YouTube TV does not carry NFL RedZone as a standalone channel
YouTube TV's channel lineup does not include NFL RedZone, the premium cable channel that shows live NFL games every Sunday during the regular season. If you want to watch RedZone content through YouTube TV, you cannot do so directly through the service.
However, there are ways to watch RedZone if you subscribe to YouTube TV. The most straightforward option is to add a premium sports package or use a separate subscription service that carries it. Understanding which routes are available to you depends on what you already subscribe to and how much you are willing to spend.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV does not include NFL RedZone in its base channel package or as an add-on option.
- You can watch RedZone through YouTube TV if you also subscribe to YouTube TV's Sling TV integration or through a separate RedZone subscription.
- NFL+ Premium is a direct subscription option that includes RedZone content, though it is separate from YouTube TV.
- Cable providers like Comcast, Charter, and Verizon Fios carry RedZone as an add-on package, which may be cheaper than buying it separately.
- RedZone is only available during the NFL regular season, typically from September through early January.
How to get RedZone if you use YouTube TV
The simplest path is to subscribe to NFL+ Premium separately from YouTube TV. NFL+ Premium costs around $14 per month during the season and includes RedZone access, plus the ability to watch out-of-market games on your phone and tablet. You sign up directly through the NFL's website or through the NFL app, and it works alongside your YouTube TV subscription without any conflict.
Another option is to check whether your YouTube TV account includes access to Sling TV's sports add-ons through YouTube TV's integration. Some YouTube TV subscribers can add Sling's sports packages, which may include RedZone depending on the package tier. Log into your YouTube TV account and look under "Memberships" to see if this option appears in your region.
If neither of those works for you, you can purchase a standalone RedZone subscription directly from the NFL or through certain cable providers. The cost and availability vary by provider and by region.
What RedZone actually shows
NFL RedZone is a live channel that airs every Sunday during the regular season, typically from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. It does not show complete games from start to finish. Instead, it cuts between multiple games in progress, focusing on plays near the end zone—hence the name. When a team gets close to scoring, RedZone switches to that game and stays until the play is complete, then moves to another game.
This format means you see more scoring plays and dramatic moments than you would watching a single game, but you miss the full context of any one game. Some viewers love RedZone for the constant action; others prefer watching one game from beginning to end. RedZone is not available during the playoffs or Super Bowl.
Comparing your options for watching RedZone
| Option | Cost | How to access | When available |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL+ Premium | Around $14/month during season | NFL app or NFL.com, separate from YouTube TV | Regular season Sundays |
| Cable provider add-on (Comcast, Charter, Verizon Fios) | Varies by provider, often $5–$15/month | Through your cable provider's app or TV box | Regular season Sundays |
| Sling TV sports package (if available through YouTube TV) | Varies, typically $5–$15/month | Through YouTube TV's Memberships section | Regular season Sundays |
| YouTube TV base package | Included with YouTube TV subscription | YouTube TV app | Does not include RedZone |
Why YouTube TV does not carry RedZone
YouTube TV negotiates its channel lineup with networks and cable providers. NFL RedZone is owned by the NFL and distributed through cable providers as a premium add-on, not as part of standard cable packages. YouTube TV has chosen not to include RedZone in its base offering, and the NFL has not made it available as a YouTube TV add-on channel the way some other premium channels are.
This is not unusual—YouTube TV also does not carry some other premium sports channels like MLB Extra Innings or NBA League Pass as add-ons. The licensing agreements between YouTube TV, the NFL, and cable providers do not currently align to make RedZone available through YouTube TV's platform.
Checking if RedZone is available in your area
RedZone availability depends on your location and your internet service provider or cable provider. If you want to know whether your cable provider offers RedZone as an add-on, log into your provider's account online or call their customer service line. They can tell you the cost and whether it is currently available in your service area.
For NFL+ Premium, availability is nationwide—you can purchase it from anywhere in the United States. However, blackout rules may explore to certain games depending on your location and the teams playing. The NFL's website explains blackout rules in detail if you want to understand which games you can and cannot watch.
What to do if you want RedZone but do not want to pay extra
If you are not willing to pay for a separate RedZone subscription, your main option is to watch games through YouTube TV's existing channels. YouTube TV includes most major sports networks—ESPN, Fox, CBS, and NBC—which broadcast regular season games. You will not see the RedZone format of cutting between multiple games, but you will see complete games on these channels.
You can also check the NFL app to see which games are broadcast on which channels each week, then plan which game to watch through YouTube TV. Some games are exclusive to certain networks, so knowing the schedule in advance helps you decide whether a RedZone subscription is worth the cost for your viewing habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch RedZone on YouTube TV without paying extra?
No. YouTube TV does not include RedZone in its base package or as an add-on option. You must purchase RedZone through a separate service like NFL+ Premium, a cable provider, or Sling TV (if available in your region).
Is NFL+ Premium the same as YouTube TV?
No. NFL+ Premium is a separate subscription run by the NFL. You can have both YouTube TV and NFL+ Premium at the same time, and they do not interfere with each other. NFL+ Premium gives you RedZone access plus out-of-market game viewing on mobile devices.
Does RedZone work on the YouTube TV app?
RedZone does not appear in the YouTube TV app because YouTube TV does not carry the channel. If you subscribe to RedZone through NFL+ Premium or a cable provider, you watch it through the NFL app or your cable provider's app instead.
When is RedZone available?
RedZone airs only during the NFL regular season, typically from September through early January. It is not available during the preseason, playoffs, or Super Bowl. Games air on Sunday afternoons, usually from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time.
What if my cable provider does not offer RedZone?
If your cable provider does not carry RedZone, NFL+ Premium is your most direct option. You can purchase it directly from the NFL for around $14 per month during the season. Some smaller cable providers do not offer RedZone, so this subscription route is often the only way to access it.