different games blacked out. YouTube TV determines your location based on your device's location, not your home address.
Is there a free trial for YouTube TV?
YouTube TV occasionally offers free trial periods, though the length and availability change. Check YouTube TV's website directly to see if a trial is currently available in your area.