Where to Watch MNF If You Cancel YouTube TV
Monday Night Football moved to ESPN in 2022, which means you can watch it through ESPN+, the ESPN app on cable, or through a live TV streaming service other than YouTube TV. The simplest route depends on whether you already pay for cable or a streaming bundle—ESPN+ alone costs $11.99 per month, while services like Hulu + Live TV or Sling TV include ESPN as part of a larger package.
If you have cable at home, you can stream MNF through the ESPN app using your cable login. If you don't have cable, ESPN+ is the cheapest single option, though it requires an active internet connection and works only on devices the ESPN app supports. Some games also air on ABC, which you can watch free with an antenna if you live in a broadcast area.
The catch: not every Monday Night Football game streams on ESPN+. Games that air on ABC are usually not included in the ESPN+ subscription, so you'll need either cable, an antenna, or a live TV streaming service to catch those broadcasts.
Key Takeaways
- ESPN+ costs $11.99 per month and includes most Monday Night Football games, but not those broadcast on ABC.
- If you have cable, you can stream any MNF game through the ESPN app using your cable login at no extra cost.
- Games that air on ABC can be watched free with a digital antenna or through a live TV streaming service like Hulu + Live TV or Sling TV.
- Bundling ESPN+ with Hulu and Disney+ costs $14.99 per month and may be cheaper than buying each service separately.
ESPN+ for Most Monday Night Games
ESPN+ carries the majority of Monday Night Football games each season. The subscription costs $11.99 per month on its own, or $14.99 per month as part of the Disney Bundle, which also includes Hulu (with ads) and Disney+. You can watch on phones, tablets, computers, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation, Xbox, and some Samsung smart TVs.
To watch, read the ESPN app, sign in with your ESPN+ account, and navigate to the MNF game during the broadcast window. Games typically start at 8:15 p.m. ET on Mondays. The app lets you pause, rewind, and watch on-demand after the game ends, though the on-demand window varies by game.
The main limitation is that ESPN+ does not include games broadcast on ABC. Those games air free over the air and through cable, but ESPN+ subscribers must use a different method to watch them.
Using Cable or a Cable Login
If you have a cable subscription that includes ESPN, you can stream any Monday Night Football game—whether it airs on ESPN or ABC—through the ESPN app. Sign in with your cable provider credentials, and the app will unlock all games at no extra charge.
This works even if you don't watch cable through a traditional box. Many cable providers let you stream through their own apps (Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, AT&T U-verse) or through the ESPN app itself. Check your cable bill to confirm ESPN is included in your package; it's standard on most plans but not all.
If you're considering cutting cable entirely, this option only works as long as you keep the subscription. Once you cancel, you lose access to the cable login.
ABC Games and Free Over-the-Air Broadcasts
Some Monday Night Football games air on ABC instead of ESPN. These games are broadcast free over the air, meaning you can watch them with a digital antenna if you live in a coverage area. ABC is a major network, so most people in cities and suburbs can pick it up with an antenna that costs $20 to $60.
To learn about ABC broadcasts reach your address, use the FCC's TV reception map at fcc.gov/media/engineering/television or check a tool like AntennaWeb.org. Plug in your zip code, and the tool will show which channels broadcast in your area and what antenna type you need.
ABC games also stream free through the ABC app or ABC.com if you have a cable login. Without cable, an antenna is your free option.
Live TV Streaming Services That Include ESPN
If you want ESPN plus other channels and don't have cable, a live TV streaming service is an alternative to ESPN+ alone. Hulu + Live TV costs $76.99 per month and includes ESPN, ABC, and over 90 other channels. Sling TV costs $39.99 per month for the Orange plan, which includes ESPN, or $54.99 per month for Orange + Blue, which adds more channels including ABC.
These services let you stream live and record games to watch later. Both offer free trials (usually 3 to 7 days), so you can test the interface before committing. Hulu + Live TV includes the full Hulu on-demand library, while Sling TV does not.
The trade-off is cost: Hulu + Live TV is more expensive than ESPN+ alone, but it covers all MNF broadcasts plus gives you access to hundreds of other channels. Sling TV's Orange plan is cheaper but includes fewer channels overall.
Comparing Your Options by Cost and Coverage
| Option | Monthly Cost | Covers All MNF Games | Other Channels Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESPN+ only | $11.99 | No (not ABC games) | None |
| Disney Bundle (ESPN+, Hulu, Disney+) | $14.99 | No (not ABC games) | Hulu, Disney+ |
| Cable with ESPN | Varies (typically $80–$150) | Yes | Hundreds |
| Sling TV Orange | $39.99 | No (not ABC games) | 30+ channels |
| Sling TV Orange + Blue | $54.99 | Yes | 50+ channels |
| Hulu + Live TV | $76.99 | Yes | 90+ channels plus Hulu on-demand |
| Digital antenna (one-time) | $20–$60 | No (only ABC games) | All broadcast networks |
Checking Which Games Air on ESPN vs. ABC Each Week
The NFL schedule shows which network carries each Monday Night Football game. Visit NFL.com, search for the schedule, and look at the broadcast column for each week. Games marked "ESPN" stream on ESPN+, while games marked "ABC" require cable, an antenna, or a live TV service.
ESPN and the NFL announce the full schedule in May each year, so you can plan ahead. Some games are flexed to different networks late in the season, so check the current week's schedule a few days before game day to confirm where your game airs.
The ESPN app and Sling TV both show upcoming games and their broadcast networks, so you can see at a glance which option you need for each week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Monday Night Football on my phone with ESPN+?
Yes. read the ESPN app on iOS or Android, sign in with your ESPN+ account, and stream any game that airs on ESPN. ABC games are not included, so you'll need cable, an antenna, or a live TV service for those broadcasts.
Do I need ESPN+ if I have cable?
No. If your cable plan includes ESPN, you can stream all Monday Night Football games through the ESPN app using your cable login. ESPN+ is only necessary if you don't have cable or want to watch on a device your cable provider's app doesn't support.
What's the cheapest way to watch all Monday Night Football games?
Sling TV Orange + Blue at $54.99 per month covers all games because it includes both ESPN and ABC. If you only care about ESPN games and can skip ABC broadcasts, ESPN+ at $11.99 per month is cheaper. A digital antenna ($20–$60 one-time) covers only ABC games, so it's not a complete solution on its own.
Can I watch Monday Night Football games on demand after they air?
Yes, on ESPN+. Games are usually available to rewatch for several days after broadcast. Cable logins and live TV services also offer on-demand replays, though the window varies by provider. Check the app a few hours after the game ends to see if it's available.
Will I lose access to MNF if I cancel YouTube TV?
Yes, you'll lose access through YouTube TV's app. You'll need to switch to one of the other options listed here—ESPN+, cable, an antenna, or another live TV service—to keep watching Monday Night Football.