YouTube TV does not carry NFL RedZone as a standalone channel
YouTube TV's sports lineup does not include NFL RedZone, the channel that shows live coverage of every NFL game on Sunday afternoons during the regular season. If you want to watch RedZone through YouTube TV, you cannot — the service does not offer it as part of its base package or as an add-on.
This is a real limitation if RedZone is important to you. The channel airs only during the NFL regular season (roughly September through early January) and shows every touchdown, field goal, and turnover from all games happening at the same time, cutting between them as plays develop. It is the only way to watch all the action at once without flipping between individual game broadcasts.
YouTube TV does carry the channels that broadcast full NFL games — CBS, Fox, and ESPN — so you can watch individual matchups. But if you want the RedZone experience, you will need a different service or a separate subscription.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV does not offer NFL RedZone through its standard package or as an add-on channel.
- NFL RedZone is available through other streaming services, including Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV's parent company Google's own YouTube Premium tier in some cases.
- YouTube TV does carry CBS, Fox, and ESPN, so you can watch individual NFL games on those networks.
- RedZone only broadcasts during the NFL regular season on Sunday afternoons, not during preseason or playoffs.
Where you can actually watch NFL RedZone
Sling TV includes NFL RedZone in its Orange + Blue package, which costs less than YouTube TV's base price. This is the most affordable option if RedZone is your main reason for subscribing. The trade-off is that Sling TV carries fewer total channels than YouTube TV, so you should check whether it has the other networks you watch regularly.
Hulu + Live TV includes NFL RedZone in its standard package. This service also carries more channels overall than YouTube TV and includes access to Hulu's on-demand library and Disney+, though it costs more per month. If you already use Hulu, adding live TV might be worth the price difference.
YouTube Premium (the ad-free version of YouTube itself, not YouTube TV) sometimes offers RedZone access during the NFL season, though this varies by year and region. Check the YouTube Premium page directly during football season to see whether it is included in your area.
You can also watch RedZone through the NFL+ app or website if you have a cable or satellite subscription that includes it. Some cable providers bundle it with their sports packages, so if you still have cable, call your provider to ask whether RedZone is available to you.
Why YouTube TV does not carry RedZone
NFL RedZone is owned by the NFL itself and sold separately from regular broadcast rights. YouTube TV negotiates with networks for their channels, but RedZone requires a separate deal with the league. YouTube TV's parent company, Google, has chosen not to include it in the service's channel lineup, likely because of cost or because the service targets a broader audience than just football fans.
This is not unusual — many streaming services make different choices about which premium channels to include. Some prioritize sports, others focus on entertainment or news. YouTube TV's strategy has been to offer a broad range of channels at a competitive price rather than to chase every single premium add-on.
What NFL games you can watch on YouTube TV
YouTube TV carries the main networks that broadcast NFL games: CBS, Fox, ESPN, and NBC. During the regular season, you can watch most Sunday afternoon games on CBS and Fox, Sunday and Monday night games on ESPN, and Thursday night games on NBC. You will miss some games that air on specialty channels or streaming services, but the majority of matchups are available.
The service also includes NFL Network in some markets, which shows some games and analysis. Check your specific YouTube TV package to see which channels are available in your area, since the lineup varies slightly by location.
Comparing RedZone options side by side
| Service | Includes RedZone | Base Price (approx.) | Other Sports Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | No | $73/month | CBS, Fox, ESPN, NBC, NFL Network (some areas) |
| Sling TV (Orange + Blue) | Yes | $60/month | ESPN, Fox, NBC; fewer total channels |
| Hulu + Live TV | Yes | $77/month | CBS, Fox, ESPN, NBC, NFL Network |
| YouTube Premium | Sometimes (seasonal) | $14/month | None; YouTube only |
Prices and channel lineups change regularly, so check each service's current offerings before you switch. If you only want RedZone and do not care about other channels, Sling TV is usually the cheapest route. If you want RedZone plus a full sports lineup, Hulu + Live TV offers more channels overall, though at a higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add RedZone to YouTube TV for an extra fee?
No. YouTube TV does not offer RedZone as an add-on or premium channel. You cannot pay extra to get it through YouTube TV — you would need to switch to a different service or subscribe to a separate option like NFL+ if your cable provider supports it.
Does YouTube TV have any RedZone alternative?
Not exactly. YouTube TV carries the individual game broadcasts on CBS, Fox, ESPN, and NBC, so you can watch most Sunday games. But there is no feature that combines all games into one feed the way RedZone does. You would have to switch channels manually to see different games.
If I switch to Sling TV for RedZone, will I lose the channels I watch on YouTube TV?
Possibly. Sling TV carries fewer total channels than YouTube TV, so check Sling's channel list against the networks you watch regularly. You might find you need both services, or you might find Sling has everything you need. Compare the lineups before you cancel YouTube TV.
Does RedZone air during the NFL playoffs?
No. RedZone only broadcasts during the regular season on Sunday afternoons. Playoff games air on the main networks (CBS, Fox, ESPN, NBC) and are available on YouTube TV, but there is no RedZone coverage for playoff or Super Bowl games.
Can I watch RedZone on my phone with YouTube TV?
Only if you subscribe to a service that includes it. YouTube TV itself does not carry RedZone on any device — phone, tablet, or TV. If you want RedZone on your phone, you would need to use Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, or the NFL+ app with a cable subscription.