You don't need YouTube TV to watch Sunday Ticket, but YouTube TV subscribers get a discount
NFL Sunday Ticket is sold separately from YouTube TV. You can purchase a Sunday Ticket subscription on its own through YouTube, or through other providers like DirecTV. However, if you already have YouTube TV, you'll pay less for Sunday Ticket than someone buying it without YouTube TV — the discount is roughly $50 off the annual price, though the exact amount changes year to year.
The key difference is where you watch and how much you pay. YouTube TV gives you live local channels, sports networks, and on-demand content year-round. Sunday Ticket gives you out-of-market NFL games on Sundays during the regular season and playoffs. They are two separate products that happen to be sold by the same company.
Key Takeaways
- Sunday Ticket can be purchased as a standalone subscription without YouTube TV, though the price will be higher than the YouTube TV subscriber rate.
- YouTube TV subscribers receive a discount on Sunday Ticket, making it cheaper than buying Sunday Ticket alone.
- Sunday Ticket shows out-of-market NFL games on Sundays; YouTube TV shows local channels and other sports networks year-round.
- Both services require an internet connection and can be streamed on phones, tablets, computers, and compatible TV devices.
What Sunday Ticket includes and when you can watch
Sunday Ticket covers NFL games broadcast on CBS and Fox on Sundays during the regular season and playoffs. The key word is out-of-market — these are games your local TV stations don't show. If your team plays at 1 p.m. on Sunday and your local CBS affiliate broadcasts it, you don't need Sunday Ticket to watch it; you can watch on YouTube TV or any other TV service. Sunday Ticket is for fans who want to watch teams outside their home market.
Games are available to stream starting at the moment they air on TV. You can also watch replays on demand after the game ends, usually within a few hours. The service runs from September through early January for the regular season, plus playoff games in January and early February.
Pricing for YouTube TV subscribers versus standalone
YouTube TV subscribers pay a lower price for Sunday Ticket than people who don't have YouTube TV. The exact prices change each year, but the YouTube TV subscriber price is consistently $40 to $50 less than the standalone price. If you're already paying for YouTube TV, adding Sunday Ticket costs less than it would if you signed up for Sunday Ticket alone.
Both options include the same games and features. The difference is only in the price you pay. YouTube TV subscribers also have the option to bundle both services into one monthly bill, which can make budgeting simpler.
How to watch Sunday Ticket without YouTube TV
You can purchase Sunday Ticket directly through YouTube without a YouTube TV subscription. You'll create a YouTube account, go to the Sunday Ticket page, and complete the purchase. The subscription will be tied to that YouTube account, and you can stream games on any device where you sign in — phones, tablets, computers, and streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, or Google TV.
The standalone version includes the same game feeds, replays, and features as the YouTube TV subscriber version. The only difference is the price you pay upfront. You won't have access to YouTube TV's other channels and content unless you purchase YouTube TV separately.
Other ways to watch NFL games if Sunday Ticket isn't right for you
Sunday Ticket is designed for fans who want to watch multiple out-of-market games each week. If you only want to watch your own team or a few specific games, other options may cost less. Local CBS and Fox broadcasts are included with YouTube TV, cable TV, or antenna. Monday Night Football airs on ESPN. Thursday Night Football airs on Amazon Prime Video. Some games also appear on network TV or cable depending on the week.
If you're mainly interested in one team, check which network broadcasts most of their games in your area. You might find that YouTube TV alone, or YouTube TV plus one streaming service, covers the games you want without needing Sunday Ticket.
Devices you can use to stream Sunday Ticket
Sunday Ticket works on phones and tablets running iOS or Android, computers running Windows or Mac, and streaming devices including Google TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. You can also watch on a web browser by going to youtube.com and signing into your account. The video quality depends on your internet speed — YouTube recommends at least 5 Mbps for HD streaming.
You can stream on multiple devices at the same time with one subscription, though simultaneous streams may be limited depending on your account type. Check the current terms on the YouTube TV or Sunday Ticket website for the exact number of streams allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Sunday Ticket on my TV without YouTube TV?
Yes. You can purchase Sunday Ticket alone and stream it to compatible TV devices like Google TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Apple TV. You'll sign into your YouTube account on the device and watch through the YouTube app, just as YouTube TV subscribers do.
Do I lose Sunday Ticket if I cancel YouTube TV?
No. Sunday Ticket and YouTube TV are separate subscriptions. If you cancel YouTube TV but keep your Sunday Ticket subscription active, you'll continue to have access to Sunday Ticket games. However, you'll lose access to YouTube TV's other channels and content.
What happens if my internet goes out during a game?
You won't be able to stream the game while your internet is down. Sunday Ticket does not have an offline read feature. If you know your internet may be unreliable, consider watching on a mobile hotspot as a backup, or check if the game is also broadcast on local TV in your area.
Can I share my Sunday Ticket login with family members?
YouTube's terms allow account sharing within your household. The exact rules about simultaneous streams and account sharing can change, so check the current terms on YouTube's website. Sharing outside your household may violate the terms of service.