YouTube TV carries most NFL games, but not all of them
YouTube TV includes live broadcasts of NFL games on CBS, Fox, and NBC — the three networks that hold regular-season broadcast rights. You will see most Sunday afternoon games, Sunday night games on NBC, and Thursday night games on Amazon Prime (which YouTube TV does not carry). What you won't see are games that air exclusively on ESPN, NFL Network, or cable channels that YouTube TV doesn't include in its base package.
The specific games available depend on your location. YouTube TV uses your zip code to determine your local CBS and Fox affiliates, so you'll receive the regional broadcasts meant for your area. National games on Fox and NBC appear for all subscribers. If you want to watch every game your team plays — including those on ESPN or NFL Network — you'll need to add those channels separately or use another service.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV includes CBS, Fox, and NBC, which means you can watch most regular-season NFL broadcasts but not games exclusive to ESPN, NFL Network, or Amazon Prime.
- Your local CBS and Fox broadcasts are determined by your zip code, so you see the games meant for your region.
- Thursday night games air on Amazon Prime Video, which is not part of YouTube TV's service.
- You can add ESPN+ or other premium channels to YouTube TV if you want access to games that don't air on the included networks.
What networks YouTube TV includes for NFL coverage
YouTube TV's base package comes with CBS, Fox, and NBC. These three networks broadcast the majority of NFL regular-season games. CBS typically shows AFC games on Sunday afternoons, Fox shows NFC games on Sunday afternoons, and NBC carries Sunday Night Football. This covers the bulk of what most fans want to watch.
The service also includes local affiliates of these networks based on your location. When you set up YouTube TV, you enter your zip code, and the system assigns you the CBS and Fox stations that serve your area. This means you'll see the same regional broadcasts that people in your region see on cable or antenna — including local team coverage and regional advertising.
Games you cannot watch on YouTube TV
YouTube TV does not carry ESPN, ESPN2, or NFL Network. This means games that air exclusively on these channels won't be available through your YouTube TV subscription. Depending on your team and the week, this could mean missing one or two games per season, or it could mean missing several if your team has multiple ESPN or NFL Network broadcasts scheduled.
Amazon Prime Video holds the rights to Thursday Night Football. YouTube TV does not include Prime Video, so you cannot watch Thursday night games through your YouTube TV account. You would need a separate Prime Video subscription or Prime membership to see those broadcasts.
Playoff games and the Super Bowl air on CBS, Fox, or NBC, so those are included in YouTube TV. However, some playoff games may air on ESPN or cable channels, which would not be available.
How to find out which games are on YouTube TV
The easiest way to check is to look at the NFL's official schedule on NFL.com or ESPN.com. These sites list which network will broadcast each game. If the game is on CBS, Fox, or NBC, it will be available on YouTube TV. If it says ESPN, NFL Network, Amazon Prime, or a cable channel, it won't be.
You can also check YouTube TV's guide directly. Open the app or website, go to the Sports section, and search for NFL or your team's name. The guide will show you upcoming games that are available to watch. Games that aren't available won't appear in the listings.
Adding ESPN+ or other channels to YouTube TV
If you want to watch games on ESPN or NFL Network, you can add ESPN+ as a separate subscription through YouTube TV. ESPN+ costs extra per month and gives you access to some ESPN broadcasts, though not all ESPN games are on ESPN+ — some air only on the ESPN cable channel, which YouTube TV also doesn't include.
NFL Network is not available as an add-on through YouTube TV. To watch NFL Network games, you would need to subscribe to that channel through a different provider or use the NFL's own streaming service, NFL+, which offers limited game broadcasts depending on your location and blackout rules.
Regional blackout rules and local broadcasts
YouTube TV follows the same blackout rules as traditional cable and broadcast television. If a game is being broadcast on your local CBS or Fox affiliate, it won't be available on NFL+ or other streaming services in your area. Conversely, if a game is exclusive to a streaming service like NFL+, it may be blacked out on local broadcast channels.
These blackout rules exist because networks and teams have agreements about which broadcasts can reach which areas. Your location determines what you see, and YouTube TV respects these regional restrictions. If you travel or use a VPN, YouTube TV may not work as expected because the service checks your actual location.
Comparing YouTube TV to other ways to watch NFL games
YouTube TV is one option among several. If you want the broadest NFL coverage, you would need YouTube TV (for CBS, Fox, NBC), ESPN+ (for some ESPN games), NFL+ (for limited out-of-market games), and a Prime Video subscription (for Thursday Night Football). That combination covers most games, though some regional or cable-exclusive broadcasts may still be unavailable depending on where you live.
Traditional cable packages often include more channels — ESPN, NFL Network, and regional sports networks — but cost more per month and require a cable box. Streaming services like Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV also carry different combinations of networks, so the best choice depends on which games matter most to you and your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch my local team's games on YouTube TV?
Most of them, yes. Your local CBS and Fox broadcasts are included, so you'll see the regional games meant for your area. Games on ESPN, NFL Network, or cable channels won't be available. Check the NFL schedule to see which network broadcasts each game your team plays.
Does YouTube TV include Thursday Night Football?
No. Thursday Night Football airs on Amazon Prime Video, which is not part of YouTube TV. You would need a separate Prime Video subscription or Amazon Prime membership to watch those games.
Can I add NFL Network to YouTube TV?
NFL Network is not available as an add-on through YouTube TV. To watch NFL Network games, you would need to subscribe through a cable provider, use NFL+ (which has limited availability), or check if the game airs on another network included in your YouTube TV package.
What happens if my team plays on ESPN?
That game won't be available on YouTube TV unless it's also broadcast on a local affiliate. You can add ESPN+ to your YouTube TV account for extra cost, but ESPN+ doesn't carry all ESPN games — some air only on the ESPN cable channel, which YouTube TV doesn't include.
Will playoff games and the Super Bowl be on YouTube TV?
Most will be. Playoff games and the Super Bowl air on CBS, Fox, or NBC, which are all included in YouTube TV. However, some playoff games may air on ESPN or cable channels, which wouldn't be available through YouTube TV.