YouTube TV does not include NFL RedZone in any of its standard plans
NFL RedZone is not part of YouTube TV's base package or any of its add-on tiers. If you want to watch RedZone, you will need to subscribe to it separately through NFL+, which is the league's own streaming service. YouTube TV carries NFL games on CBS, Fox, and NBC during the regular season and playoffs, but the dedicated RedZone channel requires its own subscription.
RedZone shows live look-ins from every NFL game on Sundays during the regular season, jumping between games to show scoring plays and key moments. It is a popular option for fantasy football players and fans who want to follow multiple games at once, but it is a distinct product from YouTube TV's sports offerings.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV does not offer NFL RedZone as part of any subscription plan, including its premium Sports Plus add-on.
- NFL RedZone is available only through NFL+, which requires a separate subscription from the National Football League.
- YouTube TV does carry regular-season and playoff NFL games on CBS, Fox, and NBC, so you can watch your local team and primetime matchups.
- NFL+ offers RedZone access along with out-of-market games and other NFL content, but it is a standalone service separate from YouTube TV.
What YouTube TV's Sports Coverage Actually Includes
YouTube TV carries major sports networks like ESPN, Fox Sports, CBS Sports, and NBC Sports, which means you can watch most NFL games broadcast on those channels. During the regular season, you will see games on Sunday afternoon (CBS and Fox), Sunday night (NBC), and Monday night (ESPN). Playoff games and the Super Bowl also air on these networks and are included in your YouTube TV subscription.
The Sports Plus add-on, which costs extra per month, adds channels like NFL Network, NBA TV, and MLB Network, but it still does not include RedZone. RedZone is a separate product controlled by the NFL itself, not by the cable networks that YouTube TV carries.
How to Get NFL RedZone If You Want It
NFL+ is the official streaming service run by the National Football League. It offers a tier that includes RedZone access, along with out-of-market games and other NFL content. You subscribe to NFL+ directly through the NFL's website or app, not through YouTube TV. The subscription is separate from your YouTube TV bill.
RedZone is available on NFL+ during the regular season on Sundays. If you already have YouTube TV for your local games and primetime matchups, adding NFL+ gives you the RedZone experience without duplicating your sports subscriptions. Some viewers use both services together to get complete coverage of the games they want to watch.
Why RedZone Isn't Bundled with YouTube TV
RedZone is owned and operated by the NFL, while YouTube TV is a streaming service that licenses content from networks and channels. The NFL keeps RedZone as its own product to generate direct revenue and to encourage subscriptions to NFL+. This is similar to how ESPN+ is separate from YouTube TV even though ESPN channels are included in the base plan.
Streaming services like YouTube TV negotiate for the rights to carry specific channels and networks, but RedZone is not part of those negotiations. The NFL controls its distribution and pricing independently, which is why it remains a standalone subscription.
Comparing YouTube TV and NFL+ for Football Fans
YouTube TV and NFL+ serve different purposes for football viewers. YouTube TV gives you access to games broadcast on major networks—your local team's games, primetime matchups on Sunday and Monday nights, and playoff games. NFL+ focuses on content the NFL controls directly: RedZone, out-of-market games, and NFL Network programming. Most football fans who want complete coverage use both services during the season.
| Feature | YouTube TV | NFL+ |
|---|---|---|
| Local NFL games (CBS, Fox, NBC) | Yes | No |
| Primetime games (Sunday, Monday night) | Yes | No |
| NFL RedZone | No | Yes |
| Out-of-market games | No | Yes |
| Playoff games and Super Bowl | Yes | No |
| NFL Network | Sports Plus add-on only | No |
If you want to watch your local team and primetime games, YouTube TV is the main option. If you want RedZone and out-of-market games, NFL+ is what you need. The choice depends on which games matter most to you and whether you follow fantasy football or multiple teams.
Other Sports Channels Available on YouTube TV
YouTube TV includes ESPN, ESPN2, and other ESPN channels in the base plan, so you can watch college football, NBA games, and other sports programming. The Sports Plus add-on brings in additional channels like NBA TV, MLB Network, and Pac-12 Networks if you want deeper coverage of those leagues.
For soccer fans, YouTube TV carries some matches on networks like Fox and Peacock (through partnerships), though not all games are included. Hockey fans can watch NHL games on ESPN and other networks that YouTube TV carries. The base plan gives you access to most major sports, but specific sports or leagues may require additional subscriptions or add-ons beyond what YouTube TV offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch RedZone on YouTube TV with any add-on?
No. RedZone is not available through YouTube TV at all, even with the Sports Plus add-on. You must subscribe to NFL+ separately to watch RedZone.
Does NFL+ come with YouTube TV?
No. NFL+ is a separate subscription from the National Football League. You pay for it independently and manage it through the NFL's website or app, not through YouTube TV.
What NFL games can I watch on YouTube TV?
You can watch games broadcast on CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN, which includes most Sunday afternoon games, Sunday night football, Monday night football, and playoff games. Your local team's games depend on your location and which network is broadcasting them.
Is there a cheaper way to get RedZone?
NFL+ offers RedZone as part of its subscription. Pricing varies by season, so check the NFL's website for current rates. Some cable or streaming bundles may include RedZone through other providers, but it is not available through YouTube TV at any price.
Can I watch out-of-market NFL games on YouTube TV?
No. YouTube TV shows only the games broadcast on national networks in your area. Out-of-market games are available through NFL+, not through YouTube TV.