YouTube TV carries most NFL games through its live sports channels
YouTube TV includes the channels that broadcast NFL games: CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN. These four networks show the majority of regular-season games each week. The specific games available depend on your location and which network has the broadcast rights that week. You watch them the same way you watch any other live program on YouTube TV — by opening the app or website, finding the channel, and tuning in at game time.
You need an active YouTube TV subscription to watch. YouTube TV is a paid streaming service that costs a monthly fee (the current price is available on YouTube TV's website). The service includes a free trial period, though the length varies. During the trial, you have full access to all channels and features, including live sports.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV carries CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN, which broadcast most NFL regular-season games throughout the year.
- You watch NFL games on YouTube TV the same way you watch any other live channel — by opening the app or website and selecting the network showing the game.
- Your location determines which games are available to you, because local broadcasts vary by market.
- YouTube TV's cloud DVR feature lets you record games to watch later, and the storage is included with your subscription.
- You can watch on multiple devices at once if your subscription plan allows it, though simultaneous streams are limited.
Finding NFL games on YouTube TV
Open the YouTube TV app on your device or go to the YouTube TV website. On the home screen, you will see a list of live channels and upcoming programs. Look for CBS, Fox, NBC, or ESPN — whichever network is broadcasting the game you want to watch. You can also search for the team name or "NFL" to find games quickly.
The easiest way is to check the NFL's official schedule before game day. The schedule shows which network broadcasts each game. Once you know the channel, open YouTube TV a few minutes before kickoff and select that channel. The game will start at the scheduled time.
Recording games to watch later
YouTube TV includes cloud DVR storage at no extra cost. This means you can record NFL games and watch them whenever you want, even if you miss the live broadcast. To record a game, find it in the upcoming schedule on YouTube TV, select it, and choose "Record" or "Add to Library." The system will automatically record the game when it airs.
Your recordings stay in your library for up to nine months. You can watch them as many times as you want during that period. This is useful if you want to avoid spoilers and watch a game on your own schedule, or if you want to rewatch a game after it airs.
Watching on different devices
YouTube TV works on phones, tablets, computers, and streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, and Fire TV. read the YouTube TV app on whichever device you want to use, sign in with your account, and you can watch when ready. The app is free — you only pay for the YouTube TV subscription itself.
Your subscription allows a certain number of simultaneous streams depending on your plan. Check your plan details on the YouTube TV website to see how many people can watch at the same time. If you reach the limit, one person will need to stop watching before another can start.
Understanding local and national broadcasts
The NFL broadcasts games in two ways: local and national. Local broadcasts show games involving teams in your region, and they air on CBS or Fox. National broadcasts show games of interest across the country, and they air on NBC, ESPN, or other networks. Your location determines which local games appear on your YouTube TV account.
If you want to watch a game that is not broadcast in your area, you may need to look for it on a different service. YouTube TV does not carry every game on every network — some games air only on specialty channels or streaming services that YouTube TV does not include. Check the NFL schedule to see which network has the broadcast rights for the game you want to watch.
Troubleshooting common problems
If you cannot find a game that should be on YouTube TV, first check that you are looking at the correct channel and time. Confirm the game time in your local time zone — the NFL schedule sometimes shows times in different zones. Refresh the YouTube TV app or website to make sure you are seeing the current schedule.
If the game is not showing up at all, it may not be broadcast in your area, or it may air on a channel YouTube TV does not carry. Check the official NFL schedule to see which network has the rights. If YouTube TV does not carry that network, you will need to find the game on another service or through the network's own app.
If you are having trouble signing in, make sure your subscription is active and your payment method is current. YouTube TV will send you a notice if your subscription is about to expire or if there is a payment problem. You can check your account status and payment information on the YouTube TV website under account settings.
What to expect during the NFL season
The NFL regular season runs from September through early January, with games on Thursday, Sunday, and Monday. Thursday Night Football airs on Amazon Prime Video, not YouTube TV, so you will not find those games on YouTube TV. Sunday games appear on CBS and Fox, and Monday Night Football appears on ESPN.
During the playoffs and Super Bowl, games air on CBS, Fox, NBC, and sometimes ESPN. YouTube TV carries all of these broadcasts. The Super Bowl airs on one of the major networks and is included with your subscription — you do not need to pay extra to watch it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a cable subscription to watch NFL games on YouTube TV?
No. YouTube TV is a standalone streaming service. You do not need cable or any other subscription to use it. You only need the YouTube TV subscription itself and an internet connection.
Can I watch NFL games on YouTube TV if I live outside the United States?
YouTube TV is only available in the United States. If you are outside the US, you cannot use YouTube TV. Check with local broadcasters or streaming services in your country to find where NFL games air in your region.
What happens if my internet cuts out during a game?
If your connection drops, the video will pause or stop. Once your internet is back, you can resume watching from where it stopped. If you want to watch the full game without interruption, you can record it and watch it later when your connection is stable.
Can I watch games on YouTube TV if I share my account with family?
Yes, but only the number of people allowed by your plan can watch at the same time. YouTube TV lets you set up separate profiles for family members so each person has their own watch history and recommendations. Check your plan details to see how many simultaneous streams you get.
Are there blackout restrictions on YouTube TV?
YouTube TV follows the same blackout rules as traditional television. Some games may be blacked out in certain areas due to local broadcast agreements. If a game is blacked out in your region, it will not appear on YouTube TV, even though the network that has the rights is available in your subscription.