You can buy Sunday Ticket directly from the NFL or through other TV providers, without using YouTube TV
Sunday Ticket is sold in three ways: through YouTube TV, directly from the NFL's website, or through traditional cable and satellite providers like DirecTV. If you don't want YouTube TV, you can purchase Sunday Ticket on its own from NFL.com or check whether your current TV provider carries it. The NFL also offers a less expensive version called Sunday Ticket U for college students, which has the same games but costs less.
The main trade-off is price and what else you get. YouTube TV bundles Sunday Ticket with a full cable-replacement service, so you pay more upfront but get local channels, sports networks, and on-demand content. Buying Sunday Ticket separately from the NFL costs less per month but gives you only the Sunday games — no other channels. Your choice depends on whether you want those other channels and how much you're willing to spend.
Key Takeaways
- You can purchase Sunday Ticket directly from NFL.com without subscribing to YouTube TV or any other streaming service.
- Some cable and satellite providers including DirecTV still offer Sunday Ticket as an add-on to their existing packages.
- Sunday Ticket U is a discounted option for college students that includes the same games at a lower monthly cost.
- Buying Sunday Ticket separately costs less per month than YouTube TV's bundle, but you won't receive local channels or other sports networks.
- You can watch on phones, tablets, computers, and some smart TVs through the NFL+ app or your provider's app.
Buying Sunday Ticket Directly From the NFL
The simplest route is to go to NFL.com and purchase Sunday Ticket as a standalone product. You create an NFL account, choose your subscription length (monthly or full season), and pay the current price. The NFL charges by the month, so you can start in September and stop whenever you want — you're not locked into a year-long contract.
Once you've paid, you watch through the NFL+ app on your phone, tablet, or computer. Some smart TVs support the app directly; for others, you can cast or mirror from your phone. You'll need a strong internet connection — the NFL recommends at least 8 Mbps for HD streaming. Sunday games are broadcast live, and you can also watch replays on demand later in the week.
The main limitation is that you get only the Sunday games. You won't have access to Monday Night Football, Thursday Night Football, or any local broadcast channels. If those matter to you, you'll need a separate subscription to another service or a traditional TV provider.
Getting Sunday Ticket Through Cable or Satellite Providers
DirecTV and some regional cable companies still sell Sunday Ticket as an add-on to their existing TV packages. If you already subscribe to one of these providers, you can contact them and ask about adding Sunday Ticket to your bill. The price and terms vary by provider, so call and ask what they charge and whether there are any promotional rates available.
The advantage here is that you're adding to a service you already use, so billing is straightforward and you can manage everything through one account. The disadvantage is that these providers typically require a contract or a commitment period, whereas the NFL's direct purchase is month-to-month. Also, not all cable and satellite companies carry Sunday Ticket anymore — availability has shrunk since the NFL moved the primary package to YouTube TV.
Before you call, check your provider's website to confirm they still offer it. Some regional carriers have dropped it, so you may find out quickly that it's not available in your area.
Sunday Ticket U for College Students
If you're enrolled at a four-year college or university, you can purchase Sunday Ticket U directly from NFL.com at a reduced price. You'll need to verify your student status through SheerID, a third-party verification service. The process takes a few minutes — you provide your school name and student email, and SheerID confirms your enrollment.
Sunday Ticket U includes all the same games as the regular package, so you're not missing any content. The main difference is the price: it costs significantly less per month than the standard Sunday Ticket. If you graduate or leave school, your access ends, so this option works only while you're actively enrolled.
You watch through the same NFL+ app as the regular package, on the same devices. The streaming quality and replay availability are identical.
What Devices You Can Use to Watch
Once you've purchased Sunday Ticket from the NFL, you can watch on most devices through the NFL+ app. This includes iPhones, iPads, Android phones and tablets, and computers running Windows or Mac. You can also watch on some smart TVs that have the NFL+ app built in, including Samsung, LG, and Roku devices.
If your TV doesn't have the app, you can cast from your phone using Chromecast, or mirror your computer screen using AirPlay (for Apple devices) or Miracast (for Windows). The casting and mirroring options work well for most home internet setups, though a weak Wi-Fi signal can cause buffering or dropped connections.
You can watch on multiple devices at the same time with one account, so you could have the game on your TV while someone else watches on a phone in another room. However, the NFL limits simultaneous streams in some cases, so check their current terms when you sign up.
Comparing Cost and What You Get
| Option | What's Included | Contract | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Sunday Ticket (direct) | Sunday games only | Month-to-month | Fans who want only Sunday games and flexibility |
| Sunday Ticket U | Sunday games only (discounted) | Month-to-month | College students |
| YouTube TV + Sunday Ticket | Sunday games plus 70+ channels | Month-to-month | Fans who want other sports and local channels |
| Cable/satellite + Sunday Ticket add-on | Sunday games plus existing package | Usually 12+ months | People already using that provider |
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
If you're having trouble logging in, make sure you're using the same email address and password you created when you set up your NFL account. If you've forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on NFL.com to reset it. This usually takes a few minutes, and you'll receive a reset link by email.
If the stream is buffering or freezing, the problem is usually your internet connection. Check your Wi-Fi speed using a free tool like Speedtest.net — you need at least 8 Mbps for HD. If you're getting less, try moving closer to your router, restarting your router, or switching to a wired connection if your device supports it. If you're casting to a TV, make sure your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
If you're not seeing a game you expected, double-check the game schedule on NFL.com. Not all games are broadcast on Sunday Ticket — some are exclusive to other networks like CBS, Fox, or ESPN. The NFL's schedule page shows which network carries each game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch games on my TV if I don't have a smart TV?
Yes. You can cast from your phone using Chromecast, mirror from a computer, or connect a streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, or Fire Stick to your TV and read the NFL+ app on that device. Any of these methods will let you watch on a regular TV.
What happens if I cancel my subscription mid-season?
You can cancel anytime with no penalty. Your access ends when ready, so you won't be able to watch future games, but you won't be charged for the following month. If you want to resubscribe later, you can do so at any time.
Do I need cable internet to watch Sunday Ticket?
No. You need any internet connection fast enough to stream video — cable, fiber, DSL, or even a strong mobile hotspot will work. The NFL recommends at least 8 Mbps for HD quality.
Can I watch games on my phone while traveling?
Yes, as long as you have an internet connection. You can use mobile data, Wi-Fi at a hotel, or a hotspot. The NFL+ app works anywhere you have internet access.
Is there a free trial for Sunday Ticket?
The NFL occasionally offers promotional trials or discounts, especially at the start of the season. Check NFL.com for current offers before you sign up. These promotions change year to year, so there's no may provide one will be available.