YouTube TV does not include NFL Network in its standard package

YouTube TV's base plan includes ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3, but not NFL Network. If you want to watch NFL Network programming — which carries live games, original shows, and analysis — you will need to add it as a separate paid add-on or use a different streaming service. The add-on costs extra per month on top of your YouTube TV subscription.

NFL Network is owned by the National Football League and operates independently from ESPN. YouTube TV negotiates its channel lineup separately with each network, and NFL Network has not been included in the standard bundle. This is different from some cable packages, where NFL Network may come standard depending on your provider and plan tier.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube TV's base plan includes ESPN channels but does not include NFL Network as a standard channel.
  • You can add NFL Network to YouTube TV as a paid add-on, though the monthly cost varies and should be confirmed on your account.
  • YouTube TV does carry live NFL games on ESPN, ABC, and other networks included in the base plan during the regular season.
  • If NFL Network is essential to your viewing, you may want to compare YouTube TV's total cost against other streaming services that bundle it differently.

What sports channels YouTube TV does include

YouTube TV's base plan comes with ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and ESPN News. You also get ABC, which broadcasts Monday Night Football during the NFL season. Fox and Fox Sports 1 are included, and both carry NFL games throughout the year. NBC and NBCSN are part of the package as well.

This means you can watch a significant portion of NFL games on YouTube TV without paying extra — Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime is separate, but Sunday and Monday night games, plus most afternoon slots, air on the channels YouTube TV includes. The limitation is that you miss NFL Network's exclusive content, which includes some live games, behind-the-scenes programming, and analysis shows that do not air elsewhere.

How to add NFL Network to YouTube TV

To add NFL Network, open the YouTube TV app or website and go to your account settings. Look for the section labeled "Memberships" or "Add-ons" — the exact name depends on whether you are on mobile, desktop, or a streaming device. Select the option to browse available add-ons.

NFL Network will appear in the list if it is currently offered in your region. Click to add it, and the monthly charge will be added to your next billing cycle. You can remove it at any time through the same menu, and the charge will stop on your next renewal date. YouTube TV does not charge a prorated amount if you add or remove it mid-month — the change takes effect on your next billing date.

Other ways to watch NFL Network

If you do not have YouTube TV, other streaming services handle NFL Network differently. Hulu + Live TV includes NFL Network in its base plan, as does YouTube TV's main competitor in the live TV space. Sling TV offers NFL Network as part of its Sling Orange + Blue package. Direct cable providers like Comcast, Charter, and AT&T also carry it, though availability depends on your specific plan.

The NFL also runs its own streaming service, NFL+, which offers live local and primetime games, but does not include NFL Network's cable programming. If you want NFL Network specifically, you are limited to cable, satellite, or live TV streaming services that have negotiated it into their package.

Why YouTube TV does not include NFL Network by default

Streaming services negotiate channel rights with networks based on cost and demand. NFL Network is expensive to license because it holds exclusive rights to certain games and original programming. YouTube TV likely determined that bundling it into the base plan would raise the price for all subscribers, so instead it offers it as an optional add-on for people who specifically want it.

This model lets YouTube TV keep its base price lower for viewers who do not care about NFL Network. It also gives the company flexibility — if licensing costs change or NFL Network's value shifts, YouTube TV can adjust the add-on price without changing the entire package. The same logic applies to other premium add-ons like HBO Max or Showtime on YouTube TV.

What to watch for when comparing streaming services

If NFL Network is important to you, calculate the total monthly cost before switching services. YouTube TV's base plan plus NFL Network add-on may cost more or less than Hulu + Live TV, which includes it standard. Factor in whether you use other channels in each service's package — if you rarely watch Hulu's on-demand content, the lower base price of YouTube TV might still win even with the add-on.

Also check whether the service streams games in 4K if that matters to you. YouTube TV offers 4K streaming for some sports, but availability varies by event. Read the fine print on each service's website about which games are available in 4K, because not all NFL Network content qualifies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch NFL games on YouTube TV without NFL Network?

Yes. YouTube TV includes ESPN, ABC, Fox, and NBC, which carry most NFL games during the regular season and playoffs. You only miss NFL Network's exclusive games and original programming. Most viewers can watch the games they want without adding NFL Network.

Does the NFL Network add-on cost the same every month?

The price can change, and YouTube TV adjusts add-on costs periodically. Check your account settings or contact YouTube TV support to see the current price before adding it. The charge will appear on your monthly bill alongside your base subscription.

Can I add NFL Network for just one month?

Yes. You can add NFL Network whenever you want and remove it whenever you want. The charge applies only to the months you have it active. If you add it mid-month, the charge takes effect on your next billing date, not when ready.

What is the difference between NFL Network and NFL+?

NFL Network is a cable channel that airs live games, analysis shows, and original programming. NFL+ is the league's own streaming service, which offers live local and primetime games but does not include the cable channel's shows. They are separate products with different content.

If I add NFL Network, will I see it in my channel guide right away?

Yes. Once you add the add-on, NFL Network appears in your channel guide and on-demand library within a few minutes. You can start watching when ready on any device where you are signed into YouTube TV.