YouTube TV doesn't carry every NFL game because of how broadcast rights are split
The Dallas Cowboys play on multiple networks depending on the week—CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN—and YouTube TV carries some of those channels but not all of them in every market. If a Cowboys game isn't showing up on your YouTube TV guide, the most common reason is that the game is airing on a channel you don't have access to through your subscription, or it's on a channel that YouTube TV doesn't carry at all.
The NFL sells broadcast rights separately to different networks. YouTube TV includes CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN in most markets, which covers most regular-season Cowboys games. But some games air on cable channels like NFL Network or regional sports networks that YouTube TV does not carry. Thursday Night Football games on Amazon Prime Video also won't appear on YouTube TV because Amazon has exclusive rights to that time slot.
Key Takeaways
- Cowboys games air on CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, NFL Network, or Amazon Prime Video depending on the week, and YouTube TV does not carry all of these channels.
- Your YouTube TV subscription includes CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN in most markets, but NFL Network and regional sports channels are not part of the standard package.
- Thursday Night Football games are exclusive to Amazon Prime Video and will never appear on YouTube TV.
- Checking the NFL schedule in advance tells you which network will broadcast each game so you can plan where to watch.
Which networks YouTube TV actually carries
YouTube TV's base package includes the four major broadcast networks: CBS, Fox, NBC, and ABC. It also includes ESPN. These five channels cover the majority of Cowboys games during the regular season. If a game is scheduled on any of these networks, it should appear in your YouTube TV guide on game day.
YouTube TV does not carry NFL Network, which broadcasts some Monday night games and exclusive content. It also does not carry regional sports networks or cable channels that sometimes show games. The exact list of channels available to you depends on your location—some markets have more regional options than others—but NFL Network is not available anywhere on YouTube TV.
How to find out which network will show the game
The easiest way to know in advance is to check the official NFL schedule on NFL.com. The schedule lists every Cowboys game with the broadcast network clearly marked. You can also check the Cowboys' official website or your YouTube TV guide itself—if the game appears there, it's on a channel you have.
If you see a game is on NFL Network or a channel you don't recognize, search that channel name on YouTube TV's channel list. If it doesn't appear, that network is not part of your subscription. Some games on regional networks may only be available in certain states, so your location matters too.
When the game is on a channel you don't have
If the Cowboys game is on NFL Network, your options are to subscribe to NFL+ (which streams some games), watch through the NFL's official app if you have cable login credentials, or find another way to watch. Some games on NFL Network are also available through the network's website if you have a cable or satellite subscription.
If the game is on a regional sports network, it may only be available through that network's streaming app or website, or through a cable provider. YouTube TV does not offer add-on packages for these channels, so you would need to use a different service or provider for that specific game.
Thursday Night Football and Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video has exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football, which means no other streaming service or cable channel carries these games. If the Cowboys are playing on Thursday night, you must watch through Amazon Prime Video (with a Prime membership) or through the NFL+ Premium subscription, which includes Thursday games.
This is a permanent arrangement, not something that changes week to week. YouTube TV cannot add Thursday Night Football to its lineup because Amazon owns the exclusive broadcast rights.
Checking your YouTube TV settings and location
YouTube TV's channel lineup varies slightly by location. If you recently moved or are traveling, your available channels may have changed. You can check which channels are available in your area by going to your YouTube TV account settings and looking at the channel list.
If a game should be on a channel you have but still doesn't appear in your guide, try refreshing the YouTube TV app or clearing your browser cache. Occasionally the guide takes a few hours to update on game day. If the problem persists, contact YouTube TV support—they can confirm which channels are active on your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add NFL Network to my YouTube TV subscription?
No. YouTube TV does not offer NFL Network as an add-on or separate package. If you need NFL Network, you would need to use a different streaming service or cable provider that carries it.
Will YouTube TV ever carry Thursday Night Football?
Not while Amazon Prime Video holds the exclusive rights. Amazon signed a multi-year deal with the NFL for Thursday games, so YouTube TV cannot broadcast them.
What if the game is blacked out in my area?
Local blackout rules are set by the NFL and the teams, not by YouTube TV. If a game is blacked out, it won't appear on any local broadcast option, including YouTube TV. Out-of-market games are sometimes available through NFL+ or the NFL app with a cable login.
Can I watch Cowboys games on YouTube TV while traveling?
YouTube TV works in most places within the United States. If you travel outside the US, you may lose access to live sports. Some games may be available through the NFL app or NFL+ depending on where you are.
Is there a way to watch every Cowboys game with one subscription?
No single service carries every game. To watch all Cowboys games, you would need YouTube TV (for CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN games), Amazon Prime Video (for Thursday games), and either NFL+ Premium or a cable login for NFL Network games.