NFL Network is not included in YouTube TV's standard package
YouTube TV does not carry NFL Network as part of its base subscription. If you want to watch NFL Network programming, you will need to add it through a separate subscription or find the content through another streaming service.
This is different from ESPN, which YouTube TV does include. NFL Network is owned and operated by the National Football League itself, and the league has chosen to distribute it through specific providers rather than making it widely available across all streaming platforms.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV's standard package does not include NFL Network, even though it includes ESPN and other major sports channels.
- You can watch NFL Network through YouTube TV's parent company Google by subscribing to NFL+ with the premium tier, which costs separately from YouTube TV.
- YouTube TV does carry local NFL broadcasts on CBS, Fox, and NBC, plus Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime Video through YouTube TV's integration.
- If NFL Network is essential for your viewing, you may need to add a cable TV package or use a separate streaming service alongside YouTube TV.
How to get NFL Network if you use YouTube TV
The most direct option is NFL+, the league's own streaming service. NFL+ offers two tiers: a basic tier that streams out-of-market preseason games and replays, and a premium tier that includes live local and primetime games, plus NFL Network. The premium tier is the one that gives you NFL Network access.
NFL+ is a separate subscription from YouTube TV and costs its own monthly fee. You subscribe to it independently through the NFL's website or through the NFL app, which is available on most streaming devices. This means you would pay for both YouTube TV and NFL+ separately.
Another option is to check whether your YouTube TV account qualifies for YouTube TV's cable TV add-on packages in your area. Some regions offer packages that include cable channels like NFL Network, but availability depends on your location and changes periodically.
What NFL games you can watch on YouTube TV without NFL Network
YouTube TV includes the channels that broadcast most regular-season NFL games: CBS, Fox, and NBC. These channels carry Sunday afternoon games, Sunday night games, and Monday night games depending on the week and matchup.
YouTube TV also carries ESPN, which airs Monday Night Football. Additionally, YouTube TV's integration with Amazon Prime Video means you can watch Thursday Night Football through your YouTube TV account if you have a Prime Video subscription.
What you miss without NFL Network is the league's original programming: live games that air exclusively on NFL Network (rare but they happen), NFL Network's studio shows, game replays, and historical content. If you only care about watching your team's regular-season games, YouTube TV's standard channels will cover most of them.
Why YouTube TV doesn't include NFL Network
The NFL negotiates its broadcast rights separately for different channels and platforms. ESPN, CBS, Fox, and NBC have paid for the right to air games on their networks, and YouTube TV carries those channels. NFL Network is the league's own channel, and the NFL has chosen to monetize it differently—partly through cable TV providers and partly through NFL+.
This is a business decision by the NFL, not by YouTube TV. The league wants to drive subscriptions to its own streaming service and maintain relationships with traditional cable providers. As a result, NFL Network remains unavailable on most streaming TV services, including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV.
Comparing your options for NFL Network access
| Option | Cost | What you get | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV alone | YouTube TV subscription only | CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN games; no NFL Network | Casual fans who watch their team's broadcast games |
| YouTube TV + NFL+ Premium | Both subscriptions | All YouTube TV channels plus NFL Network, live games, replays | Dedicated fans who want NFL Network shows and exclusive content |
| Cable TV with NFL Network | Cable package cost | NFL Network plus traditional cable channels | Households that want cable TV anyway and need NFL Network |
| NFL+ Premium alone | NFL+ subscription only | NFL Network, live games, replays; no other sports or entertainment | Fans who only care about NFL content |
What changed with NFL broadcasting in recent years
The NFL's media landscape shifted significantly starting in 2023. Amazon Prime Video became the exclusive home for Thursday Night Football, which is why YouTube TV users can access it through Prime Video integration. The league also launched NFL+ to give fans a direct streaming option for games and original content.
These changes mean that NFL games are now spread across more platforms than ever: traditional broadcast networks (CBS, Fox, NBC), cable (ESPN, NFL Network), and streaming services (Amazon Prime Video, NFL+). YouTube TV captures some of this through its broadcast and cable channels, but not all of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Thursday Night Football on YouTube TV?
Yes, but only through Amazon Prime Video. YouTube TV integrates with Prime Video, so if you have a Prime membership, you can watch Thursday Night Football through the Prime Video app or website. It is not available directly through YouTube TV's channel lineup.
Does YouTube TV include any NFL-exclusive content?
No. YouTube TV does not carry any channels or services that are exclusive to the NFL. To watch NFL Network or NFL+-exclusive games, you need to subscribe to NFL+ separately.
If I add a cable package to YouTube TV, will it include NFL Network?
It depends on your location and which cable packages YouTube TV offers in your area. Some regions have cable add-ons that include NFL Network, but not all do. Check your YouTube TV account settings under "Add-ons" to see what is available where you live.
Is NFL+ the same as NFL Network?
No. NFL Network is a television channel that airs games and shows. NFL+ is a streaming service that includes NFL Network content plus live games and replays. The premium tier of NFL+ is where you get access to NFL Network programming.
What if I only want to watch my team's games?
YouTube TV's standard channels (CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN) will show most of your team's regular-season games. You likely do not need NFL Network unless you want to watch exclusive games or the channel's studio programming. Check your team's schedule to see which network broadcasts each game.