The National Football League (NFL) is one of the most popular sports leagues in the United States, with millions of fans eagerly anticipating each game day. With the rise of streaming services, fans can now watch their favorite teams and players from the comfort of their own homes. YouTube TV is one such service that has gained popularity in recent years, but the question remains: do you get every NFL game with YouTube TV?
Understanding YouTube TV’s NFL Coverage
YouTube TV offers a range of sports channels, including ESPN, FOX, CBS, NBC, and NFL Network. These channels provide extensive coverage of NFL games, including live broadcasts, highlights, and analysis. However, the availability of specific games depends on various factors, such as the user’s location, the teams playing, and the time of day.
NFL Network and RedZone
YouTube TV subscribers can access the NFL Network, which provides 24/7 coverage of the league, including live games, news, and analysis. The NFL Network is available in the base package, and users can also add the NFL RedZone channel for an additional fee. RedZone provides live coverage of every touchdown scored during the Sunday afternoon games, making it a must-have for die-hard NFL fans.
Local and National Games
YouTube TV offers local channels in many areas, including CBS, FOX, and NBC. These channels broadcast local NFL games, which are typically games featuring the user’s local team. National games, on the other hand, are broadcast on ESPN, NBC, and FOX, and are available to all YouTube TV subscribers. However, some national games may be subject to blackout restrictions, which can limit their availability.
Blackout Restrictions and Their Impact on NFL Coverage
Blackout restrictions are a common issue for NFL fans, particularly those who live in areas with multiple teams. These restrictions are imposed by the NFL to protect local ticket sales and ensure that fans attend games in person. When a game is blacked out, it is not available on TV or streaming services, including YouTube TV.
Understanding Blackout Rules
The NFL has a complex set of blackout rules, which can be confusing for fans. In general, games are blacked out in the local market if:
- The game is not sold out 72 hours before kickoff
- The game is played on a Sunday afternoon and is not a national game
- The game is played on a Monday night and is not a national game
How YouTube TV Handles Blackouts
YouTube TV follows the NFL’s blackout rules, which means that some games may not be available due to blackout restrictions. However, YouTube TV offers a feature called “Sports Plus” which allows users to access out-of-market games, including those that are blacked out in their local area. This feature is available for an additional fee and requires a subscription to the NFL Sunday Ticket package.
Comparing YouTube TV’s NFL Coverage to Other Streaming Services
YouTube TV is not the only streaming service that offers NFL coverage. Other popular services, such as Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV, also offer a range of sports channels and NFL games. However, the availability of specific games and channels can vary significantly between services.
Hulu with Live TV
Hulu with Live TV offers a range of sports channels, including ESPN, FOX, CBS, and NBC. However, it does not offer the NFL Network or RedZone, which may be a drawback for some fans. Hulu with Live TV also has a more limited selection of local channels, which can impact the availability of local games.
Sling TV
Sling TV offers a range of sports channels, including ESPN, FOX, and NBC. However, it does not offer CBS, which can limit the availability of local games. Sling TV also offers the NFL Network and RedZone as add-ons, but these channels are not included in the base package.
Conclusion
YouTube TV offers an impressive range of NFL games and channels, including the NFL Network and RedZone. However, the availability of specific games can be impacted by blackout restrictions and the user’s location. While YouTube TV is a great option for NFL fans, it may not offer every game, particularly those that are blacked out in the local market. By understanding the NFL’s blackout rules and YouTube TV’s coverage, fans can make an informed decision about which streaming service is best for their needs.
| Streaming Service | NFL Network | RedZone | Local Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | Yes | Yes (add-on) | Yes (in many areas) |
| Hulu with Live TV | No | No | Yes (in many areas) |
| Sling TV | Yes (add-on) | Yes (add-on) | No (CBS not available) |
In conclusion, while YouTube TV offers an impressive range of NFL games and channels, it may not offer every game due to blackout restrictions and the user’s location. By understanding the NFL’s blackout rules and YouTube TV’s coverage, fans can make an informed decision about which streaming service is best for their needs.
Does YouTube TV offer all NFL games?
YouTube TV offers a wide range of NFL games, but it does not deliver every single game. The service provides live access to local and primetime games, as well as games broadcast on major networks like CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN. However, some games may be exclusive to other platforms or networks, and YouTube TV may not have the rights to broadcast them.
It’s worth noting that YouTube TV’s NFL coverage is subject to change, and the service may add or remove games from its lineup over time. Additionally, some games may be available on-demand after they air live, but this is not always the case. If you’re looking for a service that offers every NFL game, you may want to consider other options, such as NFL Sunday Ticket or DirecTV.
What NFL channels are available on YouTube TV?
YouTube TV offers a range of NFL channels, including CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network. These channels provide live coverage of NFL games, as well as news, analysis, and other programming. Additionally, YouTube TV offers the NFL RedZone channel, which provides live coverage of every touchdown scored during the NFL season.
It’s worth noting that YouTube TV’s channel lineup is subject to change, and the service may add or remove channels over time. However, the major NFL channels are generally available on the service, and YouTube TV is a good option for fans who want to watch live NFL games and other programming.
Can I watch NFL games on YouTube TV if I live outside the US?
YouTube TV is only available in the United States, and the service is not available internationally. If you live outside the US, you will not be able to watch NFL games on YouTube TV. However, there are other options available for international NFL fans, such as NFL Game Pass or DAZN.
It’s worth noting that some NFL games may be available on international broadcasts or streaming services, but these may not be the same as the games available on YouTube TV. If you’re an international NFL fan, you may want to research your options and find a service that meets your needs.
How much does YouTube TV cost?
YouTube TV costs $64.99 per month, although prices may vary depending on your location and the channels you want to watch. The service offers a range of add-ons and premium channels, including NFL RedZone and HBO, which can increase the cost.
It’s worth noting that YouTube TV offers a free trial period, which allows you to test the service before committing to a paid subscription. Additionally, the service offers a range of discounts and promotions, especially for new customers. If you’re considering signing up for YouTube TV, it’s worth checking the service’s website for the latest pricing information.
Can I watch NFL games on YouTube TV on multiple devices?
Yes, YouTube TV allows you to watch NFL games on multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Chromecast. The service offers a range of apps and streaming options, making it easy to watch NFL games on the device of your choice.
It’s worth noting that YouTube TV has some limitations on simultaneous streaming, which means you can only watch on a certain number of devices at the same time. However, the service allows you to watch on up to three devices at once, which should be enough for most households.
Does YouTube TV offer DVR capabilities for NFL games?
Yes, YouTube TV offers DVR capabilities for NFL games, allowing you to record and watch games later. The service provides unlimited cloud DVR storage, which means you can record as many games as you want without running out of space.
It’s worth noting that YouTube TV’s DVR capabilities are subject to some limitations, such as the ability to fast-forward through commercials. However, the service generally allows you to watch recorded games at your convenience, making it a great option for fans who can’t watch live.
Can I cancel YouTube TV at any time?
Yes, you can cancel YouTube TV at any time, and the service offers a range of options for managing your subscription. You can cancel your subscription online or through the YouTube TV app, and the service will provide a refund for any unused portion of your subscription.
It’s worth noting that YouTube TV offers a range of promotions and discounts, especially for new customers. If you cancel your subscription and then decide to re-subscribe, you may not be eligible for these promotions again. However, the service is generally flexible and allows you to manage your subscription as needed.