YouTube TV does not carry NFL Network as a standard channel
YouTube TV's channel lineup does not include NFL Network. If you want to watch NFL Network programming—including live games, analysis shows, and original content—you will need a different streaming service or cable provider. YouTube TV does carry ESPN, ESPN2, and other sports channels, but NFL Network is not among them.
This matters because NFL Network shows some games that air nowhere else, particularly Thursday Night Football games early in the season and playoff games. If those games are your main reason for considering YouTube TV, you should know upfront that you cannot watch them through that service alone.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV does not include NFL Network in its channel package, so you cannot watch NFL Network content through YouTube TV.
- YouTube TV does carry ESPN, ESPN2, and local broadcast channels that show many NFL games, but not the exclusive NFL Network broadcasts.
- Services that do carry NFL Network include Sling TV, fubo, and traditional cable providers, though availability varies by plan.
- YouTube TV offers a free trial period, so you can test whether its available sports channels meet your needs before committing.
What sports channels YouTube TV actually includes
YouTube TV includes the major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC) and cable sports channels like ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and TBS. These channels carry a large portion of the NFL schedule, including Sunday Night Football on NBC, Monday Night Football on ESPN, and most Sunday afternoon games on CBS and Fox.
The gap is specifically with content that airs only on NFL Network. YouTube TV's sports offering is broad, but it does not extend to every specialty sports network. If you primarily watch games that appear on the main broadcast networks or ESPN, YouTube TV covers most of what you need. If you specifically want NFL Network, you need to look elsewhere.
Streaming services that do carry NFL Network
Sling TV includes NFL Network in its Orange + Blue plan, which is the higher-tier option. Sling TV is less expensive than YouTube TV but has fewer total channels. You would need to check whether Sling TV carries the other channels you watch regularly.
fubo includes NFL Network in most of its plans. fubo is designed specifically for sports viewers and carries more sports channels than YouTube TV, though it costs more per month. fubo also includes local broadcast channels in most markets, so you can watch local games plus NFL Network content.
Traditional cable and satellite providers (Comcast, Charter, DirecTV, Dish Network) all carry NFL Network as part of their standard packages or sports add-ons. If you already have cable, you may already have access to NFL Network through your provider's app or website.
How to check what games are on NFL Network this season
Before you switch services, look up the actual NFL schedule to see how many games air exclusively on NFL Network. The NFL publishes its full schedule on NFL.com, and you can filter by network to see which games appear on which channels. In many seasons, the number of exclusive NFL Network games is smaller than you might expect.
Thursday Night Football moved to Amazon Prime Video starting in 2022, so those games are no longer on NFL Network. This means fewer exclusive games air on NFL Network than in previous years. Check the current season's schedule to see whether the games you want to watch actually require NFL Network access.
Combining YouTube TV with another service
Some people use YouTube TV for its overall channel selection and add a second service just for NFL Network. For example, you could keep YouTube TV for ESPN, local channels, and other content, then add a month of Sling TV or fubo during weeks when NFL Network games you want to watch are scheduled. This approach costs more than a single service but gives you flexibility.
Another option is to use YouTube TV's free trial period to confirm that its sports channels work for your viewing habits, then decide whether you need to add a second service. YouTube TV typically offers a trial of one to two weeks, which is long enough to watch a few games and see whether you miss NFL Network content.
What to do if you already subscribe to YouTube TV
If you are already a YouTube TV subscriber and want to watch a specific NFL Network game, check whether it is also airing on one of the channels YouTube TV carries. Many NFL Network games simulcast on ESPN or local broadcast channels. You can search the game title on YouTube TV to see if it appears in the guide.
If the game airs only on NFL Network, you have a few options: watch it through a cable provider's app if you have cable login credentials, sign up for a free trial of fubo or Sling TV, or check whether the game is available through the NFL+ streaming service (which has limitations on what it shows and when). The NFL+ service is separate from NFL Network and does not carry all the same content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add NFL Network to YouTube TV as an extra channel?
No. YouTube TV does not offer NFL Network as an add-on or premium channel. The channel lineup is fixed, and NFL Network is not part of it. If you need NFL Network, you would need to switch to a different service or use a second streaming service alongside YouTube TV.
Does YouTube TV show Thursday Night Football?
No. Thursday Night Football moved to Amazon Prime Video in 2022 and is no longer broadcast on NFL Network. YouTube TV does not carry Amazon Prime Video's sports content. If you want to watch Thursday Night Football, you need an Amazon Prime Video subscription.
What if my local NFL team plays on NFL Network?
Most local NFL games air on CBS or Fox, which YouTube TV carries. However, some games do air only on NFL Network. Check your team's schedule on NFL.com to see which games are on NFL Network specifically. If several are, you may need a second service for those weeks.
Is NFL Network worth getting a separate subscription for?
That depends on how many games you actually want to watch on NFL Network. Look at the full NFL schedule for the season and count how many games air exclusively on NFL Network. If it is only a few, it may not be worth the extra cost. If it is many, a service like fubo might be worth the monthly fee.
Does YouTube TV have any exclusive NFL games?
No. YouTube TV does not have exclusive NFL broadcasting rights. YouTube TV carries games that air on the networks it includes (ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC), but it does not produce or exclusively broadcast any NFL games.