How to Watch Monday Night Football on YouTube TV

YouTube TV carries Monday Night Football through ESPN

YouTube TV includes ESPN as part of its standard package, which means you can watch Monday Night Football games live without paying extra. ESPN holds the broadcast rights to Monday Night Football, so the game appears on that channel during the regular season and playoffs. You do not need a separate cable subscription or sports add-on — if you have YouTube TV, you already have access.

Games typically start at 8:15 p.m. Eastern time on Monday evenings during the NFL season, which runs from September through early January. YouTube TV's live guide will show the game listed under ESPN on the day it airs, and you can tune in from any device where you have YouTube TV installed.

Key Takeaways

Monday Night Football broadcasts on ESPN, which is included in YouTube TV's base package at no extra cost.
You can watch on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV.
YouTube TV's cloud DVR saves games automatically, so you can watch later if you miss the live broadcast.
If you are outside the United States, YouTube TV is not available, but ESPN may offer the game through other services in your country.

What devices work with YouTube TV for Monday Night Football

YouTube TV works on most modern devices. You can watch on your phone or tablet using the YouTube TV app for iOS or Android. On a computer, you can stream through a web browser at tv.youtube.com. For your television, YouTube TV is available on smart TV apps for Samsung, LG, Vizio, and other major brands, as well as on streaming devices including Roku, Apple TV (4th generation and newer), Amazon Fire TV, and Google Chromecast.

Before game day, read the YouTube TV app on the device you plan to use and sign in with your YouTube TV account. Test your internet connection — YouTube TV recommends at least 3 megabits per second for standard video quality and 35 megabits per second for 4K, though most Monday Night Football broadcasts stream in standard quality. If you are switching between devices, your account will remember where you left off, so you can start watching on your phone and pick up on your TV.

How to find and start watching the game

Open YouTube TV and look at the live guide. On Monday evenings during the NFL season, ESPN will show the Monday Night Football game in the schedule. You can search for "Monday Night Football" in the YouTube TV search bar, or scroll through the ESPN channel listing to find the game. Tap or click on the game title to open it, then select "Watch" to begin the live stream.

If the game has not started yet, YouTube TV will show a countdown timer and let you set a reminder. When the broadcast begins, the stream will start automatically if you have the reminder set, or you can return to the channel and start watching manually. The game will continue streaming live until the final whistle, and YouTube TV will not cut off the broadcast early even if the game runs past the scheduled end time.

Using YouTube TV's cloud DVR to watch later

YouTube TV automatically saves Monday Night Football games to your cloud DVR, which means you do not have to do anything to record them. The game will appear in your library under "Recordings" or "Your Library" (the exact label depends on your device) within a few minutes of the broadcast ending. You can watch the recording anytime within nine months, and you can fast-forward through commercials.

If you want to make sure a specific game is saved, you can add it to your library manually before it airs. Search for the game in the guide, tap the plus icon or "Add to Library" button, and YouTube TV will keep it. This is useful if you are unsure whether you will be home to watch live and want to may provide the game stays available.

What to do if you miss the live broadcast

If you cannot watch Monday Night Football live, YouTube TV stores the game in your cloud DVR for nine months. You can watch it on-demand anytime during that window without worrying about it disappearing. Fast-forward through commercials and pause whenever you need to — there are no restrictions on rewatching recorded games.

ESPN also posts highlights and full game replays on its website and app, though these may not be available when ready after the game ends. YouTube TV's DVR is usually your fastest option for watching the full broadcast after it airs. If you have a YouTube TV account, you already have access to the recording — there is no separate step to retrieve it.

Troubleshooting common streaming problems

If the game will not load or keeps stopping, check your internet connection first. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. If you are on Wi-Fi, move closer to the router or switch to a wired connection if possible. Restart the YouTube TV app or refresh the web browser, then try the stream again.

If you see a message that the game is not available in your region, you are likely outside the United States. YouTube TV only works within the U.S., and ESPN's streaming rights vary by country. Check whether ESPN or another local broadcaster has the game in your area. If you are traveling within the U.S. but the game still will not play, sign out of YouTube TV completely, wait a few minutes, and sign back in — this sometimes resets your location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay extra to watch Monday Night Football on YouTube TV?

No. Monday Night Football is included in YouTube TV's standard package. ESPN is part of the base channels, so there is no sports add-on or premium tier to purchase. You pay the same monthly fee whether you watch Monday Night Football or not.

Can I watch Monday Night Football on YouTube TV outside the United States?

YouTube TV is only available in the United States. If you are traveling abroad or live outside the U.S., you cannot use YouTube TV to watch the game. Check whether ESPN or another local broadcaster has the rights to Monday Night Football in your country.

What happens if the game runs past the scheduled end time?

YouTube TV will not cut off the broadcast. If Monday Night Football goes into overtime or runs longer than expected, the stream will continue until the game ends. Your cloud DVR will also record the entire game, including any extra time.

Can I watch Monday Night Football on YouTube TV if I share my account with someone else?

YouTube TV allows multiple people to watch on different devices at the same time, depending on your plan. Standard YouTube TV accounts allow three simultaneous streams. If someone else in your household is already watching a different channel, you can still watch Monday Night Football on another device as long as you have not reached the stream limit.

Will YouTube TV show commercials during Monday Night Football?

Yes. YouTube TV streams the game exactly as ESPN broadcasts it, including all commercials. You cannot skip commercials during the live broadcast, but if you watch the game later from your cloud DVR, you can fast-forward through them.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.