Yes, YouTube TV carries the Super Bowl every year
YouTube TV includes the major broadcast networks that air the Super Bowl — CBS, NBC, and Fox rotate which network gets the game each year. If your YouTube TV subscription is active during Super Bowl Sunday, you can watch it live on whichever network is broadcasting that year's game. The channel will be in your regular lineup, and you do not need to pay extra or add a sports package.
The Super Bowl airs in primetime on Super Bowl Sunday, which falls in early February. Kickoff is typically around 6:30 p.m. Eastern time. YouTube TV's cloud DVR feature also records the game automatically if you want to watch it later, though the recording uses storage from your DVR library.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV includes CBS, NBC, and Fox, so you can watch whichever network broadcasts that year's Super Bowl without paying extra.
- The game airs live in primetime on Super Bowl Sunday in early February, and you can stream it on any device where you have YouTube TV installed.
- YouTube TV's cloud DVR records the game automatically, letting you watch it later if you cannot watch live.
- If your subscription lapses before Super Bowl Sunday, you will lose access to the broadcast networks that carry the game.
Which network carries the Super Bowl changes each year
The three major broadcast networks — CBS, NBC, and Fox — take turns airing the Super Bowl on a rotating schedule. CBS aired it in 2024, NBC will air it in 2025, and Fox will air it in 2026. YouTube TV carries all three networks as part of its standard package, so you will have access regardless of which network's turn it is.
The network that broadcasts the game also streams it on their own app or website, but you do not need to use those. YouTube TV's app and website let you watch the broadcast feed directly through your subscription, which is often simpler than logging into a separate network app.
How to find the Super Bowl on YouTube TV
On Super Bowl Sunday, open YouTube TV and look for the game in your live guide. It will appear under the network that is broadcasting it that year — search for "Super Bowl" in the guide or browse the channel for that network. You can also set a reminder so YouTube TV alerts you when the broadcast is about to start.
If you want to watch on a different device — a phone, tablet, or computer instead of your TV — log into YouTube TV on that device and select the same channel. Your YouTube TV account works across all your devices, so you can start watching on one and pick up on another without losing your place.
Cloud DVR records the game if you cannot watch live
YouTube TV's cloud DVR feature automatically records programs on the channels you subscribe to. The Super Bowl will be recorded to your DVR library, and you can watch it anytime after the broadcast ends. This means you can avoid spoilers and watch on your own schedule without paying anything extra.
Your DVR storage is shared across all the shows and games you record. YouTube TV does not limit how many programs you can record, but older recordings may be deleted after a certain period if you run low on space. The Super Bowl recording will stay in your library as long as you want it, unless you manually delete it.
What happens if your subscription is not active on game day
If your YouTube TV subscription has been cancelled or paused before Super Bowl Sunday, you will not be able to watch the broadcast. The major networks that carry the Super Bowl are only included in an active YouTube TV subscription. You would need to reactivate your account before the game to regain access.
If you are thinking about cancelling before the Super Bowl, keep your subscription active through that date if you want to watch. YouTube TV does not offer a way to purchase just the Super Bowl game without a full subscription.
Other ways to watch if you do not have YouTube TV
The network broadcasting the Super Bowl streams it free on their own app or website — CBS, NBC, and Fox all offer free streaming of the game to anyone with a cable or streaming TV login. If you have a YouTube TV subscription through a family member's account, you can use their login to watch on the network's app.
Some bars, restaurants, and sports venues show the Super Bowl on large screens. If you want to watch with others or do not have a TV at home, that is another option. The game is also sometimes available through other streaming services that carry the broadcast networks, though YouTube TV is one of the most straightforward ways to access it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a sports package to watch the Super Bowl on YouTube TV?
No. The Super Bowl is broadcast on CBS, NBC, or Fox depending on the year, and all three networks are included in YouTube TV's standard subscription. You do not need to pay extra or add any optional package.
Can I watch the Super Bowl on YouTube TV if I am traveling?
Yes, as long as you are in the United States. Log into your YouTube TV account on any device and select the broadcast network. YouTube TV's streaming works the same way whether you are at home or away, as long as you have an internet connection.
Will the Super Bowl be in 4K on YouTube TV?
YouTube TV does not currently offer 4K streaming for live broadcasts, including the Super Bowl. The game will stream in standard HD quality. Some network apps offer 4K streaming of the game if you log in through them instead.
Can I watch the Super Bowl halftime show on YouTube TV?
Yes. The halftime show is part of the broadcast, so you will see it when you watch the game on YouTube TV. It airs between the second and third quarters and is included in the same live stream.
What if the Super Bowl goes into overtime?
YouTube TV will continue streaming the game for as long as it takes. There is no time limit on the broadcast, so you can watch the entire game including any overtime periods without the stream cutting off.