You can watch Sunday Ticket through other routes, but YouTube TV is now the only official distributor
NFL Sunday Ticket moved exclusively to YouTube TV in 2023. If you do not want a YouTube TV subscription, your options are limited to watching games through the NFL+ app with a standard subscription, catching broadcasts on CBS and Fox, or using a sportsbook app that streams games to account holders. None of these give you the full Sunday Ticket package — the out-of-market games that the ticket was built for.
YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month and includes Sunday Ticket as part of the base package. If you want the complete Sunday Ticket experience — all out-of-market games every Sunday — there is no way around it. But if you only need to watch specific teams or do not mind missing some games, the alternatives below will cover most of what you want to see.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV is the only official source for the full Sunday Ticket package, which includes all out-of-market games.
- NFL+ with a standard subscription ($7 per month or $79 per year) streams some games but not the full Sunday Ticket lineup.
- CBS and Fox broadcast one game each Sunday during the regular season, available free over the air or through cable.
- DraftKings, FanDuel, and other sportsbooks stream games to users with active accounts, though availability varies by state and game.
- If you have a cable or satellite subscription, you may be able to stream games through the network apps without YouTube TV.
What NFL+ standard subscription covers
NFL+ is the league's own streaming service and costs $7 per month or $79 per year. The standard tier streams out-of-market preseason games, all regular-season games that air on your local CBS or Fox affiliate, and playoff games. It does not stream Sunday Ticket games — the nationally distributed out-of-market matchups that Sunday Ticket was designed to show.
The difference matters. If you live in New York and your team is the Dallas Cowboys, your local CBS affiliate will show the Cowboys game when they play at home. NFL+ will stream that same game. But if the Cowboys play the 49ers on Sunday afternoon and that game is not broadcast in your market, NFL+ will not have it. Sunday Ticket would.
NFL+ also includes access to NFL Game Pass, which lets you watch full replays of every game starting the day after it airs. If you do not mind watching on delay, this is the cheapest way to see every game.
Free broadcast games on CBS and Fox
Every Sunday during the NFL regular season, CBS broadcasts one game and Fox broadcasts one game. These are free if you have an antenna or a cable subscription. You do not need YouTube TV or any paid streaming service to watch them.
The catch is that you only get two games per Sunday, and the networks choose which games based on your region. If your team is not playing in one of those two slots, you will not see them. The schedule changes week to week, so you have to check which games are on each Sunday.
If you have a cable or satellite subscription, you can also stream these games through the CBS app or Fox app using your login credentials. This works on phones, tablets, and some streaming devices.
Sportsbook apps that stream games
DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and other sportsbooks stream NFL games to users with active accounts in states where they operate. You do not have to place a bet to watch — you just need to have an account and be logged in. Availability varies by state and by game, and the streams are often delayed by a few seconds.
The main limitation is that sportsbooks do not stream every game. They typically focus on games with heavy betting action. If you want to watch a specific team that is not a major betting draw, you may not find the stream. Also, sportsbook apps are designed for betting, not for a clean viewing experience, so the interface can feel cluttered.
Check which sportsbooks operate in your state before you read. Some states have restrictions on which platforms are allowed.
Why YouTube TV became the only official option
The NFL signed an exclusive deal with YouTube TV in 2023 after years of offering Sunday Ticket through DirecTV. YouTube paid more than $2 billion per year for the rights, which is why the league chose them over other streaming platforms. The contract runs through 2033.
This means that if you want the official Sunday Ticket product — all out-of-market games, professional broadcast quality, and no account restrictions — YouTube TV is your only choice. The NFL does not sell Sunday Ticket as a standalone product anymore. You cannot buy it directly from the league or from any other provider.
Comparing your options side by side
| Option | Cost | What You Get | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $72.99/month | All out-of-market games, full Sunday Ticket package | Fans who want every game |
| NFL+ Standard | $7/month or $79/year | Local broadcasts, replays, preseason | Fans of local teams, replay watchers |
| CBS/Fox broadcast | Free (with antenna or cable) | One game per network per Sunday | Casual viewers, fans of major teams |
| Sportsbook apps | Free (account required) | Select games with betting action | Bettors, fans in states with sportsbooks |
| NFL+ Premium | $14/month or $149/year | All local broadcasts, replays, no ads | Fans who want more than standard |
What changed when YouTube TV took over
Under DirecTV, Sunday Ticket was a separate purchase — you could buy it as an add-on for around $300 per season, or get it free if you were a DirecTV customer. YouTube TV includes it in the base subscription with no extra charge, which sounds like a better deal until you realize YouTube TV costs more than DirecTV's base package did.
YouTube TV also made Sunday Ticket available to anyone with an internet connection, not just DirecTV customers. This opened it up to cord-cutters and people in areas where DirecTV was not available. The trade-off is that you now have to pay for a full streaming service instead of buying just the games you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Sunday Ticket games on my phone without YouTube TV?
Not through the official Sunday Ticket. You can watch local broadcasts through the NFL+ app or the CBS and Fox apps if you have a cable login. Sportsbook apps also stream some games to phones. But the full out-of-market lineup is only available through YouTube TV.
Do I have to pay for YouTube TV to watch one game?
Yes. YouTube TV does not offer a free trial or a pay-per-game option. You have to subscribe for the full month at $72.99. Some people subscribe for September and October, watch the games they want, and cancel, but you cannot watch a single game without a subscription.
Will the NFL ever sell Sunday Ticket separately again?
Not during the YouTube TV contract, which runs through 2033. The NFL could change this after that deal ends, but there is no indication they plan to. Exclusive streaming deals are becoming standard in sports.
Can I watch Sunday Ticket if I have cable?
Only if your cable provider is YouTube TV. Regular cable subscriptions do not include Sunday Ticket. You would need to add YouTube TV as a separate streaming service.
Is there a cheaper way to watch out-of-market games?
Not officially. YouTube TV at $72.99 per month is the only way to get the full Sunday Ticket package. Sportsbook apps are free but do not stream every game. If you only care about your local team, NFL+ standard at $79 per year is much cheaper.