YouTube TV's Sports Channel Lineup
YouTube TV includes ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU as part of its standard package. You do not need to pay extra or add a sports tier — these channels come with any YouTube TV membership. The service also carries regional sports networks in some markets, though availability depends on where you live.
Beyond ESPN, YouTube TV carries other major sports channels including Fox Sports 1, FS2, MLB Network, NBA TV, NFL Network, NHL Network, and Pac-12 Network in western states. Golf Channel, Tennis Channel, and Outdoor Channel are also included. The exact lineup can shift when YouTube TV negotiates new contracts with networks, so checking your local channel list in the YouTube TV app shows what is available in your zip code.
Key Takeaways
- ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU are included in YouTube TV's base membership at no extra cost.
- Regional sports networks that carry local team games are available in some markets but not others, so you should check your specific location before signing up.
- YouTube TV's sports channel list can change when contracts renew, so the channels available today may differ from those available next year.
- You can watch live games, replays, and sports news on the same login across phones, tablets, computers, and compatible streaming devices.
How to Find Your Local Sports Channels on YouTube TV
Before you sign up, visit youtube.com/tv and enter your zip code into the channel checker. This tool shows exactly which channels are available in your area, including regional sports networks that carry your local teams. The list varies significantly by location — a viewer in New York sees different regional channels than someone in Los Angeles.
Once you have a YouTube TV account, open the YouTube TV app and go to the Home tab. Scroll down to see all available channels, or use the search function to look for a specific team or sport. You can also add channels to your favorites so they appear at the top of your list for quick access on game days.
What Sports Events You Can Watch Live
YouTube TV carries live broadcasts of most major league games — NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college football, and college basketball — because these sports air on the channels included in the service. However, some games are exclusive to other platforms. For example, certain NFL games air only on Amazon Prime Video or ESPN+, and some NBA games stream only on NBA League Pass.
The best way to know whether a specific game is on YouTube TV is to search for the team or game in the app a few days before it airs. YouTube TV will show you which channel carries it, or tell you it is not available on the service. This saves you from discovering too late that the game you wanted to watch is on a platform you do not have.
Regional Sports Networks and Local Team Coverage
YouTube TV's availability of regional sports networks — the channels that show your local team's regular season games — depends entirely on your location. In some cities, YouTube TV carries the regional network that broadcasts your team. In others, that network is only on cable or a different streaming service.
This is the most important thing to check before signing up. If you primarily want to watch your local baseball, basketball, or hockey team, search for that team's name in the YouTube TV channel checker for your zip code. If the regional network does not appear, you may need to look at other options like cable, a different streaming service, or the league's own streaming platform.
Comparing YouTube TV to Other Sports Streaming Options
YouTube TV is one way to watch sports, but it is not the only way. Cable and satellite still carry the widest range of regional sports networks, though they cost more and require a contract. Streaming services like Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV also carry ESPN and other sports channels, with different regional network availability depending on your location.
Some sports leagues run their own streaming services — the NFL has NFL+, the NBA has NBA League Pass, and MLB has MLB.TV. These services show out-of-market games but often black out local games to protect regional network contracts. YouTube TV is best if you want a broad mix of live sports without subscribing to multiple services, but if you follow one team closely, checking what carries your local broadcasts is essential before choosing any service.
Recording and Rewatching Sports on YouTube TV
YouTube TV includes unlimited cloud storage for recordings at no extra charge. You can record entire games, series, or specific teams, and the recordings stay in your library for up to nine months. This is useful if you cannot watch a game live — you can record it and watch later without spoilers.
To record a game, find it in the YouTube TV guide and select the record button. You can also set up a series recording so every game for a team or sport is automatically recorded. Access your recordings from the Library tab in the app, and you can watch them on any device where you are signed into YouTube TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does YouTube TV have ESPN+?
No. YouTube TV includes the linear ESPN channels (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU) but not ESPN+, which is Disney's separate streaming service. ESPN+ shows some exclusive games and original shows, but you would need to subscribe to it separately if you want that content.
Can I watch college football and basketball on YouTube TV?
Yes. College football and basketball games air on ESPN, Fox, CBS, and other channels included in YouTube TV. However, some games are exclusive to ESPN+ or conference-specific streaming services, so not every game is on YouTube TV.
What if my regional sports network is not available in my area on YouTube TV?
Check the YouTube TV channel list for your zip code before signing up. If your regional network is not there, you can contact YouTube TV support to ask about future availability, but there is no may provide it will be added. You may need to use cable, a different streaming service, or the league's own streaming platform to watch local games.
Can I watch YouTube TV sports on my phone while traveling?
Yes, you can watch on your phone, tablet, or computer anywhere you have internet. However, some regional sports networks have blackout rules that may prevent you from watching local games outside your home market, depending on the network's contract terms.
How much does YouTube TV cost?
YouTube TV's price changes periodically. Visit youtube.com/tv to see the current monthly cost and what is included. The price covers all channels, including sports, with no separate sports tier or add-on fees.