You do not need YouTube TV to watch NFL Sunday Ticket
NFL Sunday Ticket is sold as a standalone subscription, separate from YouTube TV. You can buy Sunday Ticket on its own and watch it through the YouTube TV app or website without paying for any other YouTube TV channels or services. However, YouTube TV is the only place to buy it — the NFL does not sell Sunday Ticket directly to consumers anymore, and no other streaming service carries it.
If you already have YouTube TV for other reasons, Sunday Ticket is an add-on you purchase separately. The two subscriptions are billed together but remain independent. Canceling one does not cancel the other.
Key Takeaways
- NFL Sunday Ticket is sold only through YouTube TV's website and app, but you do not need a YouTube TV base subscription to buy it.
- You create a YouTube account and purchase Sunday Ticket as a standalone product, then watch through the YouTube TV app or website.
- Sunday Ticket pricing and availability change year to year, so check YouTube TV's sports section for current rates and what games are included.
- You need a valid payment method and a US address to purchase Sunday Ticket, regardless of whether you subscribe to YouTube TV's regular channels.
How to buy Sunday Ticket without YouTube TV
Go to YouTube TV's website and sign in with a Google account, or create one if you do not have one. Navigate to the Sports section or search for "NFL Sunday Ticket." You will see the current pricing and a description of what games are included that season.
Click the button to purchase Sunday Ticket. You will enter a payment method and confirm your billing address. YouTube TV will ask for a valid US address — this is required by the NFL's licensing agreement. Once your payment processes, you can watch when ready through the YouTube TV app on your phone, tablet, computer, or compatible TV device.
You do not need to choose a YouTube TV channel package or commit to any other service. Sunday Ticket is the only thing you are paying for.
What devices can you watch on
Sunday Ticket works on any device that runs the YouTube TV app: iPhones, iPads, Android phones and tablets, computers (Windows and Mac), Chromebooks, Fire tablets, Roku devices, Apple TV, Google TV, Samsung Smart TVs, and LG Smart TVs. You can also watch in a web browser on YouTube.com by signing in with your Google account.
You can stream on multiple devices at the same time, though the number of simultaneous streams may be limited depending on your account settings. Check YouTube TV's support pages for the current simultaneous stream limit for Sunday Ticket subscribers.
The difference between Sunday Ticket and YouTube TV's regular sports channels
YouTube TV's base subscription includes ESPN, Fox, CBS, and NBC — channels that broadcast some NFL games during the regular season and playoffs. Sunday Ticket shows the games those channels do not broadcast, giving you access to more games each week. It is designed for fans who want to watch their team even when the game is not on local or national television.
Sunday Ticket does not replace YouTube TV's regular channels. If you want both, you pay for YouTube TV's base package and add Sunday Ticket separately. If you only want Sunday Ticket, you buy it alone without the base package.
What happens if you already have YouTube TV
If you are already a YouTube TV subscriber, adding Sunday Ticket is straightforward. Sign in to your YouTube TV account, go to the Sports section, and select Sunday Ticket. The add-on fee will appear on your next YouTube TV bill along with your regular subscription cost.
You can cancel Sunday Ticket at any time without affecting your YouTube TV base subscription. Similarly, if you cancel YouTube TV, your Sunday Ticket subscription continues until you cancel it separately. Each one is independent.
Blackout rules and game availability
NFL blackout rules explore to Sunday Ticket. If a game is broadcast on local television in your area, you cannot watch it through Sunday Ticket in that market — you must watch on the local channel instead. The NFL uses your device's location to enforce blackouts, so you may not be able to watch your home team's game if it is being shown locally.
Sunday Ticket also does not include Monday Night Football (ESPN), Thursday Night Football (Amazon Prime Video), or playoff games shown on network television. Those games air on their respective platforms and channels.
Payment and billing
YouTube TV charges your payment method on a monthly or annual basis, depending on which plan you choose for Sunday Ticket. Pricing varies by year and may change mid-season. You can view your current charges and manage your subscription through your Google account settings.
If you cancel Sunday Ticket, the cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period. You will retain access until that date, then lose access once the period ends. YouTube TV will not refund partial months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Sunday Ticket on my smart TV?
Yes, if your TV has the YouTube TV app installed or can install it. Compatible models include Apple TV, Google TV, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, and LG Smart TVs. You can also use a streaming device like a Roku stick or Fire TV stick connected to any television.
Do I need to live in the US to buy Sunday Ticket?
Yes. YouTube TV requires a valid US billing address to purchase Sunday Ticket. If you are outside the US, you cannot buy it through YouTube TV's platform.
What if I only want to watch one team's games?
Sunday Ticket is an all-or-nothing purchase — you cannot buy access to a single team. You get all the games Sunday Ticket broadcasts that week. However, you can cancel anytime if you decide it is not worth the cost.
Can I share my Sunday Ticket login with family members?
You can share your Google account login, but YouTube TV's terms of service require that the account holder be the primary user. Sharing login credentials outside your household may violate those terms. Check YouTube TV's current policies for details on household sharing.
What if the YouTube TV app is not available on my device?
You can watch Sunday Ticket in any web browser by going to YouTube.com and signing in with your Google account. This works on computers, tablets, and phones even if the app is not installed.