Redzone is not a standard channel on YouTube TV's base package, but availability depends on which sports bundle you choose
YouTube TV does not include NFL Redzone in its standard lineup. However, the channel is available through YouTube TV's Sports Plus add-on, which costs extra per month beyond your base subscription. Sports Plus bundles together several sports channels that are not in the main package, and Redzone is one of them.
Whether you can add Sports Plus depends on your location and which YouTube TV plan you have. The add-on is available in most U.S. markets, but YouTube TV's offerings vary by region. You can check what add-ons are available to you by logging into your account and looking at the add-ons section, or by visiting YouTube TV's website and entering your zip code.
Key Takeaways
- NFL Redzone requires YouTube TV's Sports Plus add-on and is not included in the base package.
- Sports Plus costs extra per month and bundles Redzone with other sports channels like MLB Network and NBA TV.
- Availability of Sports Plus varies by location, so you should check your specific area before assuming you can add it.
- You can view what add-ons are available to you by logging into your YouTube TV account or checking the website with your zip code.
What channels come with Sports Plus
Sports Plus includes more than just Redzone. The bundle typically contains NFL Redzone, MLB Network, NBA TV, NHL Network, and sometimes regional sports networks depending on where you live. The exact lineup can shift, so checking your account is the most reliable way to see what you would get.
If you are mainly interested in Redzone for football season, keep in mind that the channel only broadcasts during the NFL regular season and playoffs. Outside those months, you are paying for the other channels in the bundle. Some viewers add Sports Plus only during football season and remove it afterward to lower their monthly cost.
How to add Sports Plus to your YouTube TV account
Log into your YouTube TV account on any device. Go to the Settings menu, then select "Memberships and purchases" or "Add-ons," depending on which version of the app you are using. You should see Sports Plus listed among available add-ons. Select it, confirm the monthly charge, and it will be added to your next billing cycle.
The add-on usually activates within a few minutes, though it can take up to an hour in some cases. Once it is active, you can find Redzone in the channel guide or search for it by name. If Sports Plus does not appear as an option in your account, it means it is not available in your area.
What to do if Sports Plus is not available in your area
If you cannot find Sports Plus in your add-ons menu, YouTube TV does not currently offer it in your region. This can happen in areas with existing regional sports agreements or in markets where YouTube TV has limited add-on availability.
Your alternatives are to check whether other streaming services in your area carry Redzone, or to contact YouTube TV support to ask whether Sports Plus availability is planned for your location. Some viewers also use the NFL's own streaming service or cable providers' apps if they have a cable subscription, as Redzone is sometimes bundled differently through those platforms.
Redzone during football season versus off-season
NFL Redzone only broadcasts during the NFL regular season and playoffs, typically from September through early February. During the off-season, the channel either goes dark or shows reruns and NFL-related programming, depending on the time of year.
If you add Sports Plus specifically to watch Redzone, you may want to remove it during the off-season to avoid paying for a channel you cannot use. You can add and remove add-ons as often as you want, and the change takes effect at the start of your next billing cycle. Just keep in mind that if you remove it mid-month, you will not receive a refund for that month.
Comparing Sports Plus to other streaming options
YouTube TV is not the only way to watch Redzone. The NFL's own streaming service, NFL+, offers Redzone as part of its premium tier in some markets. Cable providers and other streaming services like Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV may also carry it, though availability and pricing vary.
If you are trying to decide whether Sports Plus is worth the cost, compare it against what else you watch on YouTube TV and whether the other channels in the bundle interest you. If you only want Redzone and do not watch the other sports channels, a different service might be more economical for you during football season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Redzone without paying for Sports Plus?
No. Redzone is only available through the Sports Plus add-on on YouTube TV. There is no way to add just Redzone without subscribing to the full Sports Plus bundle.
Does Sports Plus work on all YouTube TV devices?
Yes. Once you add Sports Plus to your account, you can watch it on any device where you use YouTube TV, including phones, tablets, computers, and streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV.
What happens to my Sports Plus subscription if I pause my YouTube TV account?
If you pause your YouTube TV membership, your add-ons pause as well, and you will not be charged for them. When you resume your YouTube TV account, you can choose whether to resume Sports Plus or remove it.
Can I get a refund if I add Sports Plus and then change my mind?
YouTube TV does not refund partial months. If you add Sports Plus mid-month, you will be charged for the full month. You can remove it at any time, and the removal takes effect at the start of your next billing cycle.
Is Redzone available in 4K on YouTube TV?
Redzone availability in 4K depends on YouTube TV's current offerings and your plan. Check your account settings or contact YouTube TV support to see whether 4K streaming is available for Sports Plus channels in your area.